Stecker Machine Blog

We’ve raved for years about the capabilities of CNC (computer numerical control) machines. And with good reason!

CNC machined parts repeatedly meet exact specifications and achieve extremely tight tolerances in large quantities. Transforming materials into finished, usable parts is valued throughout numerous industries across the world. Exactly how that happens may seem like a mystery, so this article is dedicated to sharing 4 types of CNC machines: how they operate, what materials they handle, examples of each, and more.

Solid client-vendor relationships are vital to any company’s success. So much is on the line: quality, customer service, efficiencies, low costs, supply chain integration, future growth, and much more.

A poor relationship invites miscommunication, contentiousness, quality issues, and missed deadlines. In fact, organizations should nurture vendor relationships similarly to how they focus on customer loyalty.

Tedious. Exciting. Frustrating. However you think of RFQs (Requests for Quote), it’s a standard business practice that’s here to stay. In fact, it may be becoming a bigger differentiator within manufacturing than ever.

Imagine this: a manufacturing technique that’s lasted for more than 6,000 years AND is still highly valued today. That’s metal casting.

Automation is here to stay.

While the overall labor shortage is forcing the hand of manufacturers that haven’t yet embraced automation, those that know it consider automation to be a manufacturing advantage.

Previously, we shared “Tips for Using Industrial Robotics in a CNC Machine Shop,” which covered various aspects of using robotics: robot functions, programming, and the best ways that a shop can use robots.

Precision CNC machining is a mainstay of modern American manufacturing. Its extreme accuracy, automation, and cost-effectiveness far surpass traditional machining technology when producing complex parts.

Although completed parts are the main goal, finding the right CNC machining service supplier to meet your specific requirements involves many factors.

As consumers, we each have a certain product that we’re happy to pay for. For me, I’m a stickler for a lush yard and garden, and I use a local landscaper here in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

They’re not cheap, yet I know that I’m paying for high-quality work and great ideas for the areas around my home. The same thinking can be applied to CNC machine shops, although the dynamics are a bit different.

The name of the game in high-quality CNC machining is precision and repeatability. When those come together simultaneously, quality and performance can be achieved. But, at what cost? And, how do you know you’re getting what you’re paying for if you don’t have in-depth technical knowledge of CNC machining?

A new parent couldn’t be more proud to share the first photos of a newborn child. You’ve seen social media blow up and the comments come rolling in: “what a cutie!” “he’s got your eyes” “she’s perfect ❤️”

For those who live and breathe CNC machine parts, they feel that excitement nearly every day. Okay, the work created by a CNC machine may not reach a baby’s “wonder of nature” status, but it’s not far off for those in precision manufacturing. And, boy, do we love pictures!

CNC machine shops never tire of adding photos to their websites, showing off to the world what incredible parts they’re capable of making. Stecker Machine is no different. We’re proud of our work, and we want everyone to know it! So, you’re invited to view our CNC Machining Photo Gallery, a collection of CNC machined parts and projects.

Product quality can make or break a company. Stecker Machine's growth is largely attributed to our customer focus and commitment to quality. We explore four key takeaways from our recent ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 Quality Surveillance Audit.