Operating in a global pandemic marked by labor shortages and supply chain issues has presented new sets of challenges for businesses of all types. Now more than ever, we’re excited to be able to use our broad experience and innovative thinking to partner with companies to provide quick-turn, high-quality solutions to their manufacturing challenges.

Our teams and our equipment can meet customers wherever they are to fill in production gaps and meet increased volume demands in a cost-efficient, reliable, and timely manner — whether it’s a large and complex order or a smaller job that just needs a little outsourcing help to bring it across the finish line.

Here are some recent ways we’re constantly reinventing our roles as partners to help companies solve challenges of all sizes:

Reverse engineering for an improved component
A local customer had been having issues with the short life of an off-the-shelf component they were using in their production line — it only lasted a few production shifts before wearing out, causing the need to stop the line and change out the part. With no original drawings or models for the part, and not knowing what material it was made of, the company needed someone with the equipment and capabilities to recreate the part while improving its features and durability. Using a sample part provided by the customer, we were able to reverse engineer the component, provide design assistance, and suggest a material type for a more efficient and longer-lasting part. We then produced a custom-machined product that enhanced the tool’s life by three to four times.

Delivering reliable parts from bar stock
Similarly, another customer was having trouble receiving timely shipments of a machine cast part needed for their manufacturing process. Because the supplier owned the mold, our customer had no access to the design drawings and no way to reliably replenish the part when they needed it to meet production demands. Our team was able to back engineer the product to recreate it, and then determine the most efficient way to produce it on our machines, using bar stock for a cost-effective solution.

Helping with overflow machining to meet demand
Faced with increasing demand for product, one of our new customers found they did not have enough capacity to meet their growing production needs in-house. We were happy to step in as a partner to help with the overflow machining needed to meet their demands efficiently and cost effectively. We make it a priority to work with our customers to understand all key manufacturing elements up front so we can provide seamless outsourcing.

These are just a few examples of what it’s like to work with Rathburn. We’re proud to partner with our customers and jump in wherever and whenever needs arise. If you’re facing these kinds of challenges, we’d like to explore how we can work through them together. Please reach out to us at info@rathburnmachining.com.