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However,
remaining constant in some areas isn't necessarily good, and, as with all
companies, some things had to evolve to meet the growing needs of their
customers.
Rheaco's
evolution has included adding processes beyond machining of parts (sheet metal, paint, and plating in 1977, welding and penetrant inspection in 1980, and heat
treating in 2002). Equipment upgrades have also been a part of that evolution.
The most recent equipment additions include a Zeiss CMM in 2007 and a Nissin
5-axis machining center in 2008.
The need
for a 5-axis machining center became evident during the machined parts bid
process for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' F35 Joint Strike Fighter Program. Many
machined parts for the F35 program just weren't economically feasible to produce
on 3- and 4-axis machines. Rheaco had to decide whether to leave alot of work on
the table or make an investment in the future. The choice was simple.
Eagle
Machine Services was contacted to help find the machine that best suited
Rheaco's needs. Sam Alnesr, Jessie Valdez and the rest of the Eagle team were a
resource that proved helpful in the selection process that led Rheaco to the
Nissin Max 410i.
"The payoff
for Rheaco was immediate. Run times for parts produced on the Max 410i are 1/4
of those produced on other machines. The accuracy of the machine is dead-on
which has led to reduced scrap and rework time. Down-time due to mechanical
issues, even minor repairs, is non-existent. We have even noticed an unexpected
benefit of the Max 410i; programming time is reduced due to the ease of
operation of the Fanuc controls. All of this has led to reduced production costs
for Rheaco," said Randy Wallace, Vice President at Rheaco.
The role of
Eagle Machine Services was not finished with the set-up of the machine. Training
for Rheaco's employees was critical to get the machine in operation as soon as
possible. The team at Eagle was there to review all aspects of the Max 410i and
the programming software that helped Rheaco avoid costly mishaps often
associated with learning to operate new equipment. "The post sale support has
been spectacular with Eagle often providing same or next day service for
additional tooling needs and support," said Mr. Wallace.
So what are
the negatives Rheaco has experienced with the Nissin Max 410i? According to
Marvin Ellis, Rheaco's Production Manager, "my only complaint is that we don't
have more of them. I want to run everything on it now. The dividends of the
Nissin Max 410i and the support of Eagle Machine Services are clear."
"Rheaco is
positioned for the future and, with the help of Eagle Machine Services, has the
tools to be proactive in the acquisition of new equipment to meet customers'
needs," said Jesse Valdez, Vice President, Eagle Machine Services.
For more
information contact:
Jessie
Valdez
Eagle
Machine Services Inc.
1009 Commercial Blvd. N.
Arlington,
TX 76001
817-472-5178
Fax:
817-472-5184
www.eaglemachine.net
Rheaco,
Inc.
1801 W
Jefferson St
Grand
Prairie, TX 75051-1328
972-264-4748
Fax:
972-642-6130
www.rheaco.com
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Testimonials 
