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Matt Blais

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Custom Machinery Manufacturers

Custom Machinery Manufacturers

What they do, and the benefits of choosing custom equipment

Sometimes the usual machinery just doesn’t fulfill your manufacturing needs. This can be due to the material being difficult to handle and fabricate, or standard equipment not able to machine components to a certain size or tolerance. There are a myriad of reasons that one might need a customized or custom-built machine and that’s where custom machinery manufacturers come in. 

What Custom Machinery Manufacturers Do

Custom equipment manufacturers build the machinery that is customized to produce your products more efficiently than more traditional ‘off-the-shelf’ equipment. Sometimes they engineer tools to work with difficult or rare materials that aren’t often used, or find innovative ways to achieve even tighter tolerances and higher quality. They also ensure that the customer’s design and intellectual property are protected. 

Overall, they all do the same thing: find creative ways to build automation and manufacturing equipment that doesn’t currently exist. They will engineer, fabricate, wire, and test the machine, and many will even deliver and assist with integrating the new equipment into your facility. 

Not every custom machinery manufacturer has the same capabilities. Some offer build-to-print services, while others offer Design & Specification, where they will offer consultation on your original design. Some custom equipment builders also offer reverse engineering services as needed, modification services to your original equipment, as well as technical support and troubleshooting long after the original equipment has been installed into your facility. 

The Benefits of Custom Machinery

There are many benefits to getting custom equipment! The main one is an assurance of quality products that meet your manufacturing standards–the machines will be tailored specifically to your needs. There are other advantages as well, including:

  • Cost savings: While custom machinery is a big investment, it will save you on labor costs, production costs, and much more in the long run.
  • Increased Production Efficiency: Difficult tasks can be made simple with custom automation and quality equipment as the equipment is specifically designed to manufacture your products and provides higher throughput and quality than “off-the-shelf” systems
  • Protected Intellectual Property: Custom machinery manufacturers protect the proprietary designs of the equipment for the customer, ensuring that their rights to the intellectual property are safeguarded

Looking for a Custom Machinery Manufacturer

West Engineering has a long history of quality and success in engineering and building custom machinery manufacturing. We deliver the highest level of precision machining to ensure quality in every part and we are incredibly flexible, adapting to ever-changing production requirements with our wide range of capabilities. Contact Us today to learn more!

Quality Control at West Engineering

Quality Control at West Engineering

ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machine

When it comes to quality, West Engineering is committed to data-driven production. That means that we use the latest technologies in order to inspect not only our equipment, but also the products we manufacture in order to ensure they meet quality standards. One piece of quality inspection equipment that we employ is a ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM).

Coordinate Measuring Machines–an overview

As demands on performance and quality become higher and higher, so too do the demands for better industrial metrology equipment. Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are built and designed to make precise measurements no matter the environment they’re in. 

CMMs measure the geometries of physical objects using a probing system that detects points on their surfaces. There are several different types of CMMs, distinguished by the axes that their systems can move along, their sizes, and their applications. Some common examples include:

  • Bridge 
  • Gantry
  • Cantilever
  • Horizontal Arm
  • Optical

Some CMMs are also portable, making them a versatile quality inspection device for use in many industrial environments.

How West Engineering uses our ZEISS CMMs

At West Engineering, we have ZEISS CMMs. ZEISS is a leading company in designing and manufacturing CMMs and and other metrology solutions for a wide range of suppliers in the automotive industry. They are a trusted source of many different types of metrology equipment for customers in a variety of industries and across four countries. 

Our ZEISS Coordinate measuring machine is user-friendly, while still relying on the most up-to-date measuring software. This machine can rapidly deliver reliable measurements, ensuring that products or equipment is up to standard. These measurements allow us to ensure that the products we manufacture for you have tight tolerance and accurate dimensions. Our CMM also helps us ensure that our equipment is up to code as well, meeting our stringent quality production requirements.

Looking for a quality custom equipment and precision tooling manufacturer? 

West Engineering Company has over a century of experience in building and delivering exceptional performance equipment to our customers. We combine the traditional values of exceptional quality that our company was built on, with the cutting-edge technology of the present day. For more information about our services, please visit our website.

Over a century of history

Over a century of history

West Engineering recently celebrated a century of custom building and manufacturing services. Since our beginning, we have always made it our mission to combine traditional values of quality with cutting-edge technology to provide consistency, quality, and competitive prices to our customers.

A simple start

Edward West Sr. founded West Engineering in 1919 in a garage behind his home in Richmond. Prior to founding the company, he worked as an apprentice machinist at Tredegar Iron Works, leaving school around the age of 15 to start the apprenticeship program and provide for his siblings. Using his experience from Tredegar, Edward Sr. started his machine shop in his family’s home, designing and building equipment. 

Edward Sr. started by manufacturing custom equipment for companies such as Chase Bag Company which manufactured drawstring bags. From there, he grew into a prolific inventor with over 20 patents, and several new customers. 

In the 1920s, Edward Sr. moved West Engineering to a dedicated facility in Henrico County where he could better expand the business. The new facility housed a range of lathes and milling machines, all powered by a central motor and pulley system. 

A family business

In 1956, Edward Sr. stepped down from running West Engineering, and his sons Edward Jr., David, and Stephen stepped into leading roles for the company. Together, they expanded the capabilities of West Engineering, serving a wider variety of customers and industries. They began building equipment and providing machining services to more consumer goods markets, ship building, printing presses, a range of advanced fibers, power generation, and more. 

By 1964, West Engineering had grown to employ over 120 machinists, welders, and engineers. The company continued to hold to its value, investing in the latest technology with a range of capabilities that ensured all products conformed with the specifications set to them. A new apprenticeship program was added, with a formal school that ensured the entire team was educated and ready to tackle new challenges.

Continuous improvement and expansion

In 1984, West Engineering relocated to its current location in Hanover County, a larger, climate-controlled facility. Continuing their dedication to combining traditional values of quality with cutting-edge technology of the time, they expanded their capabilities into computer-aided design and manufacturing, as well as computer numerically controlled equipment. 

The company grew into a single-source solution for Fortune 500 companies, with a variety of welding services, a dedicated electronics department, and an expanded quality control system. West Engineering also remained committed to caring for its employees, expanding its apprenticeship program into a four-year training program that ensured all employees, new and experienced, could be kept up-to-date on the latest technology.

The present day

Today, West Engineering operates under the leadership of Stephen West and his sons, Kenneth and Dan. The equipment we’ve manufactured over the years can be found operating in over 30 countries across the world, and on five of the seven continents. Our experienced team is here to assist in all aspects of our customers’ projects, from initial designs all the way to delivery. 

Over a century has passed since our beginning in a small garage, but our commitment to quality service and manufacturing hasn’t changed. West Engineering remains dedicated to being a single-source manufacturing partner who values quality and reliability in all of our services.

To learn more about West Engineering, check out our website today.

What to look for in a custom machine builder

What to look for in a custom machine builder

There are a lot of tips out there for how to find a good custom equipment builder. Much of the advice tends to center around finding an experienced and flexible manufacturing partner, looking at their qualifications and quality control systems. You always want to make sure that the builder’s expertise is in line with the technology that you want built, as well as the services you need. 

However, there is one thing that these important suggestions don’t always cover–your design. 

Fit, Form, and Function–the importance of design

When you’re planning the design for the equipment that you want, it’s important to share that design with the builder that you are considering partnering with. An experienced custom machine builder will go over your design with you and work through that design to find possible flaws or unnecessary characteristics that will impact the build later on. Spend time talking with your potential partner to get feedback on your design and how it can be improved. 

From paper to the real thing

While a design might seem good on paper, a drawing, no matter how detailed, is far different from building the actual machine. A good custom machine builder will be able to tell what aspects will translate well into reality and what will likely not work out as well as you thought. The first challenge is drawing the machine–building it is an entirely different challenge. 

When you’re not sure–ask

When it comes to looking for a custom machine builder, the most important thing you can do is talk with them and listen to their feedback. While you can learn a lot about a potential partner from their website or other informational materials that they have, talking with them and asking questions about their process, their quality controls, and their feedback on your design.

Looking for a custom machine builder for your next project?

West Engineering Co. has been serving customers since 1919. We deliver equipment with the highest level of precision in every component and we approach each project with flexibility and ingenuity. We also provide a full range of custom manufacturing and engineering services, in order to provide you with an entire solution. If you have a custom machine project that requires proven experience and precision fabrication, call us today at 804-798-3966. 

Understanding the certifications required for ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels

Understanding the certifications required for ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels

The American Society for Mechanical Engineers, or ASME, is a not-for-profit organization meant for encouraging global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across the worldwide engineering community. ASME has continued to pioneer the development of standards in order to maintain a commitment to public safety as well as technological advancement. 

The certifications that ASME requires specifically for pressure vessels are what we’ll be going over today. The ASME code for these types of equipment defines a number of mandatory requirements, non-mandatory guidance, as well as very specific things that are not allowed when designing and building pressure vessels, selecting the materials, inspecting and testing the vessels, as well as how to properly certify them. 

This is just an overview of the basics of ASME certification for specific pressure vessels. For more detailed information, visit ASME’s website.

ASME Section VIII – a quick overview

The ASME code begins with defining what the code is meant to regulate–pressure vessels that operate at pressures either internal or external that exceed 15psi, and can be fired or unfired. This is a little different from other parts of their code, which define the regulations for other, more specific types of boilers or equipment. 

The code for Section VIII pressure vessels is split into three specific divisions. The first covers what was mentioned above–guidelines for designing and building the vessels, how to inspect and test them, and other requirements and prohibitions that are important. However, the first division is specifically for pressure vessels undergoing a pressure of up to 3000 psi. Division One criteria also defines how equipment is marked once certified, either with U, UV, or UM designators. 

  • U indicates that the pressure vessel adheres to ASME’s latest guidelines
  • UV indicates that a company is qualified and approved to assemble pressure relief valves for section VIII pressure vessels
  • UM indicates that the company’s quality control system follows ASME’s latest guidelines

The standards under Division Two are a little more rigorous and can be applied to ‘human occupancy’ pressure vessels, such as diving equipment. This division covers similar mandatory requirements to Division One; however it also includes alternative rules that are specific to equipment with an internal or external pressure between 3000 psi and 10,000 psi–higher than average, but not quite meeting the definition of a ‘high’ pressure vessel. This division also uses the UV indicator for certification as well as another:

  • U2 marks that the pressure follows the Division 1 standards as well as the alternative rules in Division 2

Division Three picks up here, at the rules and regulations for constructing a pressure vessel that has an internal or external pressure that goes beyond 10,000 psi, with no maximum limit defined. It also has different certification marks, UV3 and U3, similar to the Division Two indicators, but applying the Division Three alternative regulations for high pressure vessels.

Understanding the importance ASME Certification

ASME Certification is an indicator that a product was built to maintain safety regulations, and to be reliable at the same time. These guidelines give highly detailed requirements not just on the design and fabrication of a fire/unfired pressure vessel, but also on its assembly, inspection, testing, and certification. Having an ASME certification indicates that the manufacturer is producing equipment that not only complies with local regulations, but also with a globally recognized standard of quality and safety. 

Does your process equipment require ASME Section VIII Certification?

At West Engineering, we manufacture all pressure vessels to ASME Code Section VIII and European TUV Code standards, ensuring product quality and customer safety. For quality, certified pressure vessels, check out West Engineering Co. today. We’ve been building custom machinery since 1919–over a century of experience in manufacturing high-quality equipment for our customers.

Unique applications for custom industrial process equipment

Unique applications for custom industrial process equipment

Industrial processing equipment is vital in nearly every industry one could name. This machinery is essential for turning raw materials into finished components and usable products. From food processing to equipment manufacturing, electronics to construction materials, you can find the results of industrial processing equipment everywhere in our everyday lives. 

The importance of customization

Even products or components that are very similar can have unique characteristics that require a more specialized machine to manufacture. Standards and requirements vary between industries, even for very similar components. 

Customized equipment is also valuable for incredibly high-precision products and machining materials that would typically be more difficult to work with. Custom processing equipment can decrease production costs and time for even the most complicated products or components. 

Unique applications for processing equipment

While industrial processing equipment can be found in machine shops worldwide, there are a few more unique applications for this type of machinery. 

Fiber optic cables

Custom industrial processing equipment is incredibly valuable for processing and manufacturing fiber optic cables. Optical fiber is a flexible synthetic fiber made by shaping special glass or plastic into incredibly thin cables. These thin cables can transmit light between the two ends, allowing for more efficient communications at higher rates than electrical cables. Because of the various types, lengths, speeds, and other aspects of fiber optic cables that are needed across industries, customized process equipment is very valuable for fiber optics. 

Plastic Films

Plastic films can be found across various industries, such as food, beverages, medicine, and chemicals. As a result, an even wider range of plastic films must be processed and shaped. Whether the variations are size, shape, or type, having the flexibility that customized processing equipment can offer is essential. 

Electronics

Manufacturing and processing materials used in electronics is often a delicate process. Having customized machinery can allow for more flexibility, as well as complexity, when creating components to be used in circuit boards, capacitors, conductors, and more. 

Construction

Many building materials used in businesses, homes and much more are often produced in factories and machine shops. These materials range from concrete to flooring to siding and many roofing materials. These products are initially processed from raw materials and then shaped to fit the requirements. 

Looking for a builder of custom industrial processing equipment?

West Engineering, Co. has a long history of delivering quality custom machinery to customers in various industries, such as synthetic fibers, fiber optics, and plastic film production. We also deliver a range of engineering and manufacturing solutions to companies in Defense, Nuclear power, and other power generation industries. If you’re looking for custom industrial processing solutions for your company, check out our website today.

A Primer on Build-to-Print Manufacturing

A Primer on Build-to-Print Manufacturing

In the world of custom machine fabrication, there are generally two types of contract manufacturing – Build-to-Print and Design and Spec. The one that we are going to cover here is Build-to-Print.

What is Build-to-Print Manufacturing?

Build-to-Print refers to a type of contract manufacturing where products are built to the client’s exact specifications. The customer or client provides detailed equipment plans with specifications drawn down to the millimeter. A list of necessary materials will also be laid out, along with any other requirements that the customer may have.

This type of contract manufacturing differs from Design-and-Spec because there are already plans for the builder to follow.

What are the advantages of Build-to-Print manufacturing?

Build-to-Print manufacturing best serves customers who already have a design and are ready to go. Because there’s a plan already in place, this type of contract manufacturing tends to be more accurate and efficient than others.

Also, the customer maintains complete control of the intellectual property rights associated with the design. They have the flexibility to select the appropriate suppliers for the production of the parts.

What are the main applications of Build-to-Print manufacturing?

Most build-to-print manufacturers can produce replacement parts for assembly lines or large machines. For example, if a machine breaks down, a build-to-print manufacturer can swiftly provide a replacement part, preventing delays. The most common products made through this type of manufacturing are components or features of a larger piece of equipment or system.

Other suppliers will often offer rapid prototypes as well or reverse engineering services. They usually have CAD capabilities as well for 2D and 3D solid modeling. Overall, this is a much more streamlined manufacturing process for customers with detailed plans and know what they need to fulfill those plans.

Looking for a build-to-print manufacturer?

West Engineering has a century of experience in manufacturing custom machinery and components. Our fully-equipped engineering and manufacturing company can quickly and affordably turn your plans into products. We work hard to be flexible and accommodate our customers’ needs while maintaining responsive communication throughout the building process.

If you have plans for a product and want someone to bring them to reality, then contact West Engineering at (804) 798-3966 or visit our website.

Keys To Partnering With An Industrial Machine Builder

Keys To Partnering With An Industrial Machine Builder

You have a specific production process, but can’t find a standard piece of equipment on the market that will meet your requirements, or even do what you need it to do. 

At least, there isn’t a machine out there yet. 

Custom industrial machine builders are experts at manufacturing equipment to create production processes that didn’t exist before. When you need heavy-duty custom production machines for a specific application, you turn to a custom machine builder, like West Engineering. 

But how do you know which one to choose? There are many different builders out there and choosing the right one from the start is very important. We’re here to help you know what to look for. 

What should you look for?

The first thing you should consider is obviously, can they build what you need? Not all machine builders have the same experience and capabilities. Many are specialized to one industry, while others have experience building machinery for a variety of industries. You’ll want to make sure that the builder you choose knows your industry, and the standards that your equipment needs to comply with. 

There are a few other key things to consider as well, and one of the most important of those is communication.

Communication 

Even though people throw this word around a lot, communication is the one thing that underlies almost every part of the building process. Not only does the builder need to understand what you are communicating to them–for instance, what the equipment needs to accomplish–but they also should communicate well with their team to make sure that it does what you need it to do. 

If the builder does not communicate well, then that will slow down the production process and may end up causing you more stress, even if they’re an excellent builder. They should be transparent about the time the build will take, how much it will cost, if there is a possibility for any extra costs, and so on. 

Time

This is another concept that tends to be underestimated, but is incredibly important. By time, we mean overall production time. A lot of time does go into any custom machine build, but the amount of time spent on it can be reduced without sacrificing the quality of the machine if the builder is strategic.

One of those ways is by keeping most or all of the production in-house. If the builder is able to manufacture all, or nearly all parts of the machine within their own facility, then they’ll save themselves, and you, a lot of time (and money) that would have been spent on outsourcing those parts. 

Quality

Every good custom machine builder will place a high value on quality. They will choose the materials they use in the build with care, and they’ll perform quality checks throughout the entire process. That includes the very beginning stages, like design and planning, as well as the final delivery and cleaning of the machine. Not only that, but a good custom machine builder should also be open to improvement, investing in the latest technology and educating their team. 

Quality is a concept that should be found throughout the project, from the design of the build, to the education of the people working on the build, and even through to the delivery of the final product. 

Looking for a quality custom industrial machine builder?

West Engineering has over a century of expert engineering and machine building experience for the most complex projects. We know that you need more than just machining services–you need someone able to provide the comprehensive service that your project requires. We are a single-source option, with everything you need from prototype to production and beyond under one roof. Check out our website for more information.