Measuring the ROI of Tooling Investments in Manufacturing

Is new tooling worth the investment? Can new tools and equipment pay for itself in the short term? That depends on how you calculate those costs and how you view your total cost of ownership over the long term. This calculation is a valuable asset when it comes to justifying the return on investment to management. It’s also critical to getting the best performance out of your operations.

Deciphering your total cost of ownership (TCO)

When considering a new tooling or equipment purchase, many managers may look to recent spreadsheets and compare the cost of the equipment against their budget constraints. But total cost of ownership goes far beyond improvement costs alone and includes direct and indirect costs as well.

Your tools and equipment can have a significant impact on your operational costs over time. Outdated or inadequate tooling and faulty machinery can slow down production and result in a poor finished product — costing your company additional time, labor and material. By considering your total cost of ownership, your operation can benefit from data-driven decisions designed to improve efficiency and productivity while reducing waste in previously overlooked areas.

To reach optimum ROI on new tools and equipment, consider these TCO variables when deciding on a new purchase:

• Operating costs
• Cycle time and run time
• Scrap rate percentage
• Feed/speed rates
• Equipment run time
• Labor hours
• Cost-per-part
• Tool and machinery life
• Downtime for maintenance and repair
• Carrying costs

See how one M&M Sales & Equipment customer experienced shorter production run times, longer tool life and reduced machine downtime with better tooling.

The Problem: One customer runs a machine shop that manufactures turned and milled machine parts for various industries. They were looking for a way to achieve faster run times while getting more life out of their tooling. After a full evaluation of their current machines and processes, we recommended a solid carbide high feed side mill from Sandvik Coromant. The new tooling enabled them to reduce the number of runs required in each batch and increase their product rate to five times the feed rate of the previous tooling.

The result: By investing in new tooling options, our customer was able to shave 1,000 production hours, save $100,000 per batch and gain improved customer stickiness with lower cost-per-runs while achieving better tool life and increased machine uptime.

Read the entire case study here. 

If you would like assistance on new tooling and equipment to get your shop running at peak performance, reach out to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep or call 800-592-4516.

Why Some Companies Hesitate to Invest in New Cutting Tools and Equipment

In manufacturing, process is everything. So, it can be hard to shift gears and try something new. Many times, this resistance can be blamed on habit, especially when faced with “selling” a new idea to upper management or the purchasing department. Common objections include:

We’ve always done it this way.

We don’t have time to try something new.

Our current supplier doesn’t support new technology.

We need readily available parts and service for maintenance.

We don’t want to change.

What if it doesn’t work? 

The Value of Investing in New Cutting Tools and Technology

The fact is, new cutting tool technology and programming has paved the way for faster and more accurate processing, longer tool life and reduced cycle time, and is well worth the investment. Today’s innovative cutting tool technology, programming processes, insert and grade compositions have set new standards to deliver higher performance than yesterday’s tools. Plus, many are available with quick change systems that minimize downtime from tooling replacement. Adapting to a new way of doing things is never easy. But with the right tooling, it’s always worth it.

Better tooling can help you:

1. Reduce scrap percentage
2. Create a better maintenance plan
3. Shorten set-up times and decrease machine downtime
4. Improve cycle times and shorten run time
5. Attain a better finished product

Related: Making the Case for CNC Robotics in Machine Shop Automation 

Tool Package Assessment: No Risk, All Reward

M&M Sales & Equipment takes the uncertainty out of tool investment. Along with our team of engineers and highly trained metal cutting and fabrication specialists, we offer a performance guarantee. Let us assess your current equipment and processes and make tool package recommendations that improve your operations from day one for faster payback. If it doesn’t work, we take it back and help you find a better option.

M&M Sales & Equipment is here to be your partner in success, with advice and suggestions on how you can improve operations, increase production and increase your profitability. From cutting tools, abrasives and cutting fluid to safety and MRO supplies, we are your full-line distributor. If you have questions on how M&M Sales & Equipment can help you, please call one of our four Texas locations.

PMR Global saves time with tooling recommendations from M&M Sales & Equipment

PMR Global is a state-of-the-art ISO 9001-2015 and AS9100D machine shop based in Burleson, Texas. PMR Global provides precision turned and milled machine parts to industries including oil and gas, aerospace and defense. In addition to their machine shop, they also have a dedicated electronics lab providing turnkey solutions for electronic assemblies and kitting. They take pride in having over 100 years of experience supplying the highest quality products to customers worldwide.

In 2019, M&M Sales & Equipment opened a facility in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It was then M&M’s Director of Sales Jeff Westhoff reached out to PMR Global’s Manufacturing Manager and Programmer Chad Morgan to introduce their product line and services. Morgan was looking for a solution to improve tool life and achieve faster run times.

Tooling Solution

After a complete evaluation of PMR Global’s production needs, Westhoff suggested a solid carbide high feed side mill from Sandvik Coromant. That same day, he provided the quote with recommended feeds and speeds, placed the order and PMR Global received the tool the next day.

PMR Global also received a tooling package from M&M which included the tool cart, hydraulic holders and chucks, and other components for a 5 axis machine. Morgan noted that while many companies provide tooling packages, he was impressed with M&M Sales & Equipment’s flexibility with tooling options. “Jeff and M&M opened their entire database of products and allowed me to pick and choose the products and brands I wanted instead of being limited to one manufacturer,” Morgan said. “This was extremely beneficial because different companies have different strengths and it’s made the machine a complete success.”

Valuable Results

The tooling recommendations provided by Westhoff resulted in a time savings of over 1,000 production hours for PMR Global, representing over $100,000 in savings per batch. Not only did they experience production time savings, PMR Global reduced the number of runs required in each batch, effectively increasing their production rate to five times the feed rate of the previous tooling. Fewer runs also led to longer tool life and fewer machine stops necessary to change out tools, resulting in less downtime.

As a result of reduced run times and improved feeds and speeds, PMR Global has been able to offer lower cost-per-runs and competitive quotes to their customers, a benefit their customers have appreciated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The success of their relationship has led PMR Global to purchase additional tools including various end mills, drills, turning inserts and more. “Jeff and M&M Sales & Equipment have been great all around,” Morgan said. “Everyone is supportive and knowledgeable about their products. They have a broad array of anything I could ask for and are quick to respond to my needs with support. I look forward to continuing our relationship and recommend them 100 percent.”

M&M Sales & Equipment appreciates the ease of the relationship as well. “It’s easy to work with them,” said Westhoff. “Chad is a great programmer, knowledgeable in his work and open to trying new solutions and advanced programming techniques that help them run efficiently and more profitably.”

Download this case study (PDF).

Looking Ahead: Uncertainty Remains High for Texas Oil in 2021

2020 has been a year of uncertainty and no man, woman or child has been spared the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdowns. And this rings true for the Texas oil and gas industry. Because we are deeply rooted in the oil business here at home, we like to stay on top of any new developments or trends that impact our customers, friends and neighbors. This is what we’ve found:

West Texas Oil Activity

Reduced economic activity and shutdowns have certainly had an impact in energy demand throughout Texas, further impacting oil prices. Whereas West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices were $56.99/ barrel in 2019, they were just $38.24/barrel as of a November 10, 2020 EIA report. As of November 25, prices are rising to over $42/ barrel. On the horizon, there appears to be an incremental increase going into 2021, with projected WTI crude oil barrel prices exceeding $44.

Source: EIA

Texas was the hardest hit regarding oilfield employment, losing 59,200 oilfield services jobs since the pandemic started, according to the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association.

Texas’ tough year in oil and gas continues with uncertainty about the coming year’s Federal policies on fuel production. The state accounts for 41% of the nation’s crude oil production and 25% of natural gas production (EIA).

The Texas rig count fell from 400 active rigs at the start of 2020 to just 133 in October. Texas crude oil production fell from a seven-year high of near 5.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to about 4.5 million bpd after the first quarter of 2020, but seems to be increasing slightly to 4.69 million bpd in August (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas). However, Texas is far from out of the woods.

Short-Term U.S Energy Outlook

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)’s Short-Term Energy Outlook report from November forecasts continued changes in energy demand and supply patterns and notes that the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 4.4% in the first half of 2020 compared to the same time the year prior. They do expect GDP to grow by 3.7% from 2020 to 2021 (EIA).

In addition to impacts brought on by coronavirus, an active tropical storm and hurricane season has caused evacuations and well shutdowns in the Gulf Coast. The U.S. Energy Information Administration anticipates global consumption of liquid and petroleum fuel to continue falling in coming months (EIA). U.S. oil and gas employment also fell in 2020 with support activities for oil and gas operations dropping to 178,400 from near 300,000 in 2019.

Oil & Gas Industry: Looking Ahead to 2021

America is the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, providing 80% of U.S. energy, employing millions of Americans, ensuring our energy security, and pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into new American manufacturing (U.S. Department of Energy).

So, what can we expect for Texas and beyond? While Texans are used to the boom and bust of the oil markets, they may have to prepare for another turbulent year ahead. In an October article published in World Oil, Deloitte predicts 30% of those lost oilfield jobs won’t return until late 2021 and that is only if oil prices rise to their anticipated $44 per barrel.

Related: Wrapping Up 2019: West Texas Oil Economy in Review

Stay in the know with us. Keep on the lookout for future articles discussing both the local economy here in Texas, as well as what’s happening in the world. We would love to hear your insight and how you are impacted by our regional and global oil industry.

We are your cutting tools specialists and are committed to helping you remain profitable and productive in a changing world. Have questions? Reach out to us by visiting our website or calling one of our four Texas locations.

Odessa: 800-592-4516

Lubbock: 806-765-8461

Amarillo: 806-351-1400

Ft. Worth: 682-841-1700

Pramet Turning Madness Sale: Save 50% on ISO Turning Inserts

Pramet is a product division of Dormer Pramet and has been serving the needs of industrial customers for over 60 years with a wide selection of indexable cutting tools and turning products for use in a variety of machining applications. Each year, Dormer Pramet invests time researching and developing new solutions to your biggest machining challenges. The result? Top-of-the-line solutions that help you achieve more reliable and efficient machining cycles.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Dormer Pramet distributor. Our long relationship with Dormer Pramet allows us to extend special manufacturer savings to our valued customers.

Download the Flyer Here

Save 50% off list price on all Pramet ISO Turning Inserts! Take advantage of special discount savings on all Pramet ISO turning inserts — any size, any grade and any chipbreaker. But don’t delay. This limited time offer ends on December 31, 2020.

Learn more about Pramet Turning Inserts. Watch now:

If you are looking to improve your machining operations and achieve better results and savings, call one of our four Texas locations to get started or place your order at orders@mmsls.net

Sandvik Coromant Releases New Steel Turning Grades GC4425 and GC4415

Today’s market requires shops to get the most out of their steel turning operations without compromising quality or reliability. For many shop owners, becoming more efficient while reducing production costs and maximizing output is often easier said than done. Can you relate? Do you struggle with these common steel turning challenges in your machining operations?

• Achieving more pieces per edge
• Increasing metal removal rates
• Reducing cycle time
• Minimizing material waste
• Optimizing inventory levels

If you are looking for ways to improve your external or internal machining operations in the automotive component industry or any general steel turning application, you stopped at the right place. We’re excited to announce new tools available from our partner, Sandvik Coromant.

Introducing the new steel turning grades GC4425 and GC4415 from Sandvik Coromant for productive steel turning, increased output and cost reduction. Not only are the new turning grades ideal for improving crater and flank wear resistance, they also offer improved deformation resistance, enhanced edge-line security and increased tool life.

If you would like assistance on the products and services your machining operations demand, reach out to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep or call 800-592-4516.

High Performance Machining Operations Demand Sandvik Coromant’s GC4425 and GC4415

The GC4425 from Sandvik Coromant offers expanded application ranges that include roughing to finishing, continuous and interrupted cuts and wet and dry machining.

The GC4415 from Sandvik Coromant complements the GC4425 with more predictable performance in applications that require higher levels of heat resistance, especially in mass production. The GC4415 can withstand higher cutting temperatures, higher cutting speeds and longer cut times with the benefit of high metal removal rates.

When paired up, the GC4425 and GC4415 deliver market-leading performance in steel turning applications including low-alloyed and unalloyed steels, mass and batch production, external and internal operations. Together, they offer benefits such as:

• Second-generation Inveio® coating technology that delivers market-leading performance in steel turning
• New substrates (a unique combination of good toughness and resistance against plastic deformation) offer reliable performance
• New post-treatment enhances performance in intermittent cutting operations, avoiding any sudden breakages
• Tool life is increased by an average of 25%, delivering more pieces per edge

Want to see steel turning grades GC4425 and GC4415 in action?

Watch Demo

Grades are currently available in assortments for a variety of inserts, insert shapes and geometries. Plus, there’s more to come in 2021! View catalog here to learn more. Then contact your local M&M Sales & Equipment representative to find the grade that’s right for you.

Contact Us

M&M Sales & Equipment is here to help your business succeed with advice and suggestions on how you can improve operations and increase your profitability. From cutting tools, abrasives and cutting fluid to safety and MRO supplies, we are your full-line distributor. If you have questions on how M&M Sales & Equipment can help you, please call one of our four Texas locations.

Industrial Safety PPE Gear from Radians

Preventing injury on the job is not always easy. But it helps to be aware of the most common causes of worker injury.

• Human error
• Worker culture
• Recklessness
• Negligence
• Lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Miscommunication
• Misuse of equipment

While we can’t control every situation or worker behavior, we can make a difference in how our workers are protected.

Occupational injuries and fatalities cost companies a whopping $170.8 billion in 2018 due to medical bills, workers compensation claims and legal fees (NSC). That doesn’t take into account the devastation it causes American workers and their families.

Did you know that in addition to cutting tools and supplies, we sell safety gear like eye protection, eyewash stations, earplugs and hand protection?

We’re proud to carry a wide selection of worker safety gear from Radians. Radians is the industry leader in PPE and worker safety solutions and is always coming up with innovative products that solve our biggest safety concerns. To help our customers work safely and more productively, we thought we would share a few examples of the Radians safety gear we have on hand and ready for you.

If you would like assistance on selecting the right safety equipment and cutting tools for your needs, reach out to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep or call 800-592-4516.

M&M Sales & Equipment Proudly Carries Radians Safety Gear

Rad-Sequel™ and Rad-Sequel™ IQ
These lightweight frames combined with polycarbonate lenses are ideal eye protection options and provide non-slip coverage in a variety of applications. Need anti-fog assistance? Choose the Rad-Sequel IQ for reliable visibility in any condition.

Emergency Eyewash Tanks
No existing plumbing but need to provide an emergency eye wash station? The VisionAid 16-gallon gravity-fed eyewash station from Radians provides a continuous stream of eyewash and meets ANSI Z358.1.

Learn more about the Radians products we carry. Talk to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep today! If you have questions about selecting the right safety gear or cutting tools for your operation in West Texas, we’re here to help. Just ask your local M&M Sales & Equipment representative or call one of our locations in Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Ft. Worth and surrounding areas.

Fall Savings: Save 15% on Select INSIZE Tools

Making the Case for CNC Robotics in Machine Shop Automation

High-volume and fast production machine shops around the country are using technology like CNC robotics to improve productivity and efficiency, especially during turbulent economic times.

Companies have been experiencing limited labor markets for some time and it’s increasingly difficult to fill skilled manufacturing positions. Shops that supply machined parts for oil and gas drilling systems often require highly skilled machining operators, and these employees are in high demand and short supply. Even for those shops that are adequately staffed, production managers look to maximize labor capacity and get the most out of staffed hours. Honestly, some machining work just takes too much time.

If you would like assistance on ways to get your machine shop running at peak performance, reach out to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep or call 800-592-4516.

On the other hand, even if you find talent, hiring additional skilled labor is expensive. After experiencing the devastating blows brought on by COVID-19, many shops can’t afford to bring on more people. The solution? Many are investing in machine shop automation to redeploy employees to tasks of higher value and using robotics to handle more mundane shop processes and even intricate detail work. Robotic automation can also help machine shops attract fresh talent, as CNC robots can make lighter work out of the toughest and dirtiest tasks. The upside is that industrial robots pay for themselves relatively quickly.

If you’re concerned that automation will phase out human employees, don’t fret. Highly skilled workers are still vital to shop performance and quality assurance.

How to Make CNC Robotics Work for Your Shop

Below are three examples of the ways machine shops are using automation and industrial robots to make their shops run safer and leaner, while increasing profitability.

Handling Heavy Parts

Some parts are heavy, cumbersome or awkward for handling by humans, leading to increased worker injury and costly parts damage. CNC machine handling robots can be configured with various mounting options to handle heavy payloads and reduce risks to employee safety. They can also improve employee ergonomics.

Machine Tending Applications

There is increased risk any time a worker comes in contact with pinch points which are present when loading raw materials or when unloading finished parts from a machine. Worker safety can be improved with CNC machine tending robots because they are designed specifically to tend to multiple machine tasks. In addition to safety improvements, uptime can be improved compared to manual loading and unloading times. Robotic machine tending can be utilized for:

• Bin Picking
• Grinding
• Milling
• Turning
• Polishing
• Welding
• Deburring
• Parts Cleaning

Automatic Inspections

CNC robotics now come with vision systems and scanning sensors to access part features. That capability allows them to record geometric and surface data ensuring quality and part accuracy. Automatic inspections not only improve quality assurance, they also detect abnormalities early on — saving on scrap, time and unnecessary machine wear and tear.

Related: How Machine Shops in Texas Use Innovation to Adapt Operations in the Time of COVID-19

Machine shops looking to get started with CNC machine robotics can start with a simple robot, one that is lightweight and portable. Be sure to select an automation solution that can be customized to your specific application. Choose robotics carefully and select a system that can be configured to each application. If production needs slow in one department, it can be moved to a new location and re-programmed to adapt to a new function.

Employing Safety with Robotic CNC Solutions

Worker safety is always the first priority when working with new equipment or tools. CNC robotic equipment isn’t intuitive to the location of humans (yet), and safety measures must be taken into account to protect against accidental injury. Protective cages, safety fencing and guards are reliable ways to increase operator and bystander safety without slowing down your machine’s production.

M&M Sales & Equipment is here to help your business succeed with advice and suggestions on how you can improve operations, enhance worker satisfaction and increase your profitability. From cutting tools, abrasives and cutting fluid to safety and MRO supplies, we are your full-line distributor. If you have questions on how M&M Sales & Equipment can help you, please call one of our four Texas locations.

From Humble Beginnings Come Greatness: The FEIN Tools Story

FEIN Tools began their story in 1867 when their founder Wilhelm Fein released a telephone with a horseshoe magnet just months after Alexander Graham Bell introduced the telephone. Fein’s improved telecommunication remained the standard for many years to follow. Fein spent the next several years building and installing telegraphs, telephones and fire alarms throughout businesses, even receiving a patent for improved telephone transmission quality.

Source: FEIN Tools

Then, in 1895, some innovative and daring employees combined a hand-operated drill with leftover small electric motors and introduced the world’s first electric power tool. From the first handheld sanding motors and electric pneumatic hammers to today’s state-of-the art magnetic drills and annular cutters, FEIN remains the industry standard for metalworking professionals worldwide.

Source: FEIN Tools

FEIN Tools can be seen hard at work in a variety in industries including metal working, wood working and automotive work. Fein offers a full product range that includes:

• Drilling
• Belt grinding
• Fastening
• Cutting, sawing, beveling and milling
• Grinding and polishing
• Oscillating tools and multi-tools
• Magnetic base drilling
• Wet/dry dust extraction
• Stainless steel processing

If you would like assistance on selecting the right cutting tools for your needs, reach out to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep or call 800-592-4516.

We’re proud to offer the full line of FEIN Tools, but we want to tell you more about their selection of magnetic base drills and annular cutters.

FEIN Magnetic Base Drills

Fein Tools manufactures products for faster and more cost-effective metal drilling in just about every application. Whether you require a mobile magnetic drill solution that offers maximum flexibility and versatility, a compact magnetic drill solution that helps you get the job done in difficult-to-reach areas, or you’re looking for a magnetic drill solution that offers the best service life and performance possible – FEIN Tools has what you’re looking for.

Check out the Slugger by FEIN Holemaker III Magnetic Base Drill in action!

FEIN Annular Cutters

FEIN Tools manufactures a broad selection of annular cutters ideal for core drilling through steel and has various Carbide and HSS options. No matter the cutting quality, cutter holder, cutting depth, shank size or bore diameter, there’s an annular cutter right for your needs.

Check out these FEIN annular cutters for magnetic base drills.

We are proud to carry a variety of FEIN magnetic drills, annular cutters and other tools designed to help you work smarter and more profitably. In addition to their world-class tools and accessories, FEIN Tools offers a 3-Year FEIN Plus Warranty at no charge when you purchase their products. All you need to do is register your tool with FEIN Tools.

Ask us how FEIN Tools can go to work for you.  If you have questions about selecting the right cutting tools for your operation in West Texas, we’re here to help. Contact your local M&M Sales & Equipment representative to learn more. Just call one of our locations in Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Ft. Worth and surrounding areas.

When Weak Abrasives Won’t Cut It, the Pros Choose United Abrasives

Since 1970, United Abrasives has been committed to delivering the best abrasive products to the hardest working tradespeople on the planet. From their manufacturing facilities in Florida and Connecticut, you can rest assured that their high-quality cutting tools are always made in the USA with state-of-the-art equipment and rigorous control testing. They offer cutting tools and heavy-duty abrasives for the most demanding applications. Their selection includes:

• Grinding Wheels
• Cutting Wheels
• Coated Abrasives
• Non-Wovens
• Wire Brushes & Carbide Burs
• Accessories

Never settle for weak abrasives. Choose the tools you need to get the job done well.

United Abrasives grinding wheels are among the toughest in the business. It’s why we’ve been partnering with them for years. No matter how rigorous the job, they have the grinding wheels, cutting wheels and heavy-duty abrasives to help. From surface preparation and grinding to cleaning and polishing, our partnership enables us to get the best products at the best price. United Abrasives even has a tool that can help you select just the right product for your specific application based on tool requirements, materials, material diameter and thickness. Check out their product finder here.

If you would like assistance on selecting the right abrasives and cutting tools for your needs, reach out to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep or call 800-592-4516.

Why choose United Abrasive? We may be biased, but we count on United Abrasives because:

• They last longer because of their premium grains
• They’re safer because they don’t use cut-rate abrasives
• They’re always high quality because of their heavy-duty fiberglass reinforcement
• They’re made in the USA, and isn’t that enough?
• Every order is a rush order, meaning we can get your products quickly.

Learn more about the full line of United Abrasives products. Talk to your local M&M Sales & Equipment rep today! If you have questions about selecting the right cutting tools for your operation in West Texas, we’re here to help. Just ask your local M&M Sales & Equipment representative or call one of our locations in Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Ft. Worth and surrounding areas.