From Prototype
to Production, We Offer Comprehensive Engineering Services
Bowman Tool
& Machining understands that precision-based manufacturing and assembly
demands attention at each stage. The quality of our production process ensures
the quality of our products. One of the most important parts of our success in precision
machining, tooling, and assembly is creating a viable foundation for
production. Building this foundation requires a well-formed, highly capable
system for prototype design and fabrication. At BTM, you can count on our
expert engineering services to support you, from prototype to
production.
Successful
manufacturing begins with prototype design. At BTM, we provide contract
manufacturing from the ground up, including engineering services for
comprehensive prototyping.
Our engineering
services take an upwards approach to prototyping with the simple three-step manufacturing
process of consultation, design, and creation.
Consultation: A successful
project begins with our understanding of our customer’s needs. Communication
between our engineers and clients in the consultation process is key in giving
us both a point of departure and a path to follow throughout prototyping a
product. Once our engineers understand what the part’s capabilities and
tolerances need to be, we can move to the design stage of product planning.
Design: At BTM, we
can design a prototype with the use of high-tech imaging software, performance
simulation, and digital quality control. This provides our engineers with the
information they need to build a quality product. Not only do our prototype
design abilities and technology act as rapid product analysis and correction,
the process as a whole is a critical stage that allows for the realization of
an idea and opens the door to production.
Creation: With prototype
designs made to the customer’s exact specifications, the time comes to put
those blueprints into construction. Our prototyping teams use a range of
fabrication methods, depending on the product, to allow our customers to
evaluate a physical part before launching mass-production.
These three steps
of BTM prototyping are a clean, simplistic approach to what is ultimately a
complex process. With our state-of-the-art prototyping and manufacturing technology,
experienced team of engineers, and quality materials, you can expect the best
with Bowman Tool & Machining when it comes to creating a new product.
If you’re ready
to begin your prototype project, trust the experts at BTM. Contact
us at (507) 286-1400 today to schedule your consultation.
In our mission to create value for our customers and provide
world class CNC machining services, Bowman Tool & Machining recently
purchased a new GLOBAL Advantage 122210 CMM which offers the best accuracy and
highest dynamics of the entire GLOBAL product line. In addition, this new
generation of Advantage provides a high scanning throughput: users can scan up
to 35% faster than with models of the previous GLOBAL line. GLOBAL Advantage
ensures maximum measurement efficiency and versatility allowing BTM to manufacture
consistent high quality products. It is the ideal CMM for even the most
demanding measurement applications. (Accuracy:
MPEE = from 1.4 + L/333 μm)
GLOBAL Advantage features outstanding accuracy, dynamics and,
throughput. The productivity of this CMM has been improved substantially -
through optimized motion algorithms, enhanced software and a new electronic
controller. This CMM is the perfect tool for the dimensional inspection of
mechanical components with tight tolerances, parts with complex geometries and,
free-form surfaces such as blades, gears, screw compressors shafts. This will
enable the BTM team to continue creating exceptional quality for our core
competency of CNC machining.
New Scanning Features
GLOBAL Advantage offers multi-sensor technology, thus, it is suitable for a wide range of probing configurations from point-to-point to the most demanding contact or non-contact scanning measurements. It is also equipped with fixed scanning heads featuring very high accuracy, repeatability with long probe extensions and, utilizes high-resolution scales. The scanning technology will aid in our organizational mission of providing our customers with premium and economical CNC machining solutions.
The
new PC-DMIS Adaptive Scanning function allows users of any level to reach best
scanning performance - easy and efficient. It is also very ergonomic and come equipped with an intuitive-to-use
icon-based Universal JogBox featuring PC-DMIS interactivity for optimized
workflow operations. The new Global Advantage 122210 CMM has first class
accuracy, best in class dynamics, and allows for superior quality control.
Improving
Production Quality and Market Efficiency With Robotic Automation
At Bowman Tool
& Machining, we continually strive to improve waste reduction, efficiency,
quality, and precision in our manufacturing processes. While our experienced engineers, machine technicians, and other team
members play a vital
role in providing our customers with high quality prototyping, precision
machining, and assembly, the equipment we use in manufacturing has always been a
crucial component. Today, robotic automation has become an integral part of our
production process allowing us to achieve unprecedented
accuracy and efficiency.
Our automated
machining cells, including our
Haas vertical machining center and
horizontal lathe, as well as our Fanuc robots, allow
highly efficient, precise production for small parts in large volume orders.
This keeps the cost low for our clients without sacrificing quality.
While BTM currently
specializes in large scale, rapid production of precision-based small parts
with our robotic automated machining cells, we’re working to expand our
production options in this area.
Expanding our
production reach with robotic automation is an important goal of BTM. The
capabilities of robotic automated machining cells in manufacturing quality
parts with speed and efficiency serves as a rich supplement to our primary precision
machining and assembly services.
Our current
production abilities with robotic automation support not only our goals, but
our customers’ goals for production and market reach. With robotic automation
added to our fundamental production, BTM offers customers the benefits of:
Rapid
manufacturing for large volume orders of small parts without sacrificing
quality and precision in the product.
Cost-effective precision
machining and reliable assembly.
Stress-free
ordering and service throughout the production process.
Fast
production-to-market operations with a company you can trust.
At BTM, we
value our robotic automation capabilities for the control, flexibility,
accuracy, and efficiency it gives to the production process.
To learn more
about our precision machining, assembly, and robotic automation capabilities, or to request a quote, contact Bowman Tool & Machining at (507) 286-1400
today.
Utilizing CNC Machining Centers
for Custom Precision Machining
The mathematic accuracy and high
efficiency needed for manufacturing quality parts is successfully guided in
part by computer numerical control (CNC) machines. CNC machines play a critical
role in creating precision machined parts for any project, big or small. If
you’re in need of high tolerance production for complex parts, Bowman Tool
& Machining can meet your project demands with our comprehensive precision
machining.
At BTM, we utilize CNC programs
with a range of equipment, including our vertical and horizontal machining
centers, lathes, and mills ranging from 400mm to 1000mm. With a total of
54 different CNC machine tools, BTM has the capabilities to manufacture a wide
variety of parts for your project.
A significant component of our CNC
machining capabilities are our vertical and horizontal machining centers and
our vertical and horizontal lathes, which allow machining at virtually all
angles around the axis of a part.
Vertical
The vertical machining equipment
at BTM that utilizes CNC programs for ultra-precise production include our five vertical machining centers and
our three vertical lathes.
Our CNC vertical machining centers
offer the usage of 20 tools for a range of cuts and a maximum travel range of 40” on the x-axis, 20” on the y-axis, and 25” on the z-axis.
Our CNC vertical lathes offer
the usage of 12 tools for a range of turning applications, a maximum swing of 28”, and a
maximum length of 29”.
With mathematically-precise,
computer-controlled tooling action, our vertical CNC machining equipment offers
comprehensive cutting, slotting, hole-making,
and detailing on a wide range of parts.
Horizontal
BTM offers over 40
horizontally-oriented machining options with up to 160 tools within a single
twin pallet center.
Our CNC horizontal machining centers
are capable of work up to 2000mm (80”) in size and offer a maximum travel to 66.93” along the x-axis, maximum travel to 55.12” along the y-axis, and maximum travel to 60.04”
along the z-axis.
Our CNC horizontal lathes offer
up to 12 tools per turret with a maximum swing of 28” and a maximum length of
36”. Both 2-axis and 4-axis horizontal lathes are available, as well as two multi-spindle
machining centers with live tooling.
Every axis of a part is
machinable with our range of computer-controlled equipment. Vertical and
horizontal CNC machining centers and lathes get the job done with our
experienced engineers and technicians managing equipment and projects.
Bowman Tool, Inc. of Rochester, MN, is a Tier-1 Supplier Partnering with Customers From the Design Stage All the Way Through Service
With over 40 years of experience specializing in precision machining, Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc. has established a world class quality management system in support of our Tier 1 services. We have partnered with some of the world's most successful companies to help solve their complex machining and contract manufacturing challenges. By applying rigorous engineering standards along every phase of the process from specifications and prototyping to production and quality control all the way through service, we deliver performance excellence that consistently exceeds customer expectations. We pride ourselves on precision and achieve this by utilizing computer numerical control (CNC) machines. CNC machining isn’t just precise, but it’s also efficient, allowing us to produce high-precision parts on a large scale. Paired with our state-of-the-art facilities, our experience and capabilities offer comprehensive excellence in parts production for our customers from concept through service. With our full tier-1 support system, we can support and supplement customers throughout each stage of the process.
From start to finish, our full tier-1 support offers an optimal experience for all our customers. Our emphasis on tier-1 client support at all stages of production assures operational efficiency and ideal quality in the finished product.
Design: During the initial steps of product design and prototyping, our engineers and quality team create strong teamwork with our customer. We take time to understand customer specifications, a part’s function, our production capabilities, and quality expectations. Prototypes are fabricated based on these inputs. Our coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) provide us statistical analysis on prototype features which we feedback to our customers’ design team.
Precision Machining: With our team of dedicated and highly skilled machinists and engineers, BTM of Rochester, MN, has earned a reputation for precision machining that is second to none. Our engineering-driven process is designed to maximize efficiencies that improve our customers' return on investment.
BTM has invested in state-of-the-art technologies to achieve precision machining in Rochester, MN, including robotic automation and climate-controlled facilities to maintain precise tolerances of even the most complex jobs.
Assembly: BTM of Rochester, MN, has the square footage, the equipment, and the expertise to meet all your assembly needs—everything from simple sub-assembly to complete turnkey deliverables. We can achieve precision without sacrificing efficiency by utilizing robotic automation. This allows our engineers to program exact specifications into our CNC machines and operate several at once. Thanks to robotic automation, you can count on us to provide tighter quality control, lower costs, and shorter lead times. We are always staying at the forefront of technological advances to provide our customers with better products and a better experience; robotic automation is just the latest in a long line of innovative solutions.
Service: The final step in the life cycle of a part is service. As a Tier 1 supplier BTM of Rochester, MN, excels in supporting all customer service needs.
Our goal at BTM is to provide Tier 1 high-quality precision machining in Rochester, MN, for the entire life cycle of a part. We strive to create the optimal client experience through our full tier-1 support systems every step of the way. For more information about our machining services and capabilities, contact Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc. at (507) 286-1400 today.
Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc. has
been a family-owned business for 40+ years and is constantly improving &
growing. Here at BTM, we pride ourselves on our 100% commitment to providing
high quality products and services at a competitive price. BTM partners with
companies working from the design stages to pre-production, all the way through
end of life.
Bowman Tool has improved our backup
systems and processes to ensure 100% on-time delivery! Our staff understands
that downtime is unacceptable and we pride ourselves on our 100% on-time
delivery standards.
Bowman Tool Today
Delivering Superier Products To Customers
Bowman Tool has the capability to
continue to grow with our state of the art, 150,000 square foot machining
facility. We currently have 44 CNC machining centers ranging from 400 mm to
1000 mm! We also have 12 turning centers, some with 5-axis and live tooling. Our
highly efficient robotic machining cells, give us the capability to produce
smaller parts as well. No part is too big or too small for BTM to handle.
The Bowman team is as strong as ever! We believe it is very important to have the right group of people in place to
achieve the highest of quality standards, integrity, and to continuously
improve. BTM has experts in engineering, quality, production operators,
production floor leads, shipping, & management, with over 250 years of machining
experience.
1000 mm Horizontal Machining Center
BTM now has room for growth
with our newer state of the art 1000 mm Horizontal Mazak Machining Centers. These machining centers give us the capability to make parts up to 6600 lbs.
and 2050 mm in diameter. This is a very positive step for BTM, giving us the
opportunity to be flexible to the customer’s needs, providing a large variety
of options with the highest quality.
Automatic Robotic Machining Center
Bowman
Tool & Machining, Inc. has the capability of producing parts using
automated robotic cells. We are currently using these cells to produce small
parts in high volumes, but we are looking to expand this into other areas.
Quality You Can Trust
Bowman Tool has a number of ways we ensure our quality is at the highest level. We have trained operators documenting capabilities, we have state of the art CMM machines measuring & documenting, and we also have a quality control department, working our production floor daily!
We are very proud of our sponsored Robot Squad FTC Team 7152 and
all of their hard work this season. They got 1st place in robot runs
and ended up being the captain on the winning alliance at the North
Branch Tournament last month. They were nominated for five awards, more
than any other team there, and won the 1st place Inspire Award which is
the highest award possible. Hard work and lots of fun learning really
does pay off. Here's some footage of the BTM robot in action.
This former K-Mart building was turned into a manufacturing powerhouse in 2009 when BTM demoed and remodeled the rundown property. At the time of purchase, the building was being rented by Goodwill and IBM, but had been seriously neglected. BTM was proud to revamp what the community called an "eye sore" and make it into a job-creating, economy-boosting business.
In 2009 Bowman Tool & Machining invested over $1 Million to demo in the interior of the building, add a beautiful entrance and office space, as well as enough power for the company to operate the heavy manufacturing machinery that would run around the clock. The result is an enormous amount of pride for the new location and what you see below...
Have we been letting a good story get in the way of the facts?
The “manufacturing renaissance” has been the central point in the return of America’s industrial power. It even has its own national council.
Yet here are the facts: the United States may have added only about one new manufacturing job in the last few years for every five that were lost during the financial crisis and the recession that followed...
...“A lot of people are desperate for positive economic news, so articles suggesting that there’s a revival of manufacturing get a lot of traction.”
Happy Holidays from the Bowman Family! 2014 has been a wonderful year at BTM and we are excited to see what 2015 has in store for us. Many thanks to our loyal employees and their families as well as our Suppliers and Customers for keeping us going everyday. Without all of these important people we would not be where we are today.
$475,000 will go toward training in fields traditionally male-dominated
"...Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis received $72,450 to help women earn associate’s degrees in construction, computers and manufacturing. In Rochester, the Workforce Development Center will spend $71,000 certifying women in welding and computer controlled machining (CNC).
Katie Clark Sieben, commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development, said the grants target low-wage women or those over age 50 who want in on some of Minnesota’s highest-growth industries. The new program should slim the gender wage gap, where women earn just 80 cents for every $1 a man earns.
“Today, about 40 percent of the gender pay gap is attributed to women doing different work from men and the lower value placed on female-dominated work,” Clark Sieben said. “[Many of the] greatest growth and highest paying fields are typically dominated by men. … Women are not well represented in these occupations.”
To change that, armies of educators and students are getting to work. The pounding was deafening Tuesday at Goodwill’s construction training facility in St. Paul, where two licensed contractors guided the chaos on the second day of class.
Porter, St. Paul resident McKenzie Reynolds and 10 other construction newbies banged hammers and cranked crowbars to disassemble the roofs, siding and walls from two “demonstration” houses. The students will rebuild those same houses this week.
“At this point, it’s just important to get them comfortable using hand and power tools,” said coach Anna Wright. “They are here in the [construction lab] for six weeks and then go onto the actual building site, where they build real houses.”
In between, trainees will meet with employment counselors, visit bricklayers and other firms looking for long-term apprentices. They also will select a specialty trade to study further.
Crystal resident LeeAnne Stevens, 32, and a single mother of four, can’t wait. She will spend the next six weeks learning to pour concrete and tie rebar, thanks to the state grant. The training opportunity came at the right time, said Stevens, a former Electrolux refrigerator assembler who was forced to leave her job and go on welfare when her child care fell through. But now she has steady help from her mother and is ready to learn new skills.
“I wanted something that would pay me enough that I would not have to depend on anyone else. So I came here and said, ‘Let’s do this,’ ” Stevens said.
Such training is needed, said Sarah Richards, CEO of Jones Metal Products Inc., the Mankato factory that machines parts for nuclear submarines, nuclear power plants and electric generators.
Richards is delighted the state is helping Rochester and Dunwoody women learn machining, robotics, welding and other skills badly needed by factories like hers. “There is a tremendous gender gap,” she said.
“We are 100 percent men in our front-line manufacturing operations,” Richards said. “A lot of women gravitate to the quality positions but they are just not CNC [computerized robot] operators, or welders or machinists. They are not the ones with the welding torch in their hand,” even though welding and machining jobs often pay $18 to $30 an hour.
“There are still societal stereotypes that keep girls from pursuing some fields that naturally pique their interest.”
Richards hopes to change that. This month, she’s hiring her first female machinist intern from South Central College.
“I am so excited she is here. I want her to work here full time,” Richards said. “There is a lot of good going on around this new [statewide] effort. If we could just get a good core group of women started here, then I think that things start to take off.”
Thousands of Southeast Minnesota students got the opportunity to get hands-on with some career opportunities in the Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering fields. Over 80 area businesses and organizations partnered with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce to make the STEM Summit an awesome experience for middle and high school students. The event has grown from its first year of 200 students to the 2300 that were hosted this year.
Bowman Tool and Machining has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy working within the community to develop a strong workforce. The youth in our community today are our employees tomorrow and for decades to come. BTM will continue to strengthen involvement in STEM and other programs geared toward advancing our business, city, and the education of our children.
As one of the millions of Veteran owned businesses around the country, Bowman Tool & Machining salutes the service men and women who help maintain our freedoms, rights, and privileges every day.
Thank You American Veterans and Enlisted Service Members.
Bowman Tool & Machining is Proud to be an American Manufacturer
Over 12 million men and women in America work in the Manufacturing industry. Stand up and vote for pro-growth and pro-manufacturing candudates at today's midterm election. The strength of our nation's economy depends on your voice.
Facts About Manufacturing
Did You Know...
In 2013, manufacturers contributed $2.08 trillion to the economy, up from $2.03 trillion in 2012. This was 12.5 percent of GDP. For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.32 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector.
Manufacturing supports an estimated 17.4 million jobs in the United States""about one in six private-sector jobs. More than 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing.
In 2013, the average manufacturing worker in the United States earned $77,506 annually, including pay and benefits. The average worker in all industries earned $62,546.
Manufacturers in the United States are the most productive in the world, far surpassing the worker productivity of any other major manufacturing economy, leading to higher wages and living standards.
Manufacturers in the United States perform two-thirds of all private-sector R&D in the nation, driving more innovation than any other sector.
Taken alone, manufacturing in the United States would be the 8th largest economy in the world.
For more details, read the full report by the National Association of Manufacturers: Facts About Manufacturing.
Take a closer look at the unique qualities that
make our manufacturing industries the best in the world. Minnesota
Manufacturing holds a statewide economic impact of $43.7 Billion, 16% of total
state gross domestic product.
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