Bowman Purchases and Installs 2 New Mazak HCN-5000

Bowman Tool Inc. (BTM) located in Rochester, Mn has invested in the industry’s finest equipment including robotic automation and climate-controlled facilities to ensure that we can handle the most complex jobs required by our customers. BTM recently purchased a 2 new Mazak HCN-5000 which will be fully installed in the next few weeks. We have 8 500mm machining centers and 46 overall machining centers. We also have 11 lathes and 2 shapers. We added the shapers to better serve and broaden capabilities for BTM customers. Shaping capability improves lead time and cost for customers that need both machining and shaping. More and more customers are choosing BTM for our machining and shaping needs due to our quality and delivery performance.

The Mazak HCN-5000 with the new Smooth G Control has unsurpassed performance, precision, reliability, and production value for high-volume. This world-class Mazak HCN-5000 horizontal machining center combines advanced technology and outstanding value with high performance and high productivity for achieving maximum performance when working with virtually any type of material.

The machines are equipped with an 80-tool chain magazine with a Mazak Super Flow high pressure coolant unit. Pallet size 20.00” x 20.00” with a Y travel of 28.74”, X travel of 28.74”, and Z travel of 31.50”.  Also has a 12,000 RPM Spindle that provides fast, efficient, and versatile machining of a wide variety of materials from steels to nonferrous metals. 

Bill Bowman to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to Bill Bowman, founder and president of Bowman Tool, Inc., for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc (RaedI). The company was founded in 1977 by Bill and Mary Bowman and has been in continuous operations ever since.

Bowman Tools Purchases Two New Vertical Turning Centers

Bowman Tool Inc. (BTM) located in Rochester, Mn has invested in the industry’s finest equipment including robotic automation and climate-controlled facilities to ensure that we can handle the most complex jobs required by our customers. BTM recently purchased two new DNS V8300 Vertical Turning Centers which are in the process of being installed. We have 28 600mm machining centers and 45 overall machining centers. We also have 11 lathes and 2 shapers. We recently added the shapers to better serve and broaden capabilities for BTM customers. This new shaping capability improves lead time and cost for customers that need both machining and shaping. More and more customers are choosing BTM for our machining and shaping needs due to our quality and delivery performance.

The DNS V8300 Vertical Turning Centers have larger turning diameter capabilities, higher rapid traverse rates and the latest Fanuc Controls of the + Series. Bowman Tool Inc. is committed to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations for quality and delivery performance. One way we do this is by purchasing the latest technology machines.

Bowman Purchases and Installs New Mazak 6800

Bowman Tool Inc. (BTM) located in Rochester, Mn has invested in the industry’s finest equipment including robotic automation and climate-controlled facilities to ensure that we can handle the most complex jobs required by our customers. BTM recently purchased a new Mazak 6800 which was installed and became operational February of 2023. We have 27 600mm machining centers and 44 overall machining centers. We also have 9 lathes and 2 shapers. We recently added the shapers to better serve and broaden capabilities for BTM customers. This new shaping capability improves lead time and cost for customers that need both machining and shaping. More and more customers are choosing BTM for our machining and shaping needs due to our quality and delivery performance.

The Mazak HCN-6800 with the new Smooth G Control has unsurpassed performance, precision, reliability, and production value for high-volume large heavy part operations. This world-class Mazak HCN-6800 horizontal machining center combines advanced technology and outstanding value with high performance and high productivity for achieving maximum performance when working with virtually any type of material.

 The machine features a spacious work envelope (41.34 Diameter x 51.18” Height) and pallet size (24.80” x 24.80”) as well as a fast rapid traverse rates and rigid, reliable spindles.  With the 10,000 RPM 50 Horsepower Spindle the machine provides fast, efficient, and versatile machining of a wide variety of materials from steels to nonferrous metals.  Bowman Tool equipped the Mazak HCN-6800 with a 120 Station Automatic Tool Changer to allow the machine to have additional tool storage as well as work on highly complex work pieces.

Bowman Purchases New Mazak 6800

Bowman Tool Inc. (BTM) located in Rochester, Mn has invested in the industry’s finest equipment including robotic automation and climate-controlled facilities to ensure that we can handle the most complex jobs required by our customers. BTM recently purchased two new Mazak 6800's which will be installed and operational April 2021.This will take our 600mm machining centers from 25 to 27 and our overall machining centers from 42 to 44. We also have 9 lathes and 3 shapers. We recently added the shapers to better serve and broaden capabilities for BTM customers. This new shaping capability improves lead time and cost for customers that need both machining and shaping. More and more customers are choosing BTM for their machining and shaping needs due to our quality and delivery performance. We have not missed a delivery in over 40 months. Our PPM with our largest customer is just over 100. The parts we machine are low to medium volumes with many features. A 100 PPM on these types of part is a tremendous achievement.

The Mazak HCN-6800 with the new Smooth G Control has unsurpassed performance, precision, reliability, and production value for high-volume large heavy part operations. This world-class Mazak HCN-6800 horizontal machining center combines advanced technology and outstanding value with high performance and high productivity for achieving maximum performance when working with virtually any type of material.

 The machine features a spacious work envelope (41.34 Diameter x 51.18” Height) and pallet size (24.80” x 24.80”) as well as a fast rapid traverse rates and rigid, reliable spindles.  With the 10,000 RPM 50 Horsepower Spindle the machine provides fast, efficient, and versatile machining of a wide variety of materials from steels to nonferrous metals.  Bowman Tool equipped the Mazak HCN-6800 with a 120 Station Automatic Tool Changer to allow the machine to have additional tool storage as well as work on highly complex work pieces.

Bowman Tool and Machining Inc. Shares the “3 C’s” That Make or Break Precision Machining Companies

If you’re in need of precision machining, you have a difficult decision to make. Among all the precision machining companies available and surrounding areas, you must choose the one you can trust.

When you need a part for your machine, you want the process handled from start to finish by a company who doesn’t just see you as a customer, but a partner.

At Bowman Tool and Machining, we’ve spent the past 40 years forming bonds through teamwork with everyone we’ve served.

Today we’re going to cover some questions and concerns you might have to ensure Bowman Tool is the right choice to be your partner in precision machining.

Capabilities

Not all machining companies are built alike (pun intended).

You may be wondering if we just focus on small parts or are only capable of handling larger ones. Our answer? We have the capabilities to handle both and everything in between.

With 54 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines – ranging from 400mm to 1000m – we can handle parts ranging from 1 lb. to 6600 lbs.

This means you can come to us with jobs of essentially any size. Plus, our state of the art, 150,000 square ft. facility, gives us the bandwidth to handle a range of order amounts from a single prototype to a fleet of parts.

Our capabilities don’t stop with our machines. We’ve created a reliable and responsive staff to meet your needs, even on short notice. Working with Bowman Tool and Machining gives you the personal touch of a small machine shop with the readiness to tackle big projects because we have the personnel to handle them.

Communication

 When you work with a precision machining company, you don’t want surprises. You want to work with a team that keeps you informed every step of the way.

With Bowman Tool, you’ll work with a staff who not only communicates with you effectively, but communicates within its own company with an eye toward excellence.

For example, in the prototype to production process, we’ll work with you to meet all specifications requested, even if they appear complex and challenging on the surface.

After creating the initial prototype, we’ll use our Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to make sure the part functions precisely as it should. That data circulates back to the beginning of the process, with us communicating each step to you along the way, to make sure the part is crafted to as close to perfect as possible.

 We also communicate as a team to make sure our processes are running smoothly. In our daily white board meetings, we review strategies to reduce lead times, increase efficiencies, and discuss cutting edge trends and techniques in the machining industry, all of which gets communicated back to our quality control team and machinists on the floor.

 Why do we do this?

 We focus on excellence so much because we literally imagine the farmer on his combine or planter, the person driving their car, or the person laying underneath an MRI machine.

 In a way, modern society isn’t possible without the parts precision machining creates.

 We provide parts in industries where precision matters, so why wouldn’t we go the extra mile to help our partners?

 Consistency

 How does a precision machining business stay around for 40 years? That’s a good question.

 In the machining industry, stories have circulated about companies that fail. They take on jobs they’re incapable of performing, communication lapses, debt is owed, and all the sudden keeping doors open becomes difficult.

 At Bowman tool, we’ve learned to grow at a pace allowing us to increase our capability and knowledge while protecting our partners in the process and staying debt free.

 This dedication to consistency allows us to guarantee 100 percent on time delivery. It’s what makes us keep you informed from the very beginning stages of pre-production, through the machining process, and even providing support after the parts have been shipped out the door.

 We built our business on the philosophy that consistently creating quality products creates success. If you work with us, you won’t just be a customer, but a part of a continuing legacy of strong relationships and top-tier precision parts.

 Here’s what you do next. Pick up the phone, dial (507) 286-1400 and speak with one of our representatives at our  facility. Let’s talk about your precision machining needs and see how we can work together.

BTM Achieves 56 PPM for last 12 months

Bowman Tool- a company located in Rochester Minnesota machines complex raw castings serving Construction, Forestry and Agriculture market sectors announces 12 months of quality and delivery results. BTM’s PPM is a very low 56 with 100% on time delivery. We asked BTM’s Engineering and Quality manager how BTM achieves such incredible results. His response is below. 

Bowman Tool & Machining Inc invests in a high-performance quality culture by developing/maintaining an outstanding knowledge-based team focused on developing proactive approaches to solve problems before they occur. BTM is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company and continues to increase our QMS effectiveness by identifying and addressing risks and opportunities.  Some highlights of our recipe for success are as follows:

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  • Invest and retain talented individuals- for a great team that reflects exceptional performance as measured by BTM and our customers daily. We take pride in our employees and work together to identify and remove obstacles to success as well as create an incentivized work environment.  
  • Understand customer requirements- develop lasting relationships, become engaged in the customers value-add supply chain, and work together to create the best cost-effective product plan. BTM most often exceeds our customer expectations in all aspects of the delivery process including; design, prototype, materials procurement, production, shipping and end of life service. 
  • Communication and Transparency- ensure all stakeholders have timely information with which to make informed decisions to maintain focus on proactive action plans.  
  • Processed based methodology (Plan-Do-Check-Act)- for exceptional manufacturing performance we have developed a succinct set of performance metrics which we continually monitor. Based on the metrics we take appropriate action with an emphasis on being proactive. 
  • Production/manufacturing support- all manufacturing products and processes have detailed support documents. All stakeholders at BTM are trained/confirmed they understand how to utilize these resources. The teams creating these product and process documents have many combined years of experience. This ultimately gives our customers great service and value and more importantly, no surprises.
  • Continuous improvement- continual effort to review and monitor business processes for deficiencies and exposures as we look to enhance performance through metrics-based measurement. Continuous improvement is an important part of our quality policy.
  • Preventative maintenance- equipment up-time is essential for successful capacity planning and delivering customer product on-time. BTM utilizes a dedicated metrics based preventative maintenance scheduling program using OEM recommendations for all equipment at BTM. 

As a result, recent 12-month rolling PPM is 56 with 100% on time delivery performance as measured by one of our larger customers. A PPM of 56 is incredible for a company that machines complex raw castings. These results encompass daily production requirements, new product introduction projects, and legacy products. We can attribute some of the success for these results to following a correctly structured PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and following up with rigid/validated execution. Honestly, it truly is people with passion playing/working as a team at all levels in the organization for a common goal that is the #1 ingredient for our continued success and, we have them at Bowman Tool & Machining Inc.  located in Rochester Minnesota.

How Bowman Tool & Machining Achieves Unparalleled Precision Machining

From starting out in a 900-square foot garage to growing into a 150,000-square foot machining facility, one thing has remained consistent through our 40 years of business— our dedication to continuous improvement. Our mission and team values demand we are continuously improve our process and methods for precision machining. But how is BTM able to guarantee quality, precise parts? 

It Begins With the Customer

 From the very beginning, we work closely with our customers to understand their specific needs, design specifications, or if requested, offer our expertise to aid final design considerations. We offer prototyping development services to help customers design and produce unique parts that will meet their specific requirements. We are fully capable of designing and building tooling to support our customer’s requirements for a complete package of services. Once we’ve established a plan and design with the customer, the real work begins.

 Optimal Precision With CNC Machining 

Computer Numerical Control or CNC machining allows for ultimate precision when producing parts. CNC machines utilize the latest technology to control different tools including lathes, mills, and robotics. An operator is able to input specifications for a part and the CNC machine can produce the part to those exact specifications. To verify that parts meet the customer’s specifications, our machine operators perform regular quality checks before entering the Quality Control lab for complete customer requirement validation. We have a variety of CNC machines allowing us to provide capability to our customers for machined parts ranging from 1lb to 6600 lbs.

 Quality Control Machines Ensure Consistency 

We don’t just utilize the latest technology in our production, but also in our quality control procedures. BTM utilized Coordinate Measuring Machines or CMMs to ensure each part meets the customer’s exact measurements. CMMs can be automated or manually controlled and, use a probe to measure every feature on a part, checking for inconsistencies. We will process this data collection to understand our capabilities and validate performance. Bowman Tool and Machining also has CMM’s equipped with the latest scanning technology as we seek to consistently increase our throughput and provide exceptional value-add to our customers products. Once the parts have been through our rigorous quality control procedures, we ship them out in a timely manner to ensure our customers receive exactly what they ordered, when they ordered it.

 It Doesn’t End With Shipping 

Even after a job is complete, we provide aftermarket support to ensure our customers always have a resource in Bowman Tool & Machining. When a customer calls BTM they will always reach a member of the management team, who will take the time to understand their needs & involve key team members to satisfy the customer’s request.

 If you’re looking for a precision parts manufacturer you can count on, rely on the business that has proven its mettle for 40 years. Contact our facility at (507) 286-1400 today.

Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc.

Quality and Delivery Performance 

2q 2020

Bowman Tool & Machining had another quarter of strong performance for 2Q 2020. For our largest customer, In the areas of quality and delivery results exceeded our aggressive targets. But that is what our customers have come to expect. Our delivery target is 98%. We were perfect (100% on time) for each of the three months in 2Q20. As a matter of fact, for the last three years each month we were at 100%! Our quality target is less than 125 PPM. This is an extremely aggressive target as many of our parts have several hundred features. For the second quarter we had 0 defects! For 2019 our PPM was 92. Our delivery performance and quality earned us a partner rating for our largest customer. We were one of only 87 companies that achieved this status out of a supplier pool of 30,000. 

These results are reflective of a very strong and seasoned team. Our machinists average 8 years of experience and some have close to 25 years of experience! Our machines are maintained by our onsite maintenance team. We strive to be proactive and focus on preventative maintenance of our machines. We have a seasoned senior management team which averages greater than 25 years of service.

Our debt is low. We are poised to make investments in the right areas to serve our customers even better. We just added shaping capability to serve our customers more fully. Our vision statement is “To have profitable growth through high customer satisfaction”. We live and act to our vision statement each day. Go to www.btmcnc.com to check us out further.

Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc Delivery Performance

Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc. (BTM) a Rochester based CNC machining company not only ships with very high quality but also has a very reliable delivery history. In fact, Bowman Tool & Machining, Inc. has shipped on time every month for the last 2 years! This is no small feat considering the complexity of the parts BTM machines. Several parts BTM machines are very complex weigh more than 1000 pounds and have more than 900 features. What is the secret to our success? Over our over 42 years of continuously operation we have developed and enhanced our company in four main areas to get to this world class level of delivery performance.

We maintain our own equipment with a heavy focus on preventative maintenance. This assures our machines have very low downtime. As a backup in the low likelihood the machining centers are down, and we have critical deliveries we have backup machining centers that parts can be transferred in a few hours.  This protects our customers manufacturing lines and insures we ship on time.

Our machining centers are scheduled based on a long-term plan. Our Plant Manager, Joe Howe, schedules our line based on a 4-week rolling demand from our customers with daily releases. Joe has 22 years of experience at BTM. He started BTM running a machining center and has worked his way up to Plant Manager. Joe knows every process in our factory as he has created most of them! Joe also has an intimate knowledge of our customers and their needs. Over the many years of working at BTM and communicating with our customers Joe has learned to anticipate problems and schedule our complex machining centers proactively.

Communication is key to setting correct delivery expectations. We continuously communicate with our customers. It is not uncommon for us to have several conversations with our customers daily. This helps us tweak our machining operations to real time customer needs. BTM strives for clear and consistent communications with our customers and suppliers to prevent surprises and keep a smooth flow of machined castings to our customers.

BTM operates at a very high-quality low defect rate to keep daily surprises to a minimum and assure consistent high delivery performance. The ISO 9001:2015 registered team at Bowman Tool and Machining continues to apply advanced quality planning techniques along with robust continuous improvement methodologies allowing BTM to be recognized as a top tier supplier to our customers. In fact, during fiscal year 2018, one of our larger customers received over 135,000 highly complex machined castings 100% on time with an annual parts per million score of less than 120 PPM. Some of the product we produce requires our processes to control tolerance ranges of less than 15 microns and, may include up to 900 features per part. We are recognized as an industry leader at providing cost-effective and successful new product introductions, and really excel at working with our customers design and procurement personnel as a significant contributor/facilitator to ensure the end-users needs are satisfied entirely.

Our Quality Policy contains the words continuous process improvement. While we cannot ship better than 100% on time, we can build on our 24 months of continuous on time shipments and that is exactly what we intent to do!

BTM Quality Highlights

The ISO 9001:2015 registered team at Bowman Tool and Machining continues to apply advanced quality planning techniques along with robust continuous improvement methodologies allowing BTM to be recognized as a top tier supplier to our customers. In fact, during fiscal year 2018, one of our larger customers received over 135,000 highly complex machined castings 100% on time with an annual parts per million score of less than 120 PPM. Some of the product we produce requires our processes to control tolerance ranges of less than 15 microns and, may include up to 900 features per part. We are recognized as an industry leader at providing cost-effective and successful new product introductions, and really excel at working with our customers design and procurement personnel as a significant contributor/facilitator to ensure the end-users needs are satisfied entirely.

BTM works with our customer’s experts to formulate and facilitate their desired plan(s) during the design, prototype, pre-production, and production launch stages.  We also have well established partnerships with tier two suppliers for tooling, fixturing, and raw materials to include foundries. While we have excellent design capabilities for tooling and fixturing, we have developed a sustained supply base to increase throughput for all opportunities and challenges for complex machined components. BTM will work with our customers to ensure that there are no surprises during any phase of meeting their expectations and we will do what it takes to mitigate unforeseen issues and be an extension of the customers team. 

At Bowman Tool and Machining Inc., internal customer planning occurs at all levels of the company daily to ensure customer expectations are thoroughly defined, communicated and understood by all stakeholders. Some examples of metrics that have been developed with positive results include safety, NPI programs, PPM, delivery, quoting and equipment effectiveness. These metrics are communicated monthly across the entire team and helps ensure BTM employees understand the wants and needs of our customers. The expected deliverables from our customers are simple, cost effective parts delivered on time and on quality at a fair price. BTM reinforces the need for our team to continuously improve in all phases of production from the design stage and moving through prototype, materials procurement, production and shipping stages completing with end of life service. This is part of our Quality Policy and will ensure we continue to satisfy customers needs far into the future.

Bowman Tool is Awarded Partner Status by John Deere

For John Deere’s fiscal year 2019 Bowman Tool (BTM) was awarded John Deere’s highest supplier honor. Bowman Tool achieved partner level performance. BTM has shipped on time to John Deere for 33 consecutive months. PPM for 2019 was an incredible 84. This is fantastic performance especially considering the complexity of the parts BTM machines for John Deere. BTM machines planet pinion carriers, axels, transmission housings, differential housings, spacers, oil pans, quills and loader frame arms. These parts are complex with many features. Some of these parts have more than 900 features!

BTM is a family owned company and has been a full-service supplier to John Deere since 1988 some 31 years! We proactively work with JD Procurement, Engineering, PEC and Quality stake holders on new product introductions as a development partner and design consultant. We are involved in every stage of a parts life cycle. It all starts with the design stage and moves through the prototype, materials procurement, production, and shipping stages, completing with end of life service. The result is a final product that meets John Deere’s exacting requirements.

AT BTM our employees have a passion for high customer satisfaction. It is one of the main reasons we have been in business since 1977 without interruption. Each employee focuses on how they can continuously improve processes. Monthly all employee discussions are centered around continuous process improvements. We also discuss metrics on safety, quality, service and productivity.

We are very proud to be awarded partner  level performance by John Deere. Stay tuned for pictures from our upcoming January meeting at John Deere where we will receive this prestigious award.

Agriculture and Farm Equipment Development With BTM Precision Machining in Rochester, MN  

Partnering with Bowman Tool and Machining means that you can expect reliable and quality precision-machined parts for industries that demand highly technical, complex components. We serve a wide range of industries with custom manufactured parts as small as .25 pounds to as large as 1,600 pounds. From tiny components that play a big role in MRI scanning to assembled parts that hold up in heavy machinery, BTM can provide quality custom precision machining in Rochester, MN.

 One of the largest industries BTM serves with precision-machined parts include vehicles and equipment for on and off highway, engine, recreational, and utility purposes. With the rapidly advancing technology involved in this industry, the high-quality, reliable parts BTM manufactures are key in ensuring the safe and effective use of the equipment. Farming in the US, for example, relies on the heavy agricultural equipment and farm vehicles for which BTM plays an important role in the manufacturing process.

 BTM capabilities in manufacturing custom parts and components for agriculture and farm equipment help sustain communities across the country with healthy, safe foods and protect farmers from the dangers of unreliable machinery. By fabricating and assembling high-integrity parts with quality materials, BTM is able to provide dependable, long-lasting components for a wide range of agriculture vehicles and farm equipment including, but not limited to: 

• Tracked/two-wheel tractors and farm trucks
• Tillers, ploughs, and irrigation machinery
• Fertilizing and pesticide spray machinery
• Automated produce sorting and processing equipment
• Combines and other harvesters
• Balers and movers
• Backhoes and other loading equipment
• Livestock movers and crop transportation

 From land cultivation to harvesting and processing, BTM provides precision-machined parts for the wide range of equipment needed. Our custom CNC machining operations offer our customers the capabilities of horizontal and vertical machining, horizontal and vertical lathes, specialty spindle tooling, and internally integrated automated cells for the most precise, reliable design and production possible. BTM’s expert engineers and hardworking staff are committed to providing long-term solutions for manufacturing agriculture equipment and a range of additional parts for industries across the U.S.

 For more information about BTM equipment, the industries we serve, and our custom manufacturing with precision machining in Rochester, MN, contact us at (507) 286-1400 or request a quote to start a partnership in excellence today.

Bowman Tool Quality & Delivery Performance

Bowman Tool & Machining had another quarter of strong performance for 1Q 2018. In the areas of quality and delivery, we have exceeded our aggressive targets, and that is what our customers have come to expect. Our delivery performance target is 98% on-time; we have met or exceeded this target for each of the three months. As a matter of fact, for the last two months we were at 100%! Our quality performance target is less than 250 PPM. In the last two months, we were significantly below our target as well and in January we had ZERO defects!

These results are reflective of a very strong and seasoned team. Our machinists average eight years of experience, some have close to 25 years of experience! Our machines are maintained by our onsite maintenance team, who average 17 years of experience. One of our maintenance technicians has over 32 years of experience, all with Bowman Tool. We have a seasoned senior management team also, who average more than 25 years of service in the industry.

Bowman Tool & Machining’s debt is low. We are poised to make investments in the right areas to better serve our customers. Our vision statement is, “To have profitable growth through high customer satisfaction.” We live and act to achieve our vision statement each day.

Go to www.btmcnc.com to check us out further.