Six Sigma is a methodology which quantitatively puts each and every process under the microscope to describe statistically how an entire process is performing. By using a Six Sigma calculator, Prototek will be able to study each area to find potential mistakes. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customer specifications. The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. At an average of under 100 opportunities for mistakes for each part, Prototek hopes to achieve near perfection in speed and quality of all sheet metal and machined prototypes and short run productions.

Undergoing Six Sigma qualification is not a simple task, as every opportunity for a defect must be strenuously accounted for and plotted on a pareto diagram to find efficiency and quality enhancing routines to be implemented into every day processes. Each employee will have to understand what it means to achieve Six Sigma, as quality and efficiency has always been Prototek’s niche. Adopting a daunting process like Six Sigma will help solidify Prototek’s commitment to on-time deliveries of high quality parts to the industries they serve, and prove to their customers that they will do what it takes to remain at the top of the precision prototyping industry.

http://www.prototek.com

Enter the Haeger 840-WT-4E hardware fastener machine. This machine stands out from the rest in many ways, including its LCD touchscreen, where operators can save jobs and program all operations into one setup. This is accomplished with its built in four auto feed bowls, with a change over rate of 95% faster than previous models, allowing the changing out of one hardware type in 10 seconds, as opposed to three minutes. This new auto feed systems allows for a feed rate of 40 fasteners per minute. The 4E also comes equipped with tool storage in the side of the machine, and can store all necessary tools for a single job, swapping them out automatically as a part is processed. This machine takes all the time out of setting up jobs in the hardware department, and even allows operators to install hardware in small enclosed boxes like never before possible. Each part will be processed quickly and efficiently with the option of installing hardware in aluminum, steel, stainless steel or copper parts. The machine will use the corresponding pressure based on material and fastener type. With organization, familiarity, and accuracy key in the pemserter department, Prototek is hoping to save their customers even more time on their just-in-time prototype parts.

About Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Prototek Sheet Metal Manufacturing started in October of 1987 specializing in rapid prototyping and short run production of sheet metal and CNC machined parts for the hi-tech industries. Their facility is a new 40,000 sq. ft. building. Prototek currently has over 65 employees and are home to state of the art welding and bending departments, as well as plating rooms, assembly department, and much more. Prototek’s niche has always been a solid commitment to on-time deliveries of quality products. They fabricate from CAD (computer aided design) files or reverse engineer from existing models to enhance functionality Prototek keeps a large, constant supply of necessary materials, sheet metal stock, machinable plastics and metal, and PEM hardware. Prototek is currently ISO 9001:2008 certified and also ITAR and DFAR compliant.

Prototek Sheet Metal Fabrication, LLC
Bruce Isabelle, CEO
244 Burnham Intervale Road
603-746-2001 (phone)
603-746-2002 (fax)
Monday – Friday 7:00am – 5:00pm EST
fastquote@prototek.com
http://www.prototek.com

Assemblies
Base plates
Brackets
Bodies
Bushings
Chassis
Clamps
Clips
Covers
Enclosures
Fixtures
Frames
Heat Sinks
Nozzles
Panels
Shafts
Weldments

Prototek remains the industry leader of rapid prototyping of precision sheet metal and now looking into outsourcing to developing countries to keep prices down and quality up for our customers!

http://www.prototek.com

http://www.prototek.com

http://prototekmanufacturing.com/sendfiles.html

Although RoHS is a European Union (EU) Directive, manufacturers of EEE outside Europe must also abide by this legislation if the equipment they produce is ultimately imported into a EU member state.

RoHS Compliance Statement

Prototek Fabrication, in an effort to support our customers and supplier base, has committed to RoHS compliance. Pursuant to this effort, we will help our manufacturers as well as our customers manage RoHS introduction. Included in this management process is as follows.

1. Supplier Policies: Inform our customers of our manufacturer’s RoHS policies as these policies continue to evolve.
2. Part Specific Information: Inform customers of specific part number detail on compliance as this information becomes available from our suppliers.
3. Inventory Management: Provide assistance in managing the transition of non-compliant inventory to compliant inventory (specifically product pipeline management).
4. Market Demands: Keep our suppliers posted with market and specific customer needs, which will allow them to be more responsive.
5. Education: Working closely with our supplier partners, Prototek Fabrication will, to the best of our ability, provide our valued customers and employees with the most up to date RoHS related information available.

Vendor RoHS Commitments

* CSI RoHS
* JMD RoHS
* Prototek Fabrication RoHS
* SOTHERN MAINE RoHS

Supplier Specific Information:
3M – Regulatory Issues Information on 3M.com
Accuride – RoHS Compliance Letter
Amphenol RF – RoHS Information on amphenolrf.com
Apple Rubber Products Inc. – EU 2003/1//EC Compliance Statement
Associated Spring Raymond – RoHS Response
Bergquist – RoHS compliance from bergquistcompany.com
Bivar – RoHS Position on bivar.com
Bossard – Change Over to Chromium Free Information
Brighton Best – RoHS Certification Document
Dodge Inserts – RoHS Letter
Helicoil – RoHS Statement
Heyco – Certificate of Composition from heyco.com
Keystone – RoHS Statement
Manufacturer’s Rubber & Supply – RoHS Compliance Statement
Mill-Max – MILL-MAX Mfg. Corp Policy on Environmentally Controlled and Restricted Substances
Molex
* Lead Free Plans from molex.com
* Feature Search RoHS / Lead-free
Panduit – RoHS Compliance Info from Panduit.com
Penn Engineering – RoHS Directive Compliance
PIC Design – RoHS/WEEE Compliance Certification
POP / Emhart Teknologies – RoHS Compliance Statement
RAF – RoHS Compliance Information
Rotor Clip – RoHS/ELV Information
Seastrom – RoHS Compliance Certificate
Southco – RoHS Position Statement
WCL – WCL Statement of Compliance

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the statements contained on this page do not represent legal advice and are presented without any warranty as to accuracy. This material represents our interpretation of the environmental regulations that have been passed, or are under consideration, in various regions throughout the world. Before acting on any of this information, you will have to verify the accuracy of our interpretation with your own legal counsel.

http://www.prototekmanufacturing.com/rohs.html

Due to the nature of their business, Prototek was having difficulty with same day to one week turn times. Tight deliveries from their qualified outside process vendors were becoming more difficult, and they were running out of capacity for the increased volume of prototypes. Decreased quality and extended lead-times are inevitable when dealing with vendors, so Prototek started in-house powder coating, painting, silk screening, plating, and anodizing operations. “This gives us full control over quality and same day finish, allowing our customers to receive high quality, custom complex parts faster than ever.”

The next big obstacle for Prototek was punching parts quickly and efficiently while maintaining the ability to cut intricate geometry. “We were actually punching some parts on our Amada Vipros, then taking those same parts and laser cutting complex contours on our 4000 watt Amada Pulsar laser. It just took too long. After speaking with Steve Yongsma with Amada America, he suggested the new Amada LC-C1 laser/punch combo”

The Amada LC-C1 is the ultimate punch and laser combo, providing flexibility without compromise. A 2.5 kW laser oscillator provides speed, and a vacuum integrated into the turret to remove slugs allows for rapidity and punching geometry 50% smaller than a standard punch press. It has four built in tapping heads, three forming stations, and also countersinks holes.

“Prototek was operating three shifts for punching and laser cutting, which were running at 90% capacity. It was three months ago now we installed the LC-C1, and it has made a tremendous difference in our turn times. We had six employees working in our secondaries department countersinking and tapping, but now four of those employees have moved on to more specialised fields. Since incorporating the LC-C1, Prototek’s sales have increased by another 15%. Additionally, we are now running only 2 shifts in the laser, punch, and laser/punch combo departments at 80% capacity! The LC-C1 is the perfect protoype manufacturing cell for Prototek.”

Prototek continues to be the fastest rapid prototype company in the country and quite possibly the world.

Prototek Manufacturing began in 1987, as a family owned and operated business as a supplier of quick turn precision sheetmetal and machined products for the prototype markets. Today we are still a family owned and operated business and have recently launched into rapid production as well. Our quality and turn times continue to be among the best in the industry. Serving industries such as robotics, semi-conductor, telecommunications, military, pharmaceutical, medical, computer technologies and aeronautics, Prototek Manufacturing now has machining, plating, painting, powder coating, silk screening and assembly capabilities all under the same roof to help save our customers time and money on their finished parts requirements.

http://www.dynamicsheetmetal.com