World-class Machine Integrator Uses IDI Pumps as Part of its Customization Process
Methods Machine Tools Inc. is a leading importer and supplier of precision CNC machining systems. Method's staff creates specifications and design solutions to meet the metalworking needs of its customers. When Control Engineer Guy Parenteau needed an air-driven hydraulic pump to customize FANUC ROBODRILL CNC machining centers, he turned to Toomey Associates – a distributor of high-pressure hydraulics and instrumentation products. To fulfill this requirement, Toomey custom hydraulic design applications specialist Wayne Baldwin recommended Interface Devices' H-Series Air-driven Liquid Pumps.
ROBODRILL vertical milling machines are known for their reliability and long life, with many units staying in service for more than 15 years. Parenteau was pleased with Baldwin's choice of IDI's H-Series pump. "With a solid track record of reliability and repeatability during demanding precision machining applications, the H-Series pump was a great match for ROBODRILL's reputation," said Parenteau.
"Aerospace, Medical, Automotive and Energy industry tooling applications rely on precision part-making machines, and there is zero allowance for even the slightest movement in the workpiece during the drilling process," Parenteau said. He added, "IDI's air-driven hydraulic pump allows the ROBODRILL clamps on the fixture to hold a part and keep it steady while maintaining critical pressure during drilling."
Methods has now been using IDI products in a variety of applications for more than 6 years. Parenteau has always had a positive experience with IDI products and customer service. Although he can't remember needing to place a service call about an IDI pump, he has spoken directly with Mike Hotchkiss, VP of Sales.
"I was quite impressed that a critical person in the company took the time to assist customers and provide support," Parenteau said. Hotchkiss was equally impressed with the cleanliness of Methods' production area (below) during a visit. He described their production space as being "a spotless, showroom-quality facility, which is unusual for an industrial machine supplier." Parenteau explained that Methods believes in exceeding customer's expectation from start to finish and, "we feel Interface Devices shares the same philosophy."
IDI distributor Toomey Associates of Westfield, MA distributes pressure hydraulics and instrumentation for industrial solutions. Toomey has been supplying Interface Devices' air-driven liquid pumps to customers for more than 14 years.
- Toomey Associates, Inc.
- P.O. Box 577
- 1100 Russell Rd.
- Westfield, MA 01086
- 800-762-5192
- www.toomeyinc.com
UPDATE: Interface Devices' D03 Solenoid Poppet Valves Chosen for Private Space Launch Application
In our December 2012 newsletter, we reported that Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) was employing Interface Devices' Zero-leak Poppet-style D03 Solenoid Valves in the lift system to raise its Falcon 9 rocket from a horizontal to vertical position prior to launch. As reported on Popsci.com on March 21st, SpaceX will launch its new Falcon Heavy rocket into space later this year.
SpaceX plans to continue using IDI's D03 zero-leak directional solenoid valves for the multiple lift cylinders required to raise the Falcon Heavy and maintain its vertical position. The Falcon Heavy is the world's mightiest rocket, powered by 27 engines and capable of lifting a payload of 117,000 lbs. (53,000 kg). In comparison, the previously launched Falcon 9 consisted of just 9 engines.
More information about SpaceX and the Falcon Heavy can be found on the following websites:
Employee Spotlight: Bob Ivanoff
At Interface Devices, we take quality and reliability so seriously that 95% of the component parts that go into our final products are also manufactured in-house. For more than a decade, Bob Ivanoff has been responsible for managing our critical manufacturing operations, determining how parts should be produced, programming the CNC machines that make the parts and ordering the proper tooling needed for each application. "Since Quality Assurance is an essential component of our manufacturing process, we follow the mantra 'Form, Fit & Function'," says Bob. He requires that parts are inspected to verify that they meet the tolerances of the blueprints supplied by IDI's engineers and ensures that they fit correctly and work properly in each pump.
Bob brings a wealth of experience in CNC machining and programming to our team here at IDI. In the '70s, he got his start operating and cleaning machines at Eldorado Tool & Mfg. Over the years, Bob has worked at job shops both large and small, programming, creating fixtures for machines and training operators while holding down positions ranging from Sr. Programmer to Facility Manager. "I thoroughly enjoyed living with my wife Cindy and our three children in a chalet 20 minutes from Vermont's Mount Snow in the early '90s," Bob reminisces, "but family obligations brought me back to Connecticut and, eventually, to IDI."
As active volunteers in their faith group, Bob and Cindy participated in disaster relief efforts in Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy, helping to rebuild some of the 360 homes assigned to their group. "The extent of devastation experienced on Staten Island was like nothing we had seen before," said Bob. "We found it very rewarding to help those who had lost everything and were inspired by the strength of the homeowners that were reconstructing their lives after such great loss."
Now living in Seymour, CT, Bob states, "My wife and I enjoy our quiet time together with our dogs, and visits from our three children and granddaughter."
