Walter “Skip” Black, metal forming specialist, positions a work piece on Bomco’s new 90 ton expander that uses state-of-the-art CNC controls.

Joe Nichols, CNC machinist, adjusts a fixture for Bomco’s new 4-axis Fadal Machining Center that uses expanded memory to produce multi-axis tool paths more efficiently.

As part of Bomco’s continuous improvement program, a new 90 ton CNC Fontijne Grotnes Expander and a 4-axis Fadal Machining Center have been added to production operations. Concurrently, Bomco’s electronic data systems have been enhanced with a real time tracking program, an expanded local area network and an Easy Archive system.

The new expander, custom designed and made for Bomco, uses state-of-the-art microprocessor controls that improve both accuracy and productivity. “Once the initial set-up is completed,” explains manufacturing engineer, Paul Hubbard, “the specifications are retained in memory for the next time the part runs.” The cycling for the part is also retained in memory, assuring repeatability as well as accuracy. Not only does the microprocessor measure and report part dimensions, it also controls the expander’s lubrication system.

The new Fadal Machining Center, also using advanced controls and an expanded microprocessor memory, is the perfect complement to Bomco’s parametric solid modeling capability. Mike McCarthy, sales engineer, explains the link. “The ability to generate complex, multi-axis tool path plus the memory of the new Fadal translates into highly efficient tool making.” In 1992, one computer program was able to produce about 1/32 of a given part. Today, the new Fadal can produce the same part with one program using as many as 2 million lines of code. Because it is not dedicated to tool making, the new machining center is significantly improving Bomco’s overall productivity.

Bomco’s data systems have also been expanded including a local area network of 55 workstations, computer job tracking in real time, and data transfers to and from the Bull DPS7000/MTII mainframe. The new Easy Archive System permits the scanning of all QC test results, printing a hard copy, and emailing directly to customers. Now virtually all Bomco’s operations involve electronic data transfer and storage: outside purchases, requisition of materials and tooling, tool design, production control, quality control, machine set-up and production and customer communication. As president Pete Banks puts it, “information flow and communications are crucial to meeting our commitment to customers, particularly with the advent of concurrent engineering and day-to-day customer support.”

PRODUCT FOCUS:
Bearing Heat Shield

This bearing heat shield for a large commercial jet engine is typical of products that require faster start-up, greater accuracy and controlled costs. It is
manufactured using feature-base parametric solid modeling and multi-axis laser machining to produce tooling, prototypes and finished products of aerospace quality in significantly less time. In addition to multiple software programs and multi-axis laser machining, this bearing heat shield requires hydroforming operations and double-acting hydraulic press forming. This bearing heat shield is 16 inches in diameter, 6 inches high, .050 inches thick, and the material is AMS 5596.

This part meets stringent aerospacespecifications for accuracy throughout production.

Bomco Meets Requirements
of ISO 9002:1994 :
Bomco has been honored to receive the following letter
and award from Defense Contract Management

Dear Mr. Banks:

Congratulations. It is my pleasure to announce that Bomco’s Quality System has been evaluated by ourrepresentatives who have determined that Bomco’s Quality System meets the Higher-Level contract requirements in accordance with FAR 46.202-4. This achievement places you in a select group of DCM Boston contractors and also signifies Bomco’s dedication to the quality of its products and commitment to providing our military with the best products possible.

Again, congratulations on this achievement and future success in this on-going process.

Sincerely, Joel L.Biliouris (signed)