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CNC WEST August/September 2018 www.CNC-West.com 53 datum points and edit specialized toolpath to suit the needs of the job, which may include adjustments specific to tooling and material. He notes that the software makes it simple to view and manipulate part models, with graph- ical tools that make it easy to identify changes that need to be made. Among specialized Surfcam Traditional machining strategies used at DKW is the TRUEMill cycle, which generates optimized roughing toolpath that can be com- pleted with a one-step 3D roughing through pre-finishing operation. “Using the TRUEMill on certain parts with our newer machines allows us to remove material really fast,” Franklin says. TRUEMill offers a synchronized multiple-tool strategy that coordinates up to eight tools in a single operation. Regardless of how many tools are used, the specialized cycle creates uniform step height across all surfaces while removing material at significantly faster rates and greater depths of cut. Use of the TRUEMill cycle cut machining time on one of DKW’s jobs from 40 minutes to about 18 minutes. “Forty minutes to 18 minutes is a substantial amount of time, and it’s also easier on our tooling because you aren’t getting the tool hot and then cold, putting it through a continuous cycle of heating and cooling,” Kott says. “If you can save 10 minutes per part on 10 parts, that’s over an hour and a half saved,” Franklin adds. “You’re not making money unless you’re throwing chips.” Smart, continuous growth and process improvements are par for the course at DKW, which once employed 38 staff and currently employs a 10-man team — including Franklin’s son, who heads the mill department, and two of Franklin’s nephews. Franklin explains that the smaller team can accomplish just as much as his larger teams have in the past. Efficiency gains, he says, are the combined re- sult of embracing advanced technologies and ensuring that personnel are well trained and knowledgeable. “I believe that you have to invest in time and spend any extra time that you have on training,” Franklin says. “Even during the hard times, we still invested in training.” Machinist Clint Franklin completing his final operation and paying close attention to detail prior to sending it to the inspection department. Owner Kurt Franklin has maintained the highest level of quality for 34 years. They utilize CMM manager software on their 48” Brown and Sharpe CMM.