Page 59 - Summer 2024 EDM Today
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EDM Today Magazine One of Sko-Die’s Manufacturing Bays While touring the Sko-Die
facility, it was obvious that they
were investing significantly in
automation. Patrick explained
that the investment started in
2018 when he saw automation
used at an industry event. He
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learned how it could use less
floor space and achieve a
2X production rate increase
compared to human
manufacturing.
Patrick proudly said it was a
good decision. Adding auto-
mation has allowed them to
ship more products faster and
consume fewer resources.
An additional benefit has been
that, depending on the job, it
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will enable them to quote more
competitively, thereby bringing
Sko-Die Automated Workcell
in more work.
Military applications are another industry that Sko-Die
In discussing automation with Patrick, it was clear
does well in. Patrick was pleased that a project for
that the idea is not to reduce the workforce. It is just
B-52 bomber parts had just been renewed for another
the opposite. Automation is great for certain tasks but
25 years.
cannot completely replace skilled toolmakers. More
than anything, it unburdens the toolmakers from certain
Sko-Die is still in the same building that Joseph Steininger
started in back in 1947. However, that building has
to other important work. The increased production rates
been expanded many times over and now contains
of the automation-assisted toolmakers increase the
approximately 75,000 sq ft of manufacturing space. repetitive tasks and allows them to devote their energies
company’s competitiveness and ultimately lead to more
But even with the expansions, floor space is becoming
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employment—not less.
a premium commodity.
(Continued on next page)
57
EDM Today, Summer 2024 Issue
