Microsonic
Microsonic Inc. is a local company established in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, and it has been in operation since 1988. The company is unique in that it specializes in manufacturing ear molds for hearing aids. Each ear mold is custom made for each individual patient. Microsonic contracted RMU-CARES to assist in the improvement of the manufacturing process by utilizing modern rapid prototyping (RP) technology.
CARES - Microsonic Project
Penna Flame
Penna Flame Industries of Zelienople, Pa., incorporated in 1968, has emerged as one of the best "flame hardening" and "roll manufacturing" enterprises of its kind in the United States Today. The company used to perform, control, and monitor heat treatment processes manually, which was very labor intensive. Penna Flame contracted with RMU-CARES to automate the process, make it more technologically advanced and cost effective, and at the same time, improve efficiency.
CARES- Penna Flame Project
Schroeder Industries
Schroeder Industries LLC, located in Leetsdale, PA, is a leader in fluid conditioning technology. With 60 years of filtration experience, Schroeder designs, manufactures and markets innovative filtration solutions for hydraulic, lubrication and process systems. This project was initiated by Schroeder Industries LLC in order to increase the production rate for their hydraulic filters by developing a better assembly process and corresponding work-station environment.
CARES - Schroeder Project
Sloan Brothers Co
Sloan Brothers Co. of Pennsylvania manufactures hydraulic lubrication distribution systems. The system consists of a valve assembly with internal pistons that controls the flow and delivery of hydraulic oil from the valve. The valves operate under diverse conditions (from the heat of the Middle East to the subzero temperatures of Alaska) and corrosivity (from the dry air of Arizona to the salty environment of a sea rig). Sloan Brothers asked RMU-CARES to analyze this problem, develop objective design criteria for pistons and valve bodies, and make recommendations for appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to resolve the issues.
CARES - Sloan Project
Autocam
Autocam Inc. is a corporation headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan with 13 facilities across North America, Brazil, France, and China. Autocam is a manufacturer of high precision automotive and medical devices components that require very sophisticated machinery and processes.
Recently, the company has contracted with RMU-CARES to begin the process of establishing a manufacturing facility in Poland to move closer to their customers in central Europe. The decision was made to relocate some manufacturing operations from France to Poland. Professionals from RMU visited sites located in Poland and Michigan to work with experts from Autocam.
The RMU-CARES project involved the initial evaluation of the prospective sites in Poland in special economic zones, specifying and identifying appropriate facilities, development of employment plan, conducting interview and assisting with employment process. In additions RMU-CARES experts worked with Autocam project leader to develop production facilities layout and assisted with building remodeling and equipment installation. Training of new employees is also conducted by CARES experts.