Manufacturing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas. However, almost 30,000 people are employed in the sector, and manufacturing continues to expand.
KTR Innovations is a startup manufacturing operation providing CNC machining in Las Vegas. Founder Andy Hunter discovered that a small CNC machine from SYIL was precisely what he needed to start growing his business.
You can learn more about Andy and the benefits he gained from his SYIL machine. You'll see how SYIL can give your business an advantage, too.
Meet Andy Hunter and KTR Innovations
Andy Hunter is the founder and owner of KTR Innovations. KTR Innovations is a precision CNC machining company in Las Vegas.
They provide fabrication and rapid prototyping services. Laser engraving and CAD modelling are some of the value-added options.
KTR Innovations focuses on parts for local companies in the Las Vegas area. They also do some job shop work. Andy is developing a line of parts to sell under his brand.
Andy has earned a reputation for making custom parts for e-bikes, cars, and other vehicles.
Choosing a Small CNC Machine from SYIL
Andy was looking for a new small CNC machine. "After doing a bunch of research online trying to decide what machine to purchase, I stumbled upon SYIL," he explained.
SYIL is gaining an international reputation in precision CNC machine tools. SYIL is dedicated to designing and manufacturing exceptional high-speed, high-precision CNC machines.
The company entered the CNC machining market in 2005 with the SYIL X3. SYIL now offers a complete line of CNC mills, from the mini X5 to the large X11 launched in 2022.
KTR Innovations needed a small but powerful CNC mill. Andy found the SYIL X7.
Benefits of CNC Machining
A CNC machine helped Andy take KTR Innovations to the next level. Andy explained, "It was amazing. The SYIL was the first time I saw a VMC (Vertical Machining Center). It was everything I wanted it to be and more."
CNC machining uses programmed computer software to control the machinery. The first step is designing the part you want to create using CAD software.
CAM software prepares the model for production. It checks the model for flaws and creates a CNC program to make the physical part.
A CNC machine improves accuracy and reduces errors compared to manual machining. It increases efficiency and productivity. Andy can quickly move from prototypes to larger production runs.
Advantages of the SYIL X7
The SYIL X7 has several advantages over the competition. When asked what convinced him to buy the X7, Andy said, "Mainly the epoxy granite frame and the servos."
He appreciates the repeatability of the machine. He explained, "It will hold well within my tolerance range all day." These features are among the highlights of the X7.
Epoxy Granite Frame
Cast iron or steel frames were the standard in CNC machining for many years. SYIL started using epoxy granite frames in 2020. Epoxy granite provides better performance at a competitive price.
Epoxy granite is also known as mineral casting or granite composite. It's a combination of materials such as:
- Cement
- Granite
- Quartz sand
- Reinforcing fibres
- Epoxy resin
Epoxy granite has less vibration than iron or steel. The milling machine is more accurate and has a longer service life. The X7 is quieter than comparable machines.
A mineral casting base is less sensitive to changes in temperature. This is especially valuable in a climate like Las Vegas. The X7 doesn't lose dimensional accuracy when the temperature changes.
Epoxy granite resists corrosion. It can withstand chemicals like cutting oils and coolants.
SYIL partners with Schneeberger for their epoxy granite frames. Schneeberger is a leader in mineral casting manufacturing and produces world-class machine beds.
This quality comes at an economical price. The properties of epoxy granite make the production process more cost-effective.
Absolute Servos
Absolute servos are a standard feature on the SYIL X7. A servo motor can provide better performance than a stepper motor. The servo drive coordinates communication between the control and the servo motor.
Servos have two-way communication with the control. They receive a precise positioning signal.
Servos have more accurate positioning than stepper motors. They're very efficient. Servos run faster and produce more consistent torque across all speeds.
With some brands of CNC mills, homing is required for servo motors. A homing routine gives the servo drive the absolute position of the motor in relation to the machine.
The SYIL X7 has absolute position servos. Homing isn't needed. This saves time and improves productivity.
Accuracy and Repeatability
The SYIL X7 uses best-in-class components. In addition to the Schneeberger mineral casting machine frame, the X7 has THK linear motion guides. Linear guides ensure that the tools have a smooth linear motion.
THK is a leading manufacturer of high-quality guideways. These linear guides are robust and very rigid. They have less friction and are more efficient.
SYIL assembles quality components into a quality CNC machine. After laser compensation, each axis repeatability is 0.001 mm. Positional accuracy is 0.002 mm.
Uses for the SYIL X7
KTR Innovations uses the SYIL X7 for various projects. Andy makes suspension parts for an aftermarket Porsche suspension company. He can work with materials including:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Steel and stainless steel
- Brass
- ABS
- Acrylic
- PTFE
A noteworthy project involved the TV show Battlebots. Andy explained that during filming, one of the competitors contacted him to repair and modify some of the parts on their bot.
Andy Hunter and KTR Innovations have experienced the difference a small CNC machine from SYIL can make. He encourages anyone considering buying a SYIL to do it. "You will never regret it," he said.
The SYIL X7 gives you excellent performance at a competitive price. Get a quote today and see what a SYIL CNC machine can do for you.