They offer laser speed measuring, automatic gauge controls based on mass-flow principle, and shape measurement with automatic feedback control. These are said to give Trenton Forging more productivity, while providing superior shape and flatness, closer tolerances, and improved surface finishes. Each item has engineering and design features that benefit the forging operation by providing the latest in programmable and tolerance controls. Last year, Trenton installed several more pieces of new equipment in support of its First to Market concept. These systems are Deckel Maho Gildemeister (DMG) DMC100V 18,000-rpm high-speed machining centers, and each is capable of producing a new die half in 8-10 hours. The move to in-house die machining began in October 2000 with the installation of two new 18,000-rpm machining centers for die milling, in a new building dedicated to that capability.

“This is an important tool for quickly evaluating new ideas and potential cost-savings, allowing customers to quickly evaluate how these designs will affect their internal operations. “More and more we are also taking customer designs and concepts and cutting plastic models for evaluation,” the company elaborates at its website. Trim and coin tooling was completed on complementary CNC equipment, and the next day sample forgings were produced. Trenton’s 18,000-rpm CNC milling machine tools were programmed, and in less than 10 hours the forging tooling was complete. Then, using the model, Trenton engineers developed the machine tool path for manufacturing the die. Using the model, Trenton engineers developed a forging drawing for inspection purposes and for in-plant reference. A 3-D model for the part was received from the customer. In a recent example of First to Market, Trenton produced an ATV ball joint housing with lead-time measured in hours rather than days. The Trenton, MI, company produces multiple-cavity die forgings for a wide variety of customers.

Trenton Forging is expanding its complement of in-house machine tools to support its “First to Market” concept of producing production tooling in as little as one day to meet customer demands.

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