Category: News

Astro Machine Works, in Ephrata, PA, is set to expand their large vertical machining services with this latest investment; the VTech NF Astro’s new Double Column Vertical Machining Center2223-5223/30 Series Double Column Vertical Machining Center. The machine includes a Fanuc 0iMF Control, has a 6,000 RPM Spindle, with capacities of 126 inch (X-Axis), 90.8 inch (Y-Axis) and 40.2 inch (Z-Axis). The standard spindle is powered by a 35 HP Gear Drive, the tool storage capacity is 60 and includes an AC (5 face) 90 degree Head with 1 or 5 degree increments with an automatic head changer with accuracy to + 0.0025 Degrees.

Our CNC Machining services are in high demand. We have milling capabilities up to 118” x 236’’ and Turning up to 40” x 160”. We support varied industries including Aerospace, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Electronic, Food Processing, Energy and Government/Military. We consistently update our capacities by adding machinery, inspection equipment and production space to keep up with demand. Our business is designed with efficient work flow, a safe and comfortable working environment for our valued team members, and plenty of room for additional growth.

We are committed to our customers and we could not continue this growth without the dedication of our manufacturing team. In 2018 we became a 100% ESOP Company , helping to create a work environment that promotes longevity and growth.

Astro Machine Works’ modern manufacturing facilities total approximately 72,000 square feet.  In addition to CNC Machining we are known for our Manufacturing of Custom Automated Machinery and Machine Repair & Rebuild capabilities.  Our shop has full service Contract Manufacturing capabilities with Fabrication, Welding, Assembly, Finishing and Testing, Wire EDM, and Surface Grinding, In-house Panel Wiring, Parts Replacement including Reverse Engineering.  We value the highest quality production standards and are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D. 

For more information or to contact us, call 717.773.4045 or visit our website.

Categories: Press Releases

Since July 2017, we’ve been working hard on our latest expansion effort. With business growing, the extension is the best way to take on more capacity and meet our growing customer demands.

Located in Ephrata, PA, Astro Machine Works has added an additional 10,125 feet to building #2. The addition is a tremendous opportunity to expand our machining, fabrication and welding capabilities. Larger projects can now be fabricated with the addition of a 10-ton overhead crane in our welding and fabrication department.

Abiding by strict regulations for our pharmaceutical, medical and food-related customers, we’ve separated our carbon steel fabrication from aluminum and stainless steel welding/fabrication operations.

We are a top industry leader in custom machine building, prototype machining, and CNC machining of metals and plastics. Some of the industries we serve include manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, aerospace, food processing, government, and telecommunications.

Our ever-expanding company allows us to continually upgrade the quality of our machining and manufacturing proficiencies.

Exceptional customer service is our number one priority.

We look forward to future endeavors that come our way as we continue to deliver superior solutions through our dedicated team and innovative technologies.

For information on our capabilities, how we can help you with your next project or for updates on our new facility, please contact us.

You can also follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts to stay in the know about the latest industry updates and breakthrough technologies on the market today.

Categories: American Manufacturing, Energy, Engineering, Manufacturing

Jun
19

From the NAW Blog:

A new article by Senthil Gunasekaran, Co-author of Seven Enduring NAW Institute Best Sellers, is live in the NAW Blog: Distributing Ideas: 

How to Leverage Sales Analytics for Successful Remote Selling

Here is a preview.

As distributors respond to COVID-19, they are noticing the limitations of traditional recessionary responses such as cost reduction and working capital preservation. These responses may not be optimal due to the inherent constraint of this recession: social distancing. This constraint directly affects face-to-face sales. Transitioning sales teams to work successfully in this new environment is key to revenue recovery.

Read more here.

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济南市文化馆举行非遗展演活动

山东省文化馆春节期间举办非遗体验活动

　　齐鲁大地厚重的文化积淀，在民间孕育了数不尽的老手艺项目。多年来，得益于山东宣传、文旅等单位的努力，诸多镇村非遗项目在融入生活的过程中取得亮眼成绩。目前，山东着力打造“山东手造”品牌，推动传统手工艺站上时代发展的风口。此举有望破解制约山东非遗传承保护的品牌瓶颈，进一步发挥集群优势，让非遗产品以昂扬姿态助力乡村文化振兴。山东各地政府部门、“手造”企业和从业者也在积极探索，想方设法增加“山东手造”附加值，助力相关产业实现新的更大提升。

　　当资源开始对接市场

　　手工艺的产生，与人们的生产生活息息相关。手工艺的未来发展，也要回到人们的生产生活中去。

　　潍坊市临朐县地处鲁中，素有“书画之乡”“小戏之乡”“中国观赏石之乡”的美誉，目前拥有国家级非遗项目1项、省级非遗项目7项、市级非遗项目31项、县级非遗项目200余项。

　　过去几年，临朐县把骨干人才的保护和培养作为非遗基础工程来抓。通过提供基本保障、开展针对性培训、实施“名师带徒”工程等方式，优化了非遗传承队伍结构。

　　临朐县还将传统手工艺的发展与旅游经济融合，创新开展“特色产品进景区”活动。筹集五大系列300余种特色文化产品，在沂山、石门坊、老龙湾等县内主要景区搭建文化产品展示交易平台。与产业扶贫融合，打造非遗就业工坊10个，推动了非遗产业化运作，拉动了非遗特色经济发展。与基层组织融合，大力实施非遗“一村一品牌、一村一特色”工程，建成非遗特色村40余个，带动6000多人就业，实现了村集体经济壮大、农民增收、非遗传承“三赢”。

　　平度市新河镇是山东省低碳经济示范乡镇，山东省非遗助力脱贫、推动乡村振兴典型乡镇，也是江北地区最大的草编工艺品加工出口基地，业内素有“世界草编看中国，中国草编看山东、山东草编看新河”的说法。新河草编历史悠久，实用价值与艺术价值并重，生产效益与科学环保相得益彰，带动了当地老百姓脱贫致富。

　　草编产业在传承、创新中成为乡村振兴、富民强村的主导产业。注重用文化提升草编产品内涵，走品牌化、集群化发展之路，是近年来新河镇正着力实施的产业战略。为提升新河草编品牌知名度，新河镇政府申请注册了“指间大象”“执禾编艺”商标，并在北京举行的草编非遗技艺展上召开了“指间大象”品牌发布会，面向全球招募合作运营商。

　　理念革新永不能缺席

　　各行各业都需要与时俱进，需要理念的革新。“山东手造”助力乡村文化振兴，一个重要切入点就是提升各地的创新意识，让民众参与到这场火热的升级行动中。

　　近年来，临沂市文化和旅游局以非遗手工艺加工为依托，大力开展技术传授和技艺培训工作。当地在市级以上非遗代表性传承人中精心选拔，聘请26名手工技艺精湛的非遗项目传承人、手工艺人为工艺导师，并将其所在的企业、制作室作为示范场所，命名为临沂市非物质文化遗产、手工艺传承实训基地，统一挂牌，鼓励非遗传承人、手工艺师带徒传艺，每培训1名学员并学成相关技艺给予500元补助。与此同时，举办传承人业务培训班，帮助其增长学识、拓宽眼界、提高技艺。临沂职业学院作为省级非遗传承人群研修研习基地，建成了剪纸、木旋玩具、面塑等11个非遗大师工作室。

　　济南市济阳区仁风镇以鼓子秧歌为纽带，同时做大做强富硒西瓜产业，整合包金梨、芦兰河等地域资源，突出富硒康养特色，打造文化、旅游、农业融合发展新模式。当地西瓜种植面积有5000余亩，坚持每年举办仁风西瓜文化旅游节，“品仁风富硒西瓜，赏浪漫梨园之花，看威风豪迈秧歌，尝纯真农家美食”成为仁风镇乡村生活新常态。

　　此外，仁风镇每年定期召开文化振兴会议，研究非遗保护工作，组织开展非遗培训活动，邀请专家授课。筹集资金举办非遗图片展、鼓子秧歌进校园成果展、民间艺术展演分会场等活动，搭建非遗项目交流展示的平台。抢抓精准扶贫、乡村振兴各类扶持政策机遇，每年整合非遗保护工作经费100余万元。聘请专业机构开展“乡村遗产要素”普查，编写《村落史话》，对92类非遗要素进行登记造册。

　　未来依然要脚踏实地

　　“山东手造”与乡村文化振兴的结合，不仅为后者提供了产业发展的机遇，也为新时代山东美丽乡村建设和文明乡风培育不断注入力量。

　　多年来，泰安肥城市将桃木雕刻作为重要旅游产品进行开发。如今，桃木雕刻技艺已成为肥城市的支柱性文旅产业。当地通过对桃木雕刻技艺项目的大力挖掘，盘活项目资源，努力探索传承桃木雕刻技艺与乡村振兴互利共赢的创新模式，让桃木雕刻技艺得以更好地创造性转化和创新性发展。

　　肥城市坚持“政府引导、市场运作、企业与家庭作坊结合”原则，打造“公司+农户”“公司+基地”的协作模式，形成“小规模、大群体”发展格局，实现从原料采购、加工整理、专业配送到售后服务的一整套科学管理架构。这样的模式可以降低成本、分散风险，也有助于扩大就业、促进增收。目前，肥城市桃木雕刻加工农户有500多家，从业人员2万多人，年加工桃木原料2万多吨。

　　黄河落天走东海，万里写入胸怀间。近年来，东营市垦利区垦利街道坚持把做好非遗工作作为乡村振兴的“开篇局”，以全国“非遗在社区”试点工作为契机，不断丰富“千年黄河历史·百年油地共融”的文化元素，加大黄河口非遗要素挖掘力度，加快推进非遗精品旅游项目建设，传承黄河非遗精粹，赋能乡村振兴建设。

　　垦利街道举办植物染、老粗布、泥陶、虎头鞋等主题的非遗课堂，让孩子们目睹之、耳听之、手动之，对传统文化有更深入的认识，从而进一步坚定文化自信。同时，把兴趣变特长，着力培育专业的非遗传承人才，目前举行非遗研学活动70余次，参与者达6000余人。

　　此外，垦利街道探索“非遗+产业”，进一步发挥文化赋能作用。深入挖掘非遗蕴含的文化精髓和时代价值，成立草编专业合作社，带动合作社周边10余个村闲置劳动力加入草编制作行业，增收致富成果显著。同时，搭建旅游新零售电商平台，实现非遗产品向旅游商品的转化，推动文化遗产融入百姓日常生活。

责任编辑：胡梦音

What better way to start the year than with new services to add to our already long list of capabilities? How else to bolster our EDM offerings than adding the newest and latest in machines? With the introduction of the Sodick AQ5371 Wire EDM machine, Astro Machine is doing just that.

As EDM work has only been a service we have worked with for the past twelve to fifteen months, it is an area in which we would like to expand our expertise. Therefore, it was time for us to enhance the scope of our capabilities. With the Sodick AQ5371, our EDM services become faster and more accurate. Here are some additional features we can share:

Linear motors: This product range is specifically known for its linear motor technology. Linear motor drives allow for instantaneous data transmission and accurate positioning, and they eliminate any backlash or vibrations. Combined with a motion controller, the linear motors also provide high-speed cutting.

Advanced control panels: A combination of keyboard controllers, remote controllers, 3D solid model direct imports, and LP power supplies provides an advanced control panel for any user.

Automatic wire threading: This machine is equipped with a wire anneal function on top of the existing pipe jet. This allows for a range of threading options, without sacrificing speed or accuracy.

What are some of the specifics? With a maximum X, Y, and Z axes travels of 570mm x 370mm x 350mm, and maximum flush machining sizes of 770mm x 520mm x 340mm, our new EDM machine will bring us advanced skills, as well as greatly improve our EDM department. We hope to be on our way to becoming EDM experts!

Categories: Uncategorized

Molecular sieve 4A, a type of crystalline aluminosilicate material, have gained significant recognition for their ability to adsorb moisture and other polar molecules from gases and liquids. This article explores the specific application of 4A molecular sieves in air dryers, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining dry and moisture-free air in various industrial processes.
 
Compressed Air Drying:
Air compressors often generate moisture-laden air due to the presence of water vapor. Moisture in compressed air can lead to corrosion, equipment malfunction, and compromised product quality. Molecular sieve 4A are employed in compressed air dryers to selectively adsorb water molecules, effectively reducing the dew point and ensuring that the compressed air remains dry and moisture-free. This application is essential in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and electronics, where dry air is vital for process reliability and product integrity.

Instrumentation and Control Systems:
Sensitive instrumentation and control systems are susceptible to damage and inaccuracies caused by moisture. 4A molecular sieves play a critical role in protecting these systems by removing moisture from the air supply. In applications like laboratories, pharmaceutical production, and food processing, where precise measurements and control are essential, the use of 4A molecular sieves in air dryers ensures the reliability and accuracy of these systems.
 
Painting and Coating Processes:
Moisture in the air can adversely affect the quality and appearance of paint and coatings. In industries such as automotive painting, furniture manufacturing, and aerospace, maintaining a dry environment is crucial for achieving consistent and flawless finishes. 4A molecular sieves help prevent defects caused by moisture-related issues, ensuring that the painting and coating processes yield high-quality results.
 
Pneumatic Systems:
Pneumatic systems, which rely on the controlled use of compressed air, can experience reduced efficiency and increased wear due to moisture. 4A molecular sieves are integrated into air dryers in pneumatic systems to remove moisture, preventing corrosion and ensuring smooth operation. Industries such as automation, packaging, and material handling benefit from the enhanced performance and extended lifespan of pneumatic components achieved through the use of 4A molecular sieves.
 
Food and Beverage Industry:
In the food and beverage industry, maintaining dry air is essential to prevent spoilage, preserve flavor, and ensure product safety. 4A molecular sieves are employed in air dryers to remove moisture from the air used in food processing, packaging, and storage. By controlling humidity, 4A molecular sieves contribute to extending the shelf life of products and maintaining their quality.
 
The application of 4A molecular sieves in air dryers plays a vital role in various industries by effectively removing moisture and maintaining dry air. From ensuring the integrity of sensitive control systems to enhancing the quality of finished products, 4A molecular sieves contribute to improved efficiency, reliability, and overall performance. As industries continue to prioritize precision and quality, the use of 4A molecular sieves in air dryers remains a key solution for achieving moisture control and optimal operational outcomes.

Alumina ceramic lining plays an important role in the industrial field. It has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and so on, so it is widely used in electric power, steel, metallurgy, cement and other industrial fields.

Alumina ceramic liner is made of aluminum oxide as the main raw material, which is formed and sintered at high temperature, and has excellent characteristics and advantages. First of all, it has good chemical stability, can resist acid, alkali and other corrosive media erosion; Secondly, alumina ceramic liner has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, generally can withstand temperature of about 1000℃, can maintain stability and integrity in high temperature environment; In addition, alumina ceramics also have good insulation properties, wear resistance and mechanical strength, so that it is widely used in industrial production.

Alumina ceramic liner is widely used in electric power, steel, metallurgy, cement and other industrial fields. In the power industry, it is often used in the boiler lining and chimney wall of thermal power plants, etc., because of its high temperature resistance and wear resistance, it can effectively prevent the high-temperature flue gas inside the boiler from damaging the equipment; In the steel industry, alumina ceramic lining plate is often used in the lining of the bin hopper, which can resist the wear of the material and extend the service life of the equipment; In addition, it can also be used as an acid-resistant reactor liner, which is widely used in the chemical industry.

With the development of modern industry, the demand for wear-resistant, high-temperature and corrosion-resistant materials is increasing. As a kind of high-performance ceramic material, alumina ceramic liner is expected to play a greater role in the future, providing a more reliable guarantee for industrial production.

The consumable cost of mining enterprises accounts is the largest proportion of the total cost of mines, how to reduce the cost of mine consumption has always been an issue in the entire mine field. Ceramic balls have been used as grinding media in fine grinding for many years. They are mainly used in high-speed rotary fine grinding equipment, such as ISA grinding, Smith VXP grinding, Metso SMD grinding, etc. These devices are characterized by high speed between media. The speed difference formed by the motion produces a grinding action to grind the material. The vertical spiral agitating mill mainly relies on the low-speed rotation of the spiral agitator to drive the pressing force and shearing force generated by the grinding media to grind the material. The density of the media is one of the main factors affecting the grinding effect.

High-chromium steel ball is a traditional grinding medium for vertical mixing grinding in mining industry, it has high hardness and good wear resistance. Ordinary ceramic balls are lighter in density and have a lower hardness. With the advancement of wear-resistant materials technology, a new type of nano-ceramic ball based on alumina or zirconia has emerged in recent years. Chemshun Ceramics can produce ceramic grinding media with new type of nano-ceramic balls with alumina and zirconia material.

Collect below advantage of ceramic grinding media for your reference:

1. Energy saving

Under the same grinding process conditions, the quantity of ceramic grinding media is large, but the total mass is small, and the energy saving effect is very obvious.

2. Reduce the consumption of produced media
Through calculation, the yield of medium-produced medium steel ball is 0.68~0.11 kg/t, while the consumption of ceramic grinding media is 0.052～0.063 kg/t, which is calculated by the price of ceramic ball 35 000RMB/t and high chromium forging ball 7 800RMB/t. After changing to ceramic balls, the cost of production per unit of production can be reduced by about 65%.

3. Prolong the service life of spiral liner
After replacing with ceramic ball media, the life of the vertical mill spiral liner will increase.

4. Shorten single inspection time
The ceramic ball has uniform hardness inside and outside, and it is always in a spherical state after wear, and the surface is smooth. However, due to its uneven hardness, the steel ball has irregular polygonal bodies after wear, which determines that the ceramic ball is more easily discharged from the volleyball, which can effectively shorten Volleyball time. After the grinding door is opened, due to the light density of the ceramic ball, the labor intensity of manually removing the remaining sphere at the bottom is lower than that of the steel ball.

5. Reduce iron impurity pollution
For most non-metallic minerals, the impurity content, especially iron, determines the quality grade of the product. Many non-metal grinding processes are used to reduce iron impurities, and iron removal is usually carried out during processing. If ceramic grinding media is used in the fine grinding stage, the iron impurity contamination can be effectively reduced.

Ceramic grinding media is your best choice for mining industry, to meet the market requirement of different milling applications, Chemshun Ceramics developed a range of ceramic grinding media with broadest range of sizes and densities are available to suit both horizontal and vertically mills for fine &ultra-fine grinding, mix and dispersing. If you have any requirement of ceramic grinding media for mining industry, welcome you contact us any time.

October 1, 2020 is the 71st National Day of the People’s Republic of China, and this day happens to be the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2020. People across the country will enjoy the National Day holiday from October 1-8.

During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, as the current situation of the prevention and control of the new crown pneumonia epidemic is stable, people begin to travel out and visit the scenic spots or shopping. At the same time, because the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival is a day of reunion, most people choose to go back to their hometown to reunite with their families and enjoy the joy of family love.

During the National Holiday in 2020, people all over the country spent a happy and peaceful holiday. Thanks to our great motherland for protecting us, we can have happy life today. After experiencing COVID-19, we have learned to cherish life,health and peace. May our motherland get better and better! May people all over the world be healthy and safe.