ISO 9001:2015 Archives - American Industrial

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Flexibility & Efficiency: Precision Laser Cutting
October 23, 2019 7:35 pm Leave a Comment
Laser cutting is a commonly used process throughout the manufacturing industry and employs a high-powered, focused laser beam to cut materials into a variety of custom designs and shapes. It has become indispensable in a wide range of settings, from hobbyists to small industry to major industrial manufacturing. Below are some of the many advantages precision laser cutting offers.

Versatility

The pinpoint accuracy of lasers gives them unparalleled precision when cutting parts from a variety of materials. They are equally effective at cutting metal, glass, wood, plastic, gemstones, paper, and more. Traditional cutting methods required different techniques for each material; but with lasers, you can control the beam in a number of ways by adjusting the heat it generates, its intensity, and the duration of the beam, letting you work with a variety of materials and cutting styles.

Lasers can easily be adapted to produce nearly any shape in materials of all thicknesses. This flexibility makes them useful in an array of projects, including vehicle bodies and cell phone casing.

Less Time Consumption

The setup process of laser cutting is simpler than traditional processes, saving manufacturers a great deal of time and labor. Because there is no hard-tooling involved, the setup times are dramatically shorter. Eliminating the need for tool changeover and maintaining a punch press frees up expensive time.

In contrast to traditional cutting processes, the only setup time laser cutting requires is loading the needed material and programming the machine. This makes the entire setup process faster and lower in cost. Manufacturers can also quickly adjust the laser cutting equipment meet different needs, so they can easily change projects.

Contact American Industrial for Your Laser Cutting Needs

Laser cutting is an extremely accurate form of cutting, using highly focused energy and pressure. This capability enables precise cuts on smaller surfaces. The precision of laser cutting also conserves material, because it significantly reduces heat waste and leftover scrap material. Because the point of the laser is highly focused and compact, lasers can cut intricate and complex shapes. The resulting products have smooth edges and precise finishes.

One of the manufacturing sectors that uses laser cutting heavily is stamped metal manufacturing. As with many other industries, American Industrial finds the effectiveness, versatility, and time savings of laser cutting to be irreplaceable.

Since 1981, we have manufactured top quality metal products, with unwavering attention to detail. We have the highest attention to ISO 9001:2015 standards and ensure each project is completed to our client’s satisfaction.

Contact Us Today for more information about our laser cutting services or to Request a Quote on a new project.

Click Here or the image to the right to learn more about the undisputable advantages of precision laser cutting with our most recent free ebook.
AIC On the Front Lines: America’s Household
February 7, 2019 9:31 pm Leave a Comment
Located in the heart of the Midwest, American Industrial Company (AIC) has delivered high-quality precision metal stamping services for almost 40 years. Filling orders from our 25,000-square-foot facility in Gurnee, IL, our metal stamping services enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a wide variety of appliances.

Whether you need fastening components for a refrigeration unit or industrial mounts for wraps, AIC’s American-made solutions will meet all your household appliance needs.

Applications

We offer stamped metal solutions from brackets to bolts to complex contact elements. Each piece delivers the precision, polish, and functionality to match your specifications without sacrificing durability and efficiency. Our metal stamps can withstand hard and repetitive use, and they hold up against inclement weather, extreme temperatures, and wear and tear.

Find our metal stamps in:
- Ranges, ovens, and cooktops
- Outdoor grills
- Outdoor, indoor, and industrial refrigerators
- Freezers and ice machines
- Trash compactors and disposals
- Microwaves and toaster ovens
- Industrial mounts and dispensers for wraps, tapes, and foils
- Custom lighting and light boxes
We also craft fastening components for products including furniture, luggage, packaging, and industrial machines. Our range of products, from simple latches to complex pneumatic contact elements, literally hold our world together.

We work with you to incorporate unique finishes, designs, and polishes into all our components to match your product’s branding, and we ensure that all processes meet our high precision and craftsmanship standards. Our elite industry specialists produce all metal stamps in-house.

Capabilities

End-product manufacturers use our components in a wide variety of appliances. We work with the materials you specify to give you the product you deserve.

Some materials we work with include:
- Stainless steel
- Copper
- Carbon steel
- Bronze
- Brass and corrosion-resistant brass
- Specialty alloys
Using these materials, we’re a one-stop-shop for services including:
- Precision laser cutting
- Drilling
- Welding
- Grinding
- Tumbling
- Deburring
- Custom painting and plating
We also offer specialized services such as:
- Heat treating
- Electroless and electroplating
- Screen printing
On top of these services, we provide state-of-the-art prototyping, producing quality products for testing and marketing. Our full suite of ISO 9001:2015–certified manufacturing equipment guarantees that we’ll fill your order without delay.

American-Made Excellence

We pride ourselves on our experience, our employees, and our American-made solutions. From prototyping to finishing, we’ll help you craft the perfect parts for your appliances. We’re proud to offer turn-key solutions for your tool-making, forming, design, stamping, and finishing necessities, and we’ll work relentlessly to ensure that every client walks out our door satisfied.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of working with a full-service stamper and discover why we might be the right metal stamper for you, download our guide on finding the best metal stamping solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to learn more about our precision metal and custom appliance stamping.
AIC on the Front Lines: America’s Miners
January 8, 2019 10:00 am Leave a Comment
The robustness of manufactured products are crucial to the success of mining operations, and American Industrial understands the importance of precision tools in the mining industry. The harsh environments in which workers, parts, and equipment need to operate demand durability, accuracy, and safety to ensure that operations continue smoothly and efficiently with minimal downtime.

Leaders in the American Mining Industry

Being an established manufacturer since 1981, American Industrial provides excellent quality products to our clients. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we follow best practices in our manufacturing operation to ensure quality and safety.

These standards enable us to fabricate premier products within given design parameters using precision processes such as close-tolerance stamping and precision machining. Using hot rolled and cold rolled steel, we’re capable of meeting the stringent demands and tolerances of a variety of applications within the mining industry.

Hot Rolled Steel

In the hot rolling process, steel is first heated above its recrystallization temperature – typically above 1,000° F for most types of steel. After heating, the steel becomes malleable, which allows it to be easily molded into a wide range of desired shapes and forms. The steel contracts as it cools, which offers reduced control over the size and shape.

Hot rolled steel is recommended for:
- Large products with easily manageable tolerances
- Designs where exact dimensions are not required
- Applications with strict budget requirements
- Fabricating hot rolled bars and sheet metal for construction, welding, and other applications
Cold Rolled Steel

Cold rolled steel is a refined form of hot rolled steel. Cold rolling refers to the additional processing the steel goes through after the hot rolling process. Cold rolling involves strain hardening, which occurs when the hot rolled, cooled steel is rerolled once it reaches room temperature.

Cold rolling increases the strength and hardness of the steel, ensures a smooth finish, and allows for increased precision and meeting exact design dimensions.

Cold rolled steel is recommended for:
- Small products
- Products with demanding tolerances
- Applications that require highly durable steel
Cold Rolled Stamped Box Filter Assembly for the Mining Industry

Recently, we manufactured a cold rolled stamped box filter assembly at the request of a prominent mining industry client. They required a custom solution to filter out fine dust and particles during mining operations. The solution was integral to improving quality of life and safety for the miners.

We set our most experienced design engineers and technicians to work laying out a production plan. The box filter was manufactured from cold rolled 1008/1010 steel with 12-gauge galvanized wires. Despite the custom nature of the project, we completed design, fabrication, and delivery in only 10 days while adhering to our high-quality in-house practices.

Download our free eBook guide for comparing and evaluating the various grades, composition, and applications of cold rolled steel

AIC for the Mining Industry

American Industrial Company (AIC) is proud to be an American manufacturer and reliable contributor to the U.S. mining industry. With more than 37 years of experience in the precision metal stamping industry, we offer advanced solutions at great costs – all while providing safe environments to our workers and boosting the domestic economy.

Our ISO 9001:2015 certification attests to the quality and precision we uphold in our operation every day. Our expertise, flexibility, and experience ensure have helped us to earn the trust of clients from a comprehensive range of industries and applications.

Contact our experts today to hear more about hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel, or to discuss how we can help with your unique application,
AIC on the Front Lines: America’s Builders
November 29, 2018 3:30 pm Leave a Comment
American Industrial Company (AIC) takes pride in being an American manufacturer with an intense focus on creating American manufacturing jobs and quality products. From our Midwestern facility in Illinois, our dedicated staff assists a wide range of customers across myriad industries with the design and fabrica

tion of metal stamped parts that meet the most stringent standards in the industry.

Whether we are inside our own manufacturing facility or working with customers across the United States, providing safe conditions for our workers and top quality products for our customers are our two highest priorities. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification speaks to our commitment to quality management and represents our pledge to our employees and customers.

Metal Stamping

The metal stamped parts we fabricate for the construction industry must be durable, able to withstand hard uses, and resist exposure to all manner of elements—from brutal weather fronts to sub-zero temperatures. Metal stamped parts must also hold up to repetitive and aggressive employ, resist wear and tear, and tolerate the impacts and lifting associated with building operations as they are implemented to support current or future populated structures.

At AIC, we have been contributing to American manufacturing, across diverse industries, for almost four decades—everything from dental offices to homes, from skyscrapers to tools.

Our metal stamping serves the needs of applications large and small, such as:
- Power tools
- Panel fastening systems
- Industrial switches and connectors
- Complex custom assemblies for construction projects
- Custom prototypes
- Custom turnkey packages
Carbon Steel Metal Stamping: Progressive Die-Stamped Wear Plate

Carbon steel is idyllic for pipelines, structural beams, axles, and gears. It is ductile and easily molded into myriad shapes that can serve a variety of purposes. At AIC, we are often called upon to produce carbon steel to an exact specifications, such as:
- Strength
- Hardness
- Toughness
- Tight tolerances
- High levels of complexity
We were approached by a prominent manufacturer for the construction industry about designing a wear plate that adhered to a very specific set of durability requirements and difficult geometric tolerances. We developed a progressive die stamping method which enabled us to meet all of the complex bends, angles, and strength requirements of the application. Within two weeks, we designed the wear plate, fabricated 150,000 units from cold rolled tempered steel, treated the wear plates with nitrocarburizing treatment to guard against corrosion, and delivered to the customer.

Spring Steel Stamping: Shear Block

At AIC, we fabricate custom-made precision dies that play a major role in American manufacturing. These dies enable the fabrication of custom precision parts that meet a range of extremely tight tolerances requested by clients.

For example, a client approached us for a custom shear block that required coining and extruding, which means die tapping and eliminating the entire post framing process. Requirements for the finished part were 3.45- by 2.554- by 0.093-inches in thickness. Through the use of high-quality materials and advanced heat treating processes, we were able to design and fabricate a part that required no secondary finishing. This enabled us to manufacture and deliver on the order in advance of the client’s deadline.

AIC Supports the American Building Industry

American Industrial Company brings nearly four decades of key contributions to American manufacturing to the table. We are humbled to see our innovations at work every day at U.S. construction sites. American manufacturers offer advanced technologies at a great cost while providing safe environments for American workers. American-based manufacturing boosts our domestic economy, and it is through American ingenuity that productivity and innovation thrive.

To learn more about what our team of American manufacturing experts can do for you, please contact us or download our eBook, Made in America: AIC’s In-House Capabilities.
Services of an Optimal Metal Stamping Vendor
October 25, 2018 3:05 pm Leave a Comment
Choosing a Metal Stamping Vendor

The U.S. manufacturing industry produces almost 20% of the world’s goods and continues to look for innovative technology and techniques. These constant updates means there are many options when choosing products, services, and associated vendors. With this variety of choices, it may seem difficult to differentiate between each company. If you’re searching for a metal stamping vendor, there are four distinct factors to consider.

Question Their Services and Capabilities

As you begin the search for a metal stamping vendor, learn what specific services and capabilities the manufacturer provides. Stamping can be one of many available processes, including coining, progressive stamping, piercing, and shallow draw stamping, so it’s important to understand precisely what services are offered. Additionally, many companies have ancillary services that can reduce delivery time and costs.

When you are talking to metal stamping companies, consider the following questions:
- Do they have the necessary capabilities to meet the requirements of your project?
- What specific services are offered and how might they benefit your company?
- What are their material capabilities?
- Is the company using the most current AutoCAD and Edgecam software?
- What are their testing procedures for material hardness, as well as destructive and non-destructive testing?
Supplier Capacity

You should also think about the overall capacity of the metal stamping vendor. Some suppliers only serve large volume customers, so if you’re a hobbyist or inventor looking for limited production, it may be harder to find a vendor that can meet your needs in an efficient and timely manner.

When investigating supplier capacity, ask the vendors:
- At what capacity do you primarily perform?
- Is my project a good fit for your capacity?
Look for High-Quality Practices

When selecting a vendor, make sure they are committed to the quality of their output. Suppliers who are focused on this will have specific programs in place, such as capacity studies, statistical process control, and quality assurance systems.

To better understand what steps a vendor is taking to ensure quality, ask:
- Do you know the industry standards required for manufacturing my part?
- How often do you perform tooling maintenance?
- What quality assurance measures do you have in place to prevent mistakes or defects?
- How do you test the parts you produce and how do you document your testing?
Delivery Track Record

Once you have found a vendor that meets your quality and capacity expectations, ask about their delivery record. A reputable company will have documentation to show they meet the timeline requirements of their customers.

Questions to ask:
- Do you have documentation that shows you can deliver on time?
- What will you do to ensure on-time delivery if there are disruptions to your supply chain?
A Metal Stamping Vendor for Your Project

American Industrial Company has been serving customers for over 33 years. Our goal isn’t just to meet your metal stamping needs; it’s to exceed your expectations.

To learn more about picking a metal stamping vendor for your project, download our eBook, What to Look for in a Metal Stamping Vendor.
Key Benefits of Working with a U.S. Manufacturer
October 4, 2018 2:52 pm Leave a Comment
The old saying “you get what you pay for” still holds true today––particularly when it comes to manufacturing. For those looking to get the best value for their money in a manufactured product, you should look no further than your own backyard. While the allure of cheaper products may be drawing many companies to look abroad for manufacturing partners, there is tremendous advantage in using a domestic-based manufacturer instead––especially when it comes to quality.

There’s a reason American manufacturing has been known for its high quality for more than a century. In the United States, there are many standards and regulations in place to ensure that manufacturers are selling their customers the highest-quality products. American manufacturers are also known for using advanced technologies in high-grade facilities to produce consistent products supported by exceptional customer service.

When working with a manufacturer in the United States, you can rest assured knowing that the workers making your product are working in a safe environment with the proper amount of labor protection. Unlike many other nations, the United States enforces strict labor laws and safety requirements to protect workers operating in potentially hazardous work environments. The United States also has more intellectual property laws in place than many other nations, helping to safeguard your ideas and trade secrets against competing companies.

One of the greatest benefits, however, is the proximity that you’ll have to the manufacturing process. Because your product won’t need to be shipped halfway around the world, you can be sure that it will get to you much sooner––and at much less cost. With less travel time required, there is also less chance that your product could be damaged during transit or become lost or displaced.

Should an issue arise, the closeness of a U.S. manufacturer means they’ll be able to inform you of the problem much sooner and rectify it before it causes significant delays. If the manufacturer is close enough, you may even be able to visit their facility to see their operations for yourself and weigh in on the finished product before it ships.

Maybe most importantly, working with American manufacturers helps support local companies and provide jobs––providing an overall boost to our domestic economy.

About AIC

At American Industrial Company (AIC), we pride ourselves on being an entirely American-based manufacturer. Our facility is located in the heart of the Midwest in Gurnee, Illinois. It is here that our talented team designs and manufactures all of our parts, ensuring that each product meets the highest of industry standards. Within our facility, we demonstrate an ongoing commitment to providing a safe and comfortable work environment for our team with our current ISO 9001:2015 certification.

We are experienced in providing a number of manufacturing services for our customers with a commitment to satisfaction and quality. We work closely with our clients throughout the entire manufacturing process––from initial design to final product––to ensure that everything we produce not only meets customers’ desired requirements, but exceeds them. Our in-house capabilities include metal stamping, laser cutting, prototyping, design and engineering, tooling services, and other value-added services.

If you’re looking for an American-based manufacturer who offers a large selection of customization options, a full range of in-house capabilities, and a demonstrated commitment to quality and reliability, consider working with AIC.

To learn more about what our team of American manufacturing experts can do for you, download our eBook today!
Metal Stamping Expected to Grow in 2018
August 7, 2018 10:00 am Leave a Comment
Metal stamping is set to have a great year in 2018—even beyond the already impressive year the sector experienced in 2017. This growth in precision metal stamping may largely be attributed to growth in the U.S. economy, which is set to experience an additional 2% GDP growth this year. Across the United States, new markets are opening up, providing a wide range of opportunities for various manufacturers, including the metal stamping industry.

Industry Growth

The metal stamping industry has seen significant growth in the aerospace, defense, and automotive verticals, which have all contributed directly to the substantial growth metal stamping experienced in 2017 and 2018.
- Aerospace/Defense
The aerospace sector is making technological advancements at a record pace, leading to rapid growth––particularly when it comes to the defense and commercial aviation sectors. This expansion has resulted in greater demand for sheet metal fabrication worldwide, as metal stamped components make up a significant portion of defense and aviation equipment and vehicles. This demand has been most noticeable among the commercial and military aircraft market divisions.
- Automotive
The automotive industry is also projecting significant growth in metal stamping demand. Metal stamping plays a critical role in automotive applications, as metal stamped components are widely used in everything from vehicle bodies to engines and fuel systems. The flexibility of metal stamping makes it an ideal process for automotive manufacturers, allowing for a wide variety of custom shapes and sizes that meet the various specifications of each model’s unique design.

In the midst of a strong economy, the demand among consumers for new vehicles has also grown. Increased production of passenger vehicles has steadily driven growth in the automotive metal stamping market.

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing the largest revenue growth in the automotive metal stamping market. Europe and North America follow, and growth in coming years is expected in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa as well.

Five Major Processes for 2018

Metal stamping is known for its versatility, due to the wide range of processes that stamping equipment is able to perform. This versatility enables stamped metal components to be used in almost any application and setting. Of the numerous stamping processes available, there are a few that are expected to stand out in 2018.

The five major processes for 2018 are:
- Blanking
- Embossing
- Bending
- Coining
- Flanging
Metal Fabrication Trends

To accommodate the steady growth demonstrated by the precision metal stamping sector, manufacturers are considering new processes to increase the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of current metal stamping procedures. The following metal stamping trends are currently growing in popularity:
- Automation
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating automated processes and robotics into their metal stamping operations as a way to enhance productivity and further increase the precision of metal stamped parts and components.
- 3D Printing
3D printers have been a common tool for prototyping for several years. Many 3D printing providers already offer metal-printed parts, but the process is currently not cost-effective for large production runs. Recent advancements in this technology suggest that 3D printed metal components and parts will become far more cost competitive across metal fabrication sectors.
- Reshoring
Rising costs for outsourced overseas manufacturing operations have made moving back to the United States more appealing than in years past, and metal stampers are taking notice. American manufacturers are taking advantage of new technologies and automated processes to build efficient and affordable operations on their home soil.

Learn More

American Industrial is a leading U.S.-based metal stamper, specializing in precision metal stamping and assemblies. For almost 30 years, our company has been ahead of the pack, using state-of-the-art technologies to provide our clients with customized solutions that can deliver precision metal stamped components and parts for any application. With our ongoing dedication to quality, we are committed to creating only the best products for our customers.

2018 is shaping up to be a big year for metal stamping. To learn more about this year’s trends, download American Industrial’s newest eBook, Made in America: Metal Stamping 2018 Trend Report.
AIC Earns ISO 9001:2015 Certification
August 8, 2017 7:47 pm Leave a Comment
American Industrial Co. (AIC) is thrilled to announce that we are now ISO 9001:2015 certified. A global standard that dictates requirements for effective quality management systems (QMS), its primary purpose is to assist companies in developing efficient processes that ensure products and services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements.

ISO 9001 provides a process-oriented approach to documenting and reviewing the structure, responsibilities, and procedures required for organizations to implement successful quality management. Specific topics include documenting a quality manual and determining process interactions, the responsibilities of management, management of resources including human resources and work environment, product realization from design to delivery, and how the organization uses internal audits and corrective actions and risk management to measure, analyze, and improve its QMS.

ISO 9001 certification gives customers peace of mind that they’ll be provided with high-quality products and services, while management and employees also reap the rewards of a better organized, safer, and cleaner workplace geared toward continual improvement. The new, revised version of ISO 9001 puts greater emphasis on leadership engagement and creates more structure for addressing and managing risks as well as identifying opportunities for improvement. Its use of simplified, easy-to-understand language is particularly useful for businesses using multiple management systems or those involved in knowledge- or service-based sectors. The updated standard also more effectively addresses supply chain management and takes into account the increasingly connected, globalized marketplace.

As an industry-leading precision metal stamper, the team at American Industrial is committed to continual improvement in everything we do. We sought out the revised ISO 9001 certification in order to provide customers with the best products and services available, with the most stringent possible quality assurance.

To view our new ISO 9001:2015 certification, download a copy today, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding this certification or our quality management practices in general.