Case Study: American Eagle Wheel, York, SC   
May 2001

Original Condition  

Surface finish on current wheel lathes requires secondary polishing operation to achieve desired surface finish for completed product.

IMP Assistance      

YTC President Dr. Dennis Merrell introduces the president of American Eagle Wheel to the Institute for Manufacturing Productivity’s Industry Partner, Machine Tool System’s President Jerry Rex.  Afterwards, MTS application engineers recommend and demonstrate Okuma’s “Super Finishing” wheel technology.

Summary      

Improving surface finish with Okuma’s latest ‘Super Finishing” technology increases productivity by reducing secondary polishing operation time.

The Institute for Manufacturing Productivity’s (IMP) industry partners assure the latest state-of-the-art technology is available for metalworking customers to apply and improve their current processes.  The IMP’s industry partners respond quickly to customers seeking to become more globally competitive.

The previous way to learn about new technology is at trade shows.  However, the IMP has the latest technology always available to assists manufacturing firms improve their bottom line profits and provide opportunities for new markets.

Economic Impact:      American Eagle Wheel invests in new Okuma “Super Finishing” machinery.  The specific value of the economic impact is confidential due to the competitive nature of the aluminum wheel manufacturing industry.