Acutech Assists California Based Security Company in Developing Palm Recognition Security System

Acutech has teamed with a California based security company to develop state-of-the-art palm recognition security system components.

The palm recognition security system is new technology that will be used to provide access to high security areas within buildings. The system works by scanning an individual’s palm as it is held up to the wall mounted device then allowing or denying access to the secure area. The system has many possible applications including use by government, businesses, military, and law enforcement industries.

The company that is developing the system approached Acutech to assist in the development of the prototype due to Acutech’s advancing reputation for offering high quality industrial prototyping and rapid turnaround. Acutech worked with the company to design, engineer, and produce the prototype using 3D printing and machine shop technologies.

Dean Grommet, co-owner of Acutech stated “Our industrial prototyping and 3D printing services are much more cost effective than traditional product development techniques. The cost of research and development is significantly reduced with rapid prototyping because of the shorter time frame involved in producing a prototype. Our rapid prototyping SLS process provides our customers with a durable and accurate part that can easily be tested for fit and function. Using our rapid prototyping process allows our customers the ability to modify their product early in the development process before going to the manufacturing stage at a minimum cost. We also offer state-of-the-art production manufacturing services to meet our customer’s manufacturing needs once they are ready to begin producing their product and bring it to market. We have the capabilities to meet demand for both low and high volume production applications. We are excited to be working with this company that is on the cutting edge of security systems development”

Acutech’s services include state-of-the-art rapid prototyping, professional product development, engineering, design, consulting, 3D printing, precision cutting, mold building, injection molding, custom metal fabrication, and a full service machine and manufacturing shop. 

Architectural Fabrication Services Expanded Through Specialized Employee Training

Several Acutech employees recently traveled to Clackamas, Oregon to participate in 3 days of advanced training on the Hebo machine system. The specialized training that they received on varied applications of the Hebo machine system will allow us to increase the scope of our architectural metal fabrication services.

The multi-functional German built Hebo system is one of the most complex and versatile metal manufacturing machines in the world. It is used in the manufacture of custom metal railings, gates and scrolls. The Hebo machine syatem can also emboss and texture metal, make metal rail baskets, and perform a variety of other specialized tasks related to custom metal fabrication.

The Hebo machine was developed in 1968 by the Founder of the company Hans-Erich Böhl. Over the past 40 years, the original motor driven metal bar twisting machine has grown into an innovative complex machine system that is still being continuously improved upon. Hebo is the worldwide leader in ornamental metal fabrication machinery. For more information on the Hebo machine system, visit www.usahebo.com.

We are excited to increase our architectural fabrication services with the Hebo machine. Acutech is an industry leading company known for our use of innovative technology and equipment. Making sure that our employees receive the training needed to stay on the leading edge of the technology used in the equipment and machines they operate is a top priority for Acutech.

For more information on our architectural metal fabrication services, visit our website at www.acutechworks.com or call us at (406) 892-4030.

Acutech Works with Glacier Guard Innovations to Develop a New Energy Efficient Panel System for Ice Dam Prevention

Ice dams are a familiar sight to anyone who has ever lived in a snowy climate. These thick bands of ice and icicles that form along the eaves of snow-covered houses and buildings cause millions of dollars of structural damage every year. Rotted roofs and rafters, water-stained ceilings, sagging gutters, peeling paint, mold and ruined insulation are just a few of the familiar unwelcome results of ice dams. In addition, ice dams pose a risk of severe injury from falling icicles.

Ice dams form when the upper part of the roof is warm enough to melt snow and the eaves are cold enough to freeze the runoff into icicles. Ice dams are the costly end result of energy loss from inside a house or building. What typically causes a roof to be warm is air from inside the house or building seeping into the attic and heating it up. When water from melting snow gets to the cold spot where the eaves begin, it re-freezes and creates a dam, and then a pool of water accumulates behind it. 

Matt Folkman, CEO of Glacier Guard Innovations in Bigfork, Montana has teamed with Dean Grommet and Josh Boyce, co-owners of Acutech in Columbia Falls, Montana to develop a new energy efficient cost-effective snow melt panel system that removes 100% of the snow and ice from the covered section of the eve using less energy than traditional inefficient heat cables. This system is now field proven and on the market.

Matt had previously spent over 20 years as a contractor in the residential and commercial construction industry which included discovering ways to help his clients alleviate their ice damage issues. As he incorporated these systems into his construction projects, he realized that he had a talent for effectively solving ice damming issues and decided to make it his full time profession.

Acutech’s Dean Grommet, having substantial experience in designing and manufacturing extruded aluminum skylight, greenhouse, and solarium products, applied the same principals of systems development to the snow melt system.

Acutech assisted Matt from initial concept through completion with the engineering and development of the extruded aluminum panel system. Acutech developed the aluminum extruded die CAD drawings, manufactured the initial prototype, and managed the material source as well as the extrusion process for the material. Acutech is the exclusive vendor to Glacier Guard Innovations for the manufacture of the Glacier Guard Panel System.

The Glacier Guard Panel System is the most energy efficient encased deicing panel system available. It is guaranteed to remove 100% of all snow and ice form the panel surface and carries a lifetime guarantee. The durable powder-coated panels are available in a broad selection of colors to match existing shingles. Custom metal cladding will match any metal roof or drip edge. Glacier Guard Innovations also offers color matching to ensure that the customer receives a finished look that is just right for their needs.

Matt Folkman, CEO of Glacier Guard Innovations stated "Glacier Guard Innovations is proud to offer the best in roof ice melting and protection for residential and commercial applications. Our concept became reality with the help and expertise of the designers and machinists at Acutech. Their attention to detail enabled us to develop a product that worked as planned the very first time."

Glacier Guard Innovations offers installation and service of its Glacier Guard Panel Systems throughout the USA. For more information about Glacier Guard Innovations and the Glacier Guard Panel System, visit their website at www.glacier-guard.com or call their office at (406) 640-4382.

To learn more about our product development and manufacturing capabilities, visit our website at www.acutechworks.com or call us at (406) 892-4030.

Specialized Part Manufactured by Acutech for Use in a RibbonLift System

This 30 foot length of 301 stainless steel ribbon was Waterjet cut and will be used as a part of a RibbonLift system. RibbonLift systems are used to precisely position cameras, lights and audio equipment at NBA, NHL and major league baseball games. They are also used by the US Border Patrol and Military for surveillance applications.

The interlocking steel ribbons used in a RibbonLift system range in length from 15 to 30 feet and require precise manufacturing tolerances.   

Western Lighting Inspiration

All three lights were custom-made by Creations Studio

with water jet cut details and iron work by Acutech. 

 

Creations Studio- Western Chandelier

Creations Studio- Western Chandelier

Creations Studio

 

From Top: Pictograph Chandelier, Wagon Wheel Chandelier, and Whitetail Worship Wall Sconce

Home Improvement Ideas

 Getting ready to sell your house? 

Now that real estate is picking back up, it might be the perfect time to trade up in housing.  But first, you’ve got to sell the house you already own.  Sometimes the selling points are actually small upgrades that homeowners can easily make to give their house more curb appeal.  Here are a few tips and ideas to turn a home into an instant seller.

The first one seems obvious, but may also be the most daunting: painting.  While you could completely change the exterior paint of the whole house, there are much less expensive and less time consuming options that still make a big impact.  Consider painting only the trim, doors, or shutters in a complementary color. 

Another simple change that is often overlooked is the outdoor space.  A huge trend in new homes and remodel projects is the outdoor living space- people have moved beyond the simple patio with lawn chairs; now there are tricked-out decks with built-in kitchen areas, fire pits, and unique railing designs that match the setting and overall feel of the home.  In Montana, where Acutech is located, the rustic and western themes are incredibly popular.  One simple way to create a rustic environment is by adding custom iron work.  Railings can be hand hammered, twisted, decorative accents can be incorporated- they can even be made to look like tree branches with leaves.  The great thing about iron work is that it can be shaped to fit into almost any theme, and then given a variety of finishes.

Acutech can, of course, take care of any iron work needs in our 18,000 square foot shop.  You can visit our website at www.waterjetcut.co to see some of our previous iron work projects.  We'd love to help you make your home beautiful (whether you are selling it or not!) with iron work, custom water jet artwork and signs, or, we can work with you extensively to create just about anything you can dream of!

 

 

Bulldog Sound Suppressor by Miller Precision Arms and Acutech CNC Machine Shop

Gun sound suppressors look pretty straightforward and simple at first glance, but there is actually a lot of careful planning and designing that goes into making a suppressor.  Inside the basic-looking tube that screws onto the muzzle, there are baffles and expansion chambers that work together to reduce noise in a very complex process. 

 

The propellant gasses and bullets pass through the expansion chamber, causing a slight energy loss as the gasses have a larger space to fill.  Next they move through a series of baffles, which slow and divert propellant gasses even more.  These two processes typically reduce the sound of gunfire by as much as 25 to 30 decibels. 

 

Acutech, a company in Montana known for their precision CNC machining, water jet and laser cutting worked exclusively with gun manufacturers and design experts from Miller Precision Arms to create an innovate new design in gun suppressor technology.

Acutech is a Montana owned CNC machine shop, precision cutting shop, and metal fabrication shop operating under one convenient roof.  In cooperation with Miller Precision Arms, Acutech is working on an innovative new sound suppressor.

 

 

The sound suppressor is known as The Bulldog as a shout-out to the maker’s U.S. Marine Corp past and also because of its’ short, squat appearance similar to the small but powerful dog breed.  It has an innovative expansion chamber design for maximum decibel reduction and a gripped outer surface for user-ease. 

 

Unlike other suppressors, The Bulldog has a unique utilitarian appearance that adds surface area for cooling without adding extra length.  Available in stainless steel and titanium, it can be used on all different models of guns.  The Bulldog is known for its versatility and unique appearance.

 

Miller Precision Arms is a Montana-based gunsmith and firearm manufacturing company.  They have extensive experience with AR-15s and building custom firearms, which came in handy when they designed The Bulldog suppressor.  Acutech has a 16,000 square foot facility with a full service CNC machine shop, precision water jet and laser cutting tables, and a metal fabrication and sheet metal shop.  Miller Precision Arms and Acutech’s collaboration makes for efficient, precise manufacturing of gun suppressors.

 

For pictures and additional literature about The Bulldog Suppressor, visit Acutech's web site or Miller Precision  Arms's website.