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.