The US President Mr. Joe Biden signed an Executive Order in January 2021 titled ‘Made in America’ that seeks to prioritize and incentivize relevant opportunities for American manufacturers wherein they can be the official suppliers to the various departments of the US Government. This strategy includes all forms of manufacturing, conventional as well as additive manufacturing. 

Additionally, the Biden Administration launched the Additive Manufacturing Forward (AM Forward) – a voluntary contract between global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their small-scale US-based suppliers. The agreement aims to boost the adoption of additive capabilities by the smaller US manufacturers and the purchase of these additively-produced parts.

Additive Manufacturing and the US Federal Government

The US government has been investing hundreds of millions of dollars in 3D printing applications for more than three decades. Before the Executive order of January 2021 and the AM Forward, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI) of 2013, transformed the American manufacturing sector.

The resulting rapid expansion and incorporation of additive manufacturing can be seen across various governmental actors: 

• Department of Defense
• Department of Energy
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
• NIH (National Institute of Health), to name a few.

The inauguration of the Additive Manufacturing Strategy by the Department of Defense aims at setting up a sustainable national quality for additive technologies, 3D printing processes, and overall digital manufacturing processes.

The strategy emphasizes the Department of Defense’s need to lay down clear policies for the incorporation of additive manufacturing technologies in key areas:

• Defense system modernization
• Speed up the prototyping and production of parts for the aerospace, automotive, and tracking and detection sub-sectors in order to overthrow obsolete hardware
• Incorporate innovative, AI-enabled solutions for warfighters

The Department of Defense is aiming to bring together all critical internal and external military and academic stakeholders in a bid to streamline and ease the incorporation of additive technology in the United States military manufacturing and supply chain. 

Along with Defense, the Department of Energy has been a key player in implementing additive and 3D printing capabilities. In partnership with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) of the Department of Energy has 3D-printed functional nozzles, sports cars, heat exchangers, and even houses. The AMO also enables R&D and partnerships with critical players to investigate newer developments and innovations in additive technology.

And, through this exciting additive manufacturing journey, Phillips Corporation has been a key and staunch partner to the US Government. With an aim to provide dedicated and customized additive technologies and streamline a hassle-free manufacturing pathway, we have set up a separate Phillips Federal division and assembled a Phillips 360 team of experts to assist the US government and its various sectors.

To ensure that the additive technologies are properly implemented and harnessed at various levels of the US Government, like federal departments, defense, automobiles, aerospace, medicines, and so on, and offer advanced additive training and customized additive courses for Federal employees, we have set up ‘Additive Minds’ in partnership with EOS North America. 

Phillips Federal is incorporating its own Phillips Additive Hybrid, along with partnerships with EOS Additive Machines, Markforged Additive Machines, and so on, to strengthen the additive manufacturing capabilities of the US Government and its various sectors.

Our core strengths include a robust presence in the local manufacturing sector as well as a remarkable position in the international market. With those, we have applied additive capabilities for pathbreaking innovations and efficient processes via support from the Phillips 360 team.

With the passage of time, the face of manufacturing has been consistently evolving. Gone are the days when advanced machinery was dependent on significant human intervention, thereby leaving room for a high degree of human error. This is the age of Computer Numerical Control Machines, also referred to as CNC Machines. 

What are CNC Machines? 

CNC machines are machines whose operations revolve around computerized controls. These machines find application across industries for a variety of tasks that were hitherto carried out with the use of simpler machines that required a high amount of human interface.

CNC machines are primarily utilized to fabricate metal into the desired shape. To this end, there is a wide array of CNC Machines, for instance:

• CNC Milling Machine 
• CNC Grinding Machine 
• CNC Drilling Machine 
• CNC Wire EDM, etc. 

Major Government Sectors in the United States That Utilize CNC Machines 

The application of CNC machines has made machining and manufacturing processes seamless across sectors in the United States of America. An increasing number of organizations across the globe are investing in CNC machines to enhance productivity, reduce human effort, and curtail overall costs. 

The Federal government has been one of the major users of CNC machines, with the imprint of the technology evident across various government sectors, prominent amongst which are the Defense and Automotives sectors. Here are the key sectors of the US Federal Government wherein CNC machines play an instrumental role in the manufacturing process:

• Defense Sector

The application of CNC machines in the country’s defense sector can be traced as far back as the Gulf War when four-axis CNC machines were employed to manufacture Tomahawk missiles for the US military. Nowadays, a wide array of military equipment is manufactured using CNC machines, ranging from handheld weapons to missiles. The high degree of precision that is characteristic of CNC machining makes it ideal for military equipment. 

• Aerospace Sector

Another key Federal government sector that employs CNC machines is the aerospace sector. CNC Milling machines are utilized to craft the skins of the F35 aircraft. As a result of the precision of the machining, the surface of the plane has minimal, if any, imbalances, thereby reducing the odds of radar detection. Aside from CNC Milling machines, CNC Drilling machines also feature prominently in the manufacture of military aircraft. 

• Detection Equipment 

If there is one thing that is common across detection equipment of various shapes and sizes, it is that the finer the finishing on the equipment, the better its detection capabilities. This is where CNC machines come in. Since CNC Machines can craft metal in precise shapes and sizes, they are excellent for manufacturing detection equipment such as radars. 

• Automotive Sector

CNC machines are also utilized in the Automotive sector. Various parts required in the manufacture and assembly of vehicles can be manufactured using CNC machining. The versatility of this type of machining makes it the ideal choice for fabricating different types of metals and alloys, such as aluminum and stainless steel. Vehicles such as the Hummer H2, for instance, are manufactured using CNC Milling machines. 

Phillips Federal For The US Federal Government’s CNC Machine Requirements

Over the past 25 years, Philips Federal has been the exclusive distributor of CNC HAAS machines and other CNC machining equipment for the various departments of the US Federal Government. 

For any type of CNC machine, you can trust us to deliver high-quality products in a swift manner. In addition to this, our commitment to customer service is second to none. 

Choose Phillips and enjoy a seamless experience. 

As is the case with human beings, machinery comes with a designated shelf life. Some machines tend to have longer shelf lives than their counterparts, but that does not mean that they are not prone to damage and deterioration. 

With the passage of time, certain machine parts need to be repaired or replaced, and in such a scenario, it is always advisable to opt for spare parts manufactured by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), commonly referred to as OEM parts. 

What Are OEM Parts?

An OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer”. A OEM part, as the name suggests, is a machine part manufactured by the same organization that has manufactured the underlying machine. Since each machine is built around a specific and well-crafted design and technical expertise, OEM parts are as close to the original parts installed in any machine at the time of its purchase and/ or installation. 

For machines, OEM parts come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from something as small as nuts and bolts to something as pivotal as the engine of the machine. If you are wondering what does OEM mean for car parts, then it can entail everything from tires to wheels, and engines to sheet cushions.  As for all machines, it is prudent to opt for OEM vehicle parts as well. 

 Why OEM Parts Are The Right Choice

There are advantages galore of purchasing spare parts for your machine from the OEM parts manufacturer. Here is why you must not think twice about ordering OEM parts for your machinery:

• No Supply Holdups: One of the major bottlenecks in purchasing spare parts for your equipment is the holdup on the supply side. You can, however, easily steer clear of this lacuna by ordering OEM spare parts. Since OEM parts manufacturers usually have a sufficient stock of most machine parts, whether, for new assembly or repair, you can be assured of prompt delivery, thereby reducing the downtime on your machine. 
• No Dearth of Expertise: Another benefit of opting for OEM parts is that you can get access to the services of a team of engineers closely acquainted with the design and operational framework of the underlying machine. Such expertise is worth its weight in gold and can lead to a seamless transition from the old parts to the new. 
• No Compromise On Quality: The most important advantage of purchasing OEM parts is, inarguably, the fact that you can be at peace about the quality of the part and its subsequent performance. As opposed to parts purchased from other manufacturers, OEM parts are always likely to be more compatible with your machinery. 
• No Risk of Default: You get a manufacturer’s warranty on purchasing equipment parts from OEM parts manufacturers. This way, there is absolutely no risk of monetary loss in the unlikely event that the part malfunctions. In a world surrounded by uncertainty, having a guarantee on the performance of OEM parts is a significant value-addition. 

Choose Phillips to Buy OEM Parts For Your Machinery  

At Phillips Federal, we are committed to delivering the highest quality OEM parts. As one of the leading OEM Parts Manufacturers for the US Federal Government, a majority of our OEM parts are manufactured locally.

Once you have placed a successful order for an OEM part with us, we shall ensure the shipment of the part the same day or the following day. Our service and parts teams are available to address your queries via phone as well as email. 

Place your OEM Parts order with us now and enjoy a reliable purchase experience. 

It is no secret that the manufacturing sector is one of the most pivotal sectors of any economy, driving the cycle of production, distribution, and consumption. Over the course of the past few decades, manufacturing has undergone a drastic evolution, but one thing that has remained constant is the role of machining in manufacturing. Various types of machining constitute the backbone of the manufacturing sector, one of which is EDM manufacturing. 

What Is Electric Discharge Machining? 

Electric Discharge Machining, also known as EDM machining, is a type of machining wherein an EDM manufacturer fabricates metal by way of reduction through an electric charge. The working of an EDM machine is fairly simple: a high-frequency electric current is discharged to the metal that is desired to be shaped. 

The electric spark is transferred to the metal from an electrode and a dielectric liquid serves as the conduit for said transfer. Not only does the aforementioned liquid help control the discharge of the electric charge, but it also plays a pivotal role in the removal of the material separated from the metal. 

Applications of Electric Discharge Machines  

Electric Discharge Machines have various applications, including drilling holes, cutting wires, and die sinking. You can opt for the appropriate category of EDM on the basis of the intended use of the machine. 

For instance, if you wish to utilize an EDM for die sinking, then you need a type of EDM that contains an electrode with a shape opposite of the intended cavity in the workpiece. For wire cutting, EDMs with a vertical wire electrode are ideal. On the other hand, EDMs with electrodes shaped like tubes work best for the purpose of drilling holes in the workpiece. 

 Phillips Federal – USA’s EDM Leader 

Phillips Corporation is a leading supplier of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment in the United States of America. Its Federal division, i.e. Phillips Federal is the leading supplier of EDM and a partner to the United States Federal Government. 

Having completed more than 4,000 projects across 650+ Federal facilities, the company has efficiently spearheaded the supply of high-quality machinery. 

The company is a leader in the EDM space, including wire-cut EDMs. The Phillips Wire EDMs are renowned for their high degree of accuracy, excellent surface finish in the final product, and remarkable efficiency. 

Phillips Federal has collaborated with Sodick with the aim of delivering state-of-the-art EDM machines and milling machines to the US Federal Government. It is worth noting that the Sodick Wire EDM machines are counted amongst the best in the world vis-a-vis linear motor technology, speed, repeatability, and precision. 

The Sodick Wire EDMs find application in various functions, including EDM manufacturing turbine blades and disks, shroud segments, and turbine nozzle vane segments. Owing to their high degree of accuracy, these machines have proven to be game-changers in the aerospace industry, in particular. 

Our collaboration with Sodick Inc. has placed us in a leading position to deliver high-quality and durable equipment to our customers. Since Sodick brings great value to the table, including the design feature for cutting advanced materials like Titanium, they are a prudent choice to expand our already robust EDM portfolio and strengthen our standing as the leading EDM supplier company in the United States. 

 Choose Phillips For Your Next EDM Purchase  

At Phillips Federal, we are committed to delivering legendary value to all our customers and be a constant source of support throughout the manufacturing process. As a celebrated EDM leader, we always endeavor to deliver high-quality products and services. 

If you are looking to purchase an Electric Discharge Machine for your manufacturing facility, then you cannot choose better than USA’s leading EDM organization. 

Reach out to us now and we shall connect you with experts providing dedicated support and boundless productivity.

Amongst the various CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining applications, CNC Milling is a machining process that makes use of computerised controls and multi-point rotating cutting tools that move across the surface of the workpiece to steadily and successively remove excess material and produce a pre-designed custom product or part. 

CNC Milling can be applied to a variety of materials, including wood, glass, plastic, resin, and metal. CNC precision machining services employ a variety of capabilities, such as chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical.

CNC Milling for the US Federal Government 

CNC Milling is capable of producing various types of manufacturing parts with high precision and is therefore used by the United States Federal Departments, especially the Department of Defense, for manufacturing various military and defence components. However, note that, for any part or product to be deemed fit for military or defence use, it has to meet a set of standards. 

The ‘Military Standards’ or MIL-STD or MIL-SPEC are a list of specific commercial and technical processes that need to be implemented in a consistent and undeviating manner to satisfy the multiple production and manufacturing standards set by the US Department of Defense.

Defence and Military Components Using CNC Precision Machining 

The precision of CNC Milling machines makes them ideal for producing a wide range of defence and military products and parts. Common components produced using CNC precision machines are:

1. Missile components
2. Naval ship components
3. Track hubs
4. Retainer rings
5. Transmission components
6. Aircraft components, including seat frames
7. Aerospace couplers
8. Helicopter components
9. Flanges
10. Clamshells

 Materials Used in CNC Milling for Manufacturing for the US Federal Departments 

1. Titanium
2. Nickel Alloys
3. Carbon Steel
4. Stainless Steel
5. Tool Steel
6. Hardened Steel
7. 6061 Aluminium
8. 7075 Aluminium
9. Waspaloy
10. Hastelloy
11. Inconel
12. Common Aluminium
13. Thermoplastic
14. Rubber
15. Brass
16. Graphite
17. Carbide
18. Composites

 CNC Milling Parts Providers for the US Federal Government 

There are multiple CNC technology providers across the US and globally that service the various CNC Milling needs of the US Federal government. For instance, Phillips Corporation, through its Phillips Federal division has been the single exclusive distributor of Haas Automation CNC machines, CNC training to the federal employees, consumables, and any other certified CNC services to the US Federal government for close to 25 years. 

Along with CNC machines, Phillips Federal’s CNC wing also offers expert, hands-on, on-premise, and customizable training modules for the US Federal employees to educate and familiarise them with the model, workings, and applications of CNC Milling machines. The training incorporates CNC controls, tools section, work holding, machine setup, automation, multi-axis programming, probing, and so on.

Additionally, the Phillips Federal Life Cycle team takes care of the CNC machines from the first setup, maintenance, repairs, replacements, etc., and serves as the one-point contact for all CNC machining needs after installation and training.

 Conclusion 

In the United States of America, CNC technology has and continues to shape and innovate the supply chain and manufacturing sectors. It drives the American economy and lays the foundation for sustainable processes that make the commerce and defence industry survive major slowdowns, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the convenience of a local distributor and the experience and vigor of an international organization, Phillips Federal offers the perfect partnership to the US Federal Government for its CNC Milling needs.

In 2021, the US Defense released its first-ever comprehensive Additive Manufacturing Strategy. This strategy offers a roadmap to fully integrate additive manufacturing and 3D printing systems in its acquisition and sustainment communities. The strategy outlines three key impact areas of additive manufacturing on the country’s defense and economic dominance:

• Modernizing the defense systems
• Boosting the speed of prototyping and producing direct parts, reducing the risk of obsolete hardware
• Enabling Warfighters using innovative solutions using additive manufacturing capabilities

Phillips is the exclusive and sole distributor of EOS additive manufacturing equipment and services to the United States Federal Government.

EOS Solutions

EOS Global offers manufacturing solutions using 3D printing machines and technology to various manufacturers. Its innovative products and practices, like the Industrial 3D Printer, coupled with its commitment to shaping the future of manufacturing, have established the brand as a trusted name in additive manufacturing in the world. EOS is the pioneer and innovator of various integrated solutions in additive manufacturing.

Benefits offered by Phillips via EOS to the US Defense 

• Over three decades of experience in Direct Metal laser Sintering and Selecting Laser Sintering – additive manufacturing techniques
• Most US Defense production tasks are repeatable making EOS the ideal partner
• Comprehensive quality control that ensures optimum production quality
• Detailed build documentation to boost system monitoring
• Laminar gas management. This helps ensure the ideal management of gas for different build conditions.
• High levels of accuracy and part strength
• More than two dozen validated materials and process parameters to offer the best-quality builds
• Recirculating filter system for longer filter life and lower operating costs as it removes condensate cake
• Nesting of multiple parts

Phillips also offers customized additive manufacturing (AM) solutions using EOS and AMCM M 1K laser(s) machines. 

Performance Assurance Program

To ensure that the Federal facilities make the optimum use of AM machines and mitigate any downtime, Phillips offers a Performance Assurance (PA) program. This is an extension of the preventive maintenance plan and goes beyond the standard routine maintenance. The US Defense facilities can customize the program based on their specific requirements and choose between one-time visits and dynamic contracts across facilities and the number of visits.

Training

Phillips Federal offers a range of courses in traditional and additive manufacturing areas. These courses are customizable allowing Defense personnel to select the course, topic, and subject areas as per the requirements of their facility. Phillips has also joined hands with EOS to deliver Additive Minds training to Federal users and consulting for EOS 3D Printing technology and machines.

The services offered by Phillips and EOS help build prototypes and manage series production. The team offers consulting and service, from designing the application to generating data and constructing parts and post-processing. EOS offers end-to-end manufacturing solutions for the entire industrial value chain.

Summing Up

Phillips has been associated with the US Department of Defense for over 50 years providing manufacturing technology expertise and products. The company has also entered into an agreement with the US Army’s Rock Island CoE for manufacturing unique parts using additive technology applications and processes.