Case Study: Progressive Tool achieves 15–20% faster machining and small-part manufacturing capability with 3D Systems (GibbsCAM/VoluMill)

GibbsCAM Helps Progressive Tool with Small Part Manufacturing

Progressive Tool, a Binghamton, NY shop founded in 1956, shifted from large-part military work to high-precision, small-part manufacturing as customers miniaturized assemblies. The move exposed challenges in programming tiny, hidden features, quoting jobs accurately, and maintaining tool life and part quality on very small workpieces (down to roughly 0.5 x 0.5 x 1 in.), after an earlier CAM system proved unreliable.

By adopting GibbsCAM (including the five-axis module) and VoluMill, and adding multitasking and five-axis machines, Progressive streamlined programming, reduced setups and operations (e.g., five lathe operations to one), and improved quoting and inspection. The new workflow enabled reliable machining of tiny features and tighter tolerances, extended tool life, and cut cycle times by 15–20% on small, pocketed parts.

Progressive Tool

Ron Markoff

President