Author: Theresa Mintzer

At Imago Manufacturing, we know that choosing the right machining partner is a critical decision. Working with an American CNC Machine shop isn’t just about supporting domestic businesses—it’s about ensuring quality, reliability, and efficiency. Let’s explore why reshoring your production to the U.S. is a smart choice.

1. Better Communication

One of the greatest advantages of working with an Imago Manufacturing is seamless communication. There are no language barriers, minimal time zone differences, and quicker response times. This ensures faster decision-making and streamlined operations.

2. High-Quality Work and Skilled Labor

American manufacturers invest heavily in advanced technology and skilled labor. At Imago Manufacturing, we prioritize precision and craftsmanship, ensuring that every component meets the highest industry standards. Unlike some overseas suppliers, U.S. companies maintain strict quality control measures.

3. Protection of Intellectual Property

Protecting your designs and innovations is crucial. When you work with an American CNC Machine shop, your intellectual property remains secure. U.S. manufacturers follow strict laws and ethical business practices, reducing the risk of counterfeiting or unauthorized use of proprietary information.

4. Faster Lead Times and Flexible Production

Shipping delays from overseas can cause costly setbacks. By partnering with a domestic manufacturer like Imago Manufacturing, you benefit from shorter lead times, flexible production schedules, and more responsive service.

5. Avoiding Tariffs and Trade Issues

Global trade policies can lead to unexpected costs when importing parts. An American CNC Machine shop helps you avoid fluctuating tariffs, import fees, and international shipping expenses, providing greater financial stability.

6. Supporting the U.S. Economy

Every partnership with an American CNC Machine shop helps strengthen local industries, create jobs, and support American workers. Choosing a domestic manufacturer means investing in innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

Final Thoughts

At Imago Manufacturing, we are committed to delivering high-quality machining solutions with precision and reliability. Whether you need custom components or large-scale production, working with an American CNC Machine shop ensures superior results and long-term value.

Ready to get started? Contact Imago Manufacturing today to discuss your next project!

Welcome to Imago Manufacturing, where precision meets passion and every project reflects a commitment to excellence. From crafting intricate aerospace components to advancing medical device technology, Imago’s state-of-the-art capabilities transform your vision into reality.

What Makes Imago Manufacturing Stand Out?

Imago Manufacturing delivers unmatched precision in CNC machining. Key factors that set Imago apart include:

• Advanced Equipment: Live tooling and 5-axis CNC machining ensure exceptional accuracy.
• Expert Team: Highly skilled machinists take personal ownership of every project.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Each part exceeds customer expectations, creating a lasting impression.

At Imago, the goal is simple: Deliver precision parts that excite customers the moment they open the box.

How 5-Axis CNC Machining Improves Efficiency and Quality

Investing in 5-axis CNC machining has transformed Imago’s production process. Benefits include:

• Enhanced Precision: Complex parts are machined in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple setups.
• Improved Efficiency: Reduced tolerance errors and faster production times.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Minimized waste and streamlined operations lower production costs.

This advanced technology enables the creation of intricate components, such as worm gears, with superior accuracy and reliability.

Ensuring Tight Tolerances for Aerospace and Medical Devices

Imago specializes in delivering high-tolerance machining solutions for industries like aerospace and medical devices. Key practices include:

• State-of-the-Art Equipment: Modern tools and machines ensure precision at every step.
• ISO-Certified Quality Management: A robust system guarantees consistency and excellence.
• Extensive Experience: Years of expertise in machining challenging materials and complex parts.

From life-saving medical devices to aerospace components, Imago ensures that every part meets stringent industry standards.

Industries and Core Strengths

Imago Manufacturing serves industries where precision is critical:

• Aerospace: High-performance components for aviation and defense systems.
• Medical Devices: Precision parts for imaging and diagnostic tools.
• Transportation & Heavy Equipment: Durable components for demanding environments.
• Firearms: Complex parts requiring meticulous craftsmanship.

Imago excels at producing complex parts with multiple features, particularly in volume production.

Commitment to Quality Assurance

Imago’s quality assurance process is driven by:

• ISO Certification: A continually refined system ensures excellence.
• Dedicated Quality Team: Every part undergoes rigorous checks before delivery.
• Collaborative Approach: Team members work together to maintain the highest standards.

This commitment ensures that every part leaving Imago’s facility reflects superior quality and precision.

New Capabilities: Laser Marking and Traceability

Imago now offers laser marking services, providing:

• Enhanced traceability for critical components.
• Compliance with strict industry standards in aerospace and electronics.

This capability adds value for customers requiring detailed part identification and tracking.

Discover the Imago Difference

Imago Manufacturing is more than a CNC machining company—it’s a trusted partner in precision manufacturing. With cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Imago delivers solutions that empower industries.

Let’s Build Something Extraordinary Together

Contact Imago Manufacturing today to discuss your next precision machining project.

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Welcome to Imago Manufacturing

At Imago Manufacturing, we are an ISO 9001:2015 certified, solar-powered precision CNC machining company in Northern Illinois. We specialize in precision CNC milling and CNC turning services, serving businesses across Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and North America. Our expertise lies in short to mid-range production machining of turned parts with milled features in a wide range of materials.

Today, let’s dive into the world of CNC broaching with live tooling and how it compares to traditional broaching methods.

What Is a Keyway?

A keyway is a small slot in a part that helps keep it from spinning on a shaft. It is commonly used in fan motors and other rotating equipment. Traditionally, a keyway is cut using a push broach and a hydraulic or arbor press, making it a good option for small production runs. However, for high-volume manufacturing, this method can be slow and inefficient.

Traditional Broaching vs. CNC Broaching with Live Tooling

Traditional broaching is great for low-volume production (1-25 parts). However, for higher volumes, CNC broaching is the best solution. At Imago Manufacturing, we run 50,000+ parts per year on our CNC lathe, which means efficiency is critical.

How CNC Broaching Works

With CNC broaching, a special cutting tool mimics the teeth of a traditional broach. Instead of manually pressing through the material, the CNC machine moves back and forth, shaving off tiny amounts until the slot is complete. This method is more efficient but can cause wear and tear on the machine.

The Power of Live Tooling

To avoid excessive wear, we use live tooling. This method features a motorized turret that spins the broaching tool, cutting much like a woodpecker pecking at wood. The benefits of live tooling include:

• Faster cycle times (reducing broaching time from 45 seconds to just 8 seconds!)
• Increased efficiency (saving time and money on high-volume production)
• Less wear on CNC machines
• Ability to create multiple keyways or splines quickly

While a live tooling broaching head costs $13,000 to $15,000, the time savings and long-term machine protection make it a great investment for high-volume production.

The Benefits of Sub Spindle CNC Machining

Another way we improve efficiency at Imago Manufacturing is with sub spindle CNC machining. A sub spindle allows us to machine both sides of a part without moving it to another machine. This reduces:

• Setup time
• Cycle time
• Human intervention

With sub spindle machining, parts come off the machine fully finished, allowing us to run parts unattended for even greater productivity.

Working with Exotic and High-Temperature Materials

At Imago Manufacturing, we are experts in machining difficult materials that many other shops avoid. Our experience includes:

• Nickel 200 (a challenging material that work-hardens quickly)
• Copper (soft but difficult to break chips)
• Stainless Steel (304, 316, 17-4)
• Manganese Steel (considered “impossible” to machine, but we do it every day!)
• High-temperature alloys (we specialize in machining materials ending in “alloy”)

Because of our advanced machine tools, specialized tooling, and expert machinists, we can handle even the toughest materials with precision and efficiency.

Laser Marking and Engraving for Part Identification

To further improve efficiency, we recently invested in a high-quality American-made laser engraving system. This allows us to:

• Engrave part numbers and serial numbers quickly and accurately
• Reduce engraving cycle time from 45 seconds to just 5 seconds
• Increase throughput by offloading marking tasks from expensive CNC machines
• Ensure traceability for high-precision parts

By removing engraving from the CNC process, we free up valuable spindle time, helping us manufacture parts faster and more cost-effectively.

Why Choose Imago Manufacturing?

At Imago Manufacturing, our team is committed to precision, efficiency, and quality. With our CNC broaching with live tooling, sub spindle machining, and laser marking capabilities, we can deliver high-quality parts at competitive prices. Whether you need high-volume production or specialized machining of exotic materials, we have the experience and technology to get the job done right.

Get in Touch!

If you need precision CNC machining, contact us today to learn how we can improve your production process, reduce cycle times, and increase profitability!