D&S Manufacturing is proud to announce that its newest piece of fabrication equipment, an Okuma MCR-A5CII Bridge Mill, is up and running in their plant. A team of employee owners conducted the research that led to choosing the Okuma unit after they determined that an existing VMC needed to be replaced with a significantly larger unit. Their goal was to increase capacity and capabilities.

Through their research the team polled current customers and other Okuma users who reported excellent experiences with their units. Furthermore, the Okuma control interface was preferred by D&S operators, who were represented on the team.

A major benefit of the Okuma unit is increased capabilities.  It also offers a significantly larger part envelope with a table capacity of 200” x 100” and a maximum work piece height of 70”.  D&S will be able to offer additional services by machining taller parts.  Additionally, “this new unit is paired with a 10 ton crane allowing us to fully utilize its maximum workpeice weight capacity.” explained John Gulso, Operations Manager. 
 Along with the larger part envelope, the 5 side capable bridge mill is significantly faster, increasing capacity.  “This is a heavier, more rigid machine, allowing us to remove more metal per pass, cutting at a faster rate without flexing or deflecting” explained Gulso.  Efficiencies are also gained through the use of a multi positioning right angle head attachment allowing for machining on 5 sides with only 1 set up.  
The unit has been installed in the recently completed 9,300 square foot building addition.  The addition was necessitated by the expansive new Okuma unit which is significantly larger that the VMC it replaced.  A pit was integrated into design of the addition to make the table height level with the floor.  This design enhances safety and allows for ease of access. 
Since 1965, ISO 9001:2008 certified D&S Manufacturing has served as a custom manufacturer of exceptional quality large scale components, assemblies, and complete weldments.  Our customers include Caterpillar, Oshkosh Corporation, Parkson, The Trane Company and CNH.   Capabilities include: laser, high definition plasma, and oxy-fuel cutting; vertical and horizontal machining; and manual and robotic welding. Additionally, we offer liquid spray painting, powder coating, shot blasting, assembly and testing. Our dedicated and highly skilled workforce live a commitment to superior project management, exceptional quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement, empowering our employee owned company to live its slogan, D&S ….Solid™.
 
For more information, please contact John Barkley, Vice President and General Manager, D&S Manufacturing, P. O. Box 279, Black River Falls, WI, 54615, phone 715-284-5376, ext. 307 or fax 715-284-4084. Send e-mails to jbarkley@dsmfg.com, and visit D&S Manufacturing’s Web site at www.dsmfg.com.