Dimension’s Horizontal Machining Center “Does More With Less”

In early years, word got out quickly about Dimension Machine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their reputation for delivering fast turnarounds and exceptional service kept customers coming back for more. When their business began to grow, Dimension expanded capacity by buying more CNC machines. When they got busier, they bought another machine. As their shop filled up and they planned an expansion, they asked themselves: “how can we do more with less?”

Making the Most of Spindles – Without the Most Spindles

Dimension owner Don Barth had an a-ha moment when he heard a presentation by then-Okuma president Larry Schwartz. “Larry talked about spindle utilization,” says Don. “I was stunned by one simple fact: the average spindle utilization on a vertical machining center is around 33%; while a horizontal machining center typically achieves spindle utilization of over 80%. At that point, I jumped in with both feet.”

Dimension expanded their facility and brought in an Okuma MB-5000H horizontal machining center with an 8-station pallet pool, allowing then to run 10 different jobs at the same time on one spindle, instead of using multiple CNC machines. Now they can also do lights out CNC machining, allowing for more production hours in a day. By “doing more with less” Dimension is growing their business while remaining competitive in their market.

Watch this short video and see how Dimension is transforming the technology in their shop.

[For more information, read the entire Dimension Machine Case Study.]