Monthly Archives: July 2015

Custom Industrial Automated Equipment

The TCA Approach: Building Relationships Along with Custom Automated Solutions

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At TCA Technologies our goal is to not only deliver exceptional solutions, but also provide an unmatched level of service to our customers. We ensure each customer receives the highest level of attention and care by breaking down the project plan into a multi-step procedure. Our 7 step Approach will move the project through each stage guaranteeing the successful completion and delivery of your custom automated solution.

Custom Automation Solution Process

The TCA Approach

Step 1: Conceptualize

From our first meeting with a customer, we try to understand exactly what their needs are. We work diligently to define the scope of a project and come up with a proposal that matches their specific requirements. Once the high level concept is created, we’ll estimate the costs associated with the project to avoid any surprises down the road.

Step 2: Refine

Once we’re all on the same page, we begin putting everything in motion. Our engineering teams come together to offer insight and come up with a process development plan. Once we have concept approval, we can move onto the next steps.

Step 3: Engineer

This is where “the meeting of the minds” happens and our team comes up with mechanical, electrical, controls, and finish designs for the custom system. Once design approval is received, we finalize a production schedule, hammer out the details, and get things moving to the production stage.

Step 4: Build

And here’s where the fun really begins. After the plans and details have all been worked out we can start to manufacture the system. This involves a large amount of custom machining, assembly, wiring and piping before eventually starting up the system.

Step 5: Test

This is when we start to put the system through its paces. Functioning is simply not enough; the machine must work at optimal level with consistent and repeatable results. If there are any issues, this is the time to find and address them.

Step 6: Install

The moment our customers have been waiting for. Once all of the bugs are found and fixed we can safely install the system at their facilities. A team of skilled technicians will come to your location for system installation and help get everything up and running at optimal levels. We’ll also provide detailed training so that whoever is operating and maintaining this equipment will be able to do so safely and properly.

Step 7: Support

Our relationship with our customers doesn’t stop just because an order is completed. If there are any questions or problems that come up later, we’re always available to help. We offer 24/7 support to ensure that even if something happens during third shift, someone will be on hand to talk you through it.

Stay tuned for next month’s blog when we detail how we can help customers with their manufacturing process development.

 

 

 

Composites

Are You Aware of the Composites All Around You?

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When many people hear the term, “composite materials,” their eyes glaze over a bit. But for professionals like us, who create automated equipment for composite extrusions and molding, composites are just another material we see on a daily basis – and not just in the shop. See which common items are now being made with composite materials.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the highest trafficked areas in a house, so take a good look around and see if you can spot any composites in yours. In addition to natural stone and laminate countertops, solid surface countertops, which is a fancy term for composites, are gaining popularity in the kitchen. Because these countertops can be custom mixed and molded, homeowners have many more color options than they would have with a natural stone. And unlike laminate, the countertop will be seamless. So, are your countertops composite?

In Your Pocket

Wherever you go, you’re likely taking one device with you – your cell phone. It’s your personal assistant, portable note pad, and connection to all the world’s information. And because it’s so important, you probably want to protect it. Composite cell phone cases can put up with just about anything, which is why they’ve become so popular. When’s the last time you saw a naked cell phone? If you can’t remember, you can likely thank those composite cell phone covers.

On the Field

Are you a fan of field hockey? If so, you’re looking at a field full of composites every time you watch a game. Though early hockey stick models were made from wood, modern hockey sticks are made from composite materials. The new sticks are lighter than their wood counterparts and less flexible, which provides players with more power. There are a few different material options including fiberglass, carbon fiber, and aramid fiber (Kevlar), each with its own unique benefits.

On Your Commute

Whether you’re driving to your destination or taking a plane, you’re definitely benefiting from composites somewhere along the journey. Cars are increasingly being made with newer, lighter composite materials to boost efficiency. And aircraft manufacturers are taking note and investing in more material research as well. But more than just the vehicle body, many interior components are already being crafted with this multi-purpose material.

As you look around and take an inventory of everything around you, how many items can you spot that are made of composites? Let us know in the comments, or take a picture and share it with us on Twitter.