Billing itself as possibly the world''s first online factory, eMachineShop enables any company, organization, or individual to design, price, and order any mechanical part. From initial contact to placing an order, the entire process can take as little as 15 minutes.
"Whether you are designing a new part or need more of an existing part, getting custom parts is time consuming and costly," says Jim Lewis, eMachineShop president. "Until now, you had to buy and learn expensive and complex CAD software, make technical drawings, locate a machine shop, find a way to transmit the drawings to the machine shop, discuss the design with an accomplished machinist, sift through numerous price quotations, and eventually get your part -- often paying much more than necessary while adding weeks of delay."
eMachineShop At-a-Glance
To begin, users download eMachineShop''s free CAD software. During the design phase, eMachineShop''s automated machining expert analyzes the shape, material, and finish to keep the user informed of any physical limitations, thereby making it easy for engineers and non-technical people to design parts successfully.
A built-in software expert system provides step-by-step guidance through the process, often eliminating the need for expensive engineering support and associated delays, saving time and money. For example, if a sheet metal bend is too close to an edge, the software will advise the user in seconds.
A 3D preview helps with visualization of the final part before ordering. From the customer''s screen to delivery at the customer''s door, eMachineShop takes care of everything transparently. "Although not as fast, it''s almost like the transporter in Star Trek," said Lewis.
eMachineShop currently offers CNC milling, turning, punching, blanking, laser cutting, plastic extrusion, thermoforming, tapping, bending, water jet cutting, and wire EDM, and will soon add injection molding. Surface finishes include brushing, plating, powder coating, anodizing, polishing, grinding, and more. Materials include a broad selection of metals, plastics, woods, composites, and others.
"Whether for a new invention, an existing product or construction of a space rocket, eMachineShop revolutionizes the whole process," Lewis commented. "In just its first two quarters of operation, eMachineShop has produced parts for electronic panels, enclosures, signs, scientific devices, parts for airplanes, cars, motorcycles and trucks, ocean buoys, sensor mechanics and cameras."