At Kremin Inc., a leading force in Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing, our mission is to deliver precision, reliability, and innovation on every project. While our unmatched capabilities in screw-machined mechanical parts for the aerospace industry remain the cornerstone of our offering, we’ve never rested on our laurels.
Recently, we ventured into a new frontier: robotic automation. Let me walk you through our decision-making process, the deployment of the Load & Go system, and how it aligns with our commitment to serving the aerospace and defense sectors—and beyond.
Why Consider Automation at Kremin?
Traditional CNC workflows are highly efficient—but as demand increases and projects become more complex, finding ways to optimize productivity while upholding exacting standards becomes paramount.
As Mike Grossi, owner and president, noted:
“We were concerned about programming, maintenance, cost, and whether a robot would even improve our workflow given our current automation systems.”
That caution reflected a deep responsibility to our customers—especially those in aerospace and defense, where tight tolerances and zero-defect expectations are the norm.
Setting the Stage: Choosing the Right Automation System
We chose the Load & Go series from Automation Within Reach. After evaluating our needs and the system’s capabilities, we moved forward—balancing innovation and practicality in a way that meets the high standards of Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing.
Here’s what we learned during the implementation:
- Programming & Setup
Initially, we worried about the learning curve. But the transition was seamless—our Automation Within Reach partner handled installation and setup end-to-end, simplifying the process and letting our team stay focused on precision machining. - Maintenance & Support
Post-installation, we trusted that support would be a new challenge. Instead, the experience exceeded our expectations. The robot has operated flawlessly, and the team’s remote support—connecting through the cloud—has kept us running smoothly with minimal disruption. - Investment vs. Return
The system cost was around $80,000—not insignificant, but less than anticipated. More importantly, we gained capacity and uptime. For projects requiring high-volume production of screw-machined mechanical parts for the aerospace industry, the investment quickly paid for itself through increased throughput and reduced labor overhead. - Workflow Integration
Our shop was already equipped with bar feeders and part unload systems. The Load & Go didn’t replace these—it complemented them, especially for handling larger parts where automation significantly reduced handling errors and backups.
Two additional observations shaped our operational insights:
- The system’s open layout meant it operated at just 25% of maximum speed due to floor sensors—this is a trade-off between safety and speed.
- We noted that a fully enclosed system would allow faster cycle times, but our layout prioritized accessibility and flexibility for operators.
Automation in Action: Real Results for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
By integrating the Load & Go robot, Kremin Inc. unlocked significant advantages:
- Consistent part quality & reduced handling damage—critical for aerospace components that require uncompromised precision and traceability.
- Expanded production capacity—ideal for supplying screw-machined mechanical parts for the aerospace industry under tight deadlines.
- Improved labor allocation, freeing skilled operators to focus on set-up, inspection, and complex jobs rather than repetitive feeding tasks.
- Scalable automation—proof that robotics, when thoughtfully implemented, can elevate both productivity and quality commitment.
A Reflection on Core Values and Strategic Growth
This project wasn’t just about technology—it exemplified our core values, including:
- Say Yes to Hard Things: Embracing robotic automation showcases our willingness to invest in growth, challenge norms, and innovate beyond conventional capabilities.
- Get It Done: From selection to integration, the Load & Go project epitomizes execution, quick learning, and results.
- Crave Knowledge: Leveraging automation and connectivity bolsters skill development for our team—and positions us as forward-thinking partners in aerospace and defense.
Project Recap: Key Benefits for Aerospace & Defense Operations
| Benefit | Impact on Kremin Inc. & Customers |
|---|---|
| Enhanced throughput | More parts delivered faster, maintaining high-quality standards |
| Reduced manual handling | Lower risk of damage, improved repeatability, and consistency |
| Cost-effective automation | ROI achieved through increased capacity and optimized labor allocation |
| Operational flexibility | Accommodated diverse part sizes and process needs without disrupting existing workflow |
| Future-proofing technology | Foundation laid for future automation and scalability |
A Glimpse Ahead: Automation as a Catalyst for Growth
Here’s where this project takes us:
- Scalable Automation: We plan to expand robotic automation to additional cells, increasing load capacity and efficiency.
- Lights-Out Capabilities: With enhanced safety and enclosures, we’re moving toward runtimes beyond business hours—an advantage for demanding aerospace schedules.
- Data-Driven Processes: Cloud connectivity, tool monitoring, and automation analytics offer new avenues for predictive maintenance and production optimization.
Closing Thoughts
At Kremin Inc., we believe progress starts with purpose, and innovation scaffolds excellence. Our Load & Go integration isn’t just about deploying a new tool—it reinforces our mission in Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing: delivering precision parts, like screw-machined components, efficiently and reliably.
Whether you’re scaling production of aerospace-critical parts or exploring how automation can boost your operational performance, our team is ready to collaborate. Together, we can embrace automation while preserving the craftsmanship and quality that define Kremin Inc.
Let’s build the future—one precision-engineered part at a time.