THE CHALLENGE Little Lakes Machine & Tool of Stratford, Ontario, specializes in custom tooling for powdered metal parts. Most of the materials used in the company’s tools are of the 55 HRc and 65 HRc varieties—work that is not easily accomplished by most shops. The process is used to produce power transmission components, structural shapes and aerospace brackets. The company wanted to improve hard milling accuracy and nishes. It also needed technology to handle small, intricate parts for a new business opportunity. THE SOLUTION Little Lakes purchased a Makino V33 vertical machining center after Makino’s successful performance with a part that the company had sent out for competitive testing. After it experienced solid results with the V33 on its shop oor, Little Lakes purchased a M

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