Machine builder seeks platform-agnostic precision

Mears Machine has contracted SECO Tools to develop a state-of-the-art cutting tool product and methodology for industrial and aerospace impellers.

"At Mears Machine we have a proud history of making quality aerospace impellers, but we recognize that to be competitive today and in the future, we required new platform-agnostic solutions,” said CEO James Lloyd. “The collaboration with SECO has already started with initial machining operations on both steel and titanium impellers underway, and I am very excited with the initial results. Combined with our ability to produce additive impellers in both Inco 718 and Haynes 282, we feel that we are in a great position to serve critical aerospace, defense and industrial markets."

Founded in 1966, Mears Machine is based in Avon, Indiana, west of Indianapolis, and has more than 250 pieces of manufacturing equipment including more than 100 CNC mills/lathes, 100 employees and four Velo3D Sapphire XC large platform laser powder bed printers.

Manufacturing capabilities enable production of components from 1 mm/0.040 inches to turn components up to 80 inches/2 m in diameter and 120 inches/3 m long and mill components up to 5 m/200 inches in length and include critical rotating components, casings and structures, precision components, large additive hardware and complex fabrications. The company is able to produce powder-based additive hardware that can exceed the dimensions of the build chamber within which it is printed.