TOP SHOPS

Published 11/1/2017

Top Shops Profile: XL Machine

XL Machine Co. Inc. was 2017's Top Shops Honors Program winner in the category of machining technology.

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Derek Korn

Executive Editor, Modern Machine Shop

XL Machine has more than 75 machine tools, including HMCs, five-axis machines, turn/mills and more.

Each of XL Machines’ more than 20 HMCs can hold tolerances of ±0.002 mm. They are used to perform both true four-axis machining and “4+1” positioning work.

The shop’s four Okuma five-axis milling centers have work areas ranging to 18" × 30". The 15,000-rpm machines are also equipped with tool center point control capability, touch probes, tool breakage detection and collision avoidance systems.

XL Machine has nine coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and is registered to the ISO/TS 16949 automotive standard.

XL Machine is this year’s Top Shops Honors Program winner in the machining technology category. The shop has more than 75 CNC machine tools in its Three Rivers, Michigan, facility that are well-suited for prototypes, tooling, low to medium volume production runs and specialty production runs. This includes advanced equipment such as HMCs, five-axis machines, turn/mills and a universal grinding machine. Many of these are fitted with features such as touch probes, tool setting probes, quick-change fixturing, magnetic chucks, high-pressure through-tool coolant delivery and collision avoidance systems.

Founded in 1976, XL Machine began as a quality, prototype machine shop. Today, this core function is paired with a more complete, large-capacity production facility. The shop believes its ability to invest in new technology continues to provide the leading-edge capabilities necessary to distinguish itself from its competitors.