What is a CNC machining center?

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining center is a highly automated, computer-controlled manufacturing tool used to perform various machining operations such as milling, drilling, and turning. These machines crank out complex components with minimal human oversight. With the ability to accommodate multiple tools and operate across multiple axes, CNC machining centers are all about adaptability and speed.

What is tool and die manufacturing?

Tool and die manufacturing provides the precision tools industries need to turn imagination into tangible results. With these tools, raw materials get a total makeover, emerging as sleek, high-quality products. Whether it's a precision aircraft part or a critical car component, skilled tool and die makers expertly operate advanced equipment, including grinders and lathes, to bring complex designs to life for industries that demand perfection. Crafting this workpiece from scratch calls for a rare blend of material know-how, sharp engineering instincts, and finesse on the machining floor.

How does plastic injection molding work?

To produce precise plastic parts, manufacturers turn to a time-tested process: injecting hot plastic into a custom-made mold that cools and solidifies the material. First, plastic pellets are heated to their melting point, transforming into a liquid state. The molten plastic is then injected with high pressure into the mold cavity. After cooling and solidifying, the mold is opened to eject the finished part. Mass-producing plastic components is a breeze with this process, thanks to its lightning-fast speed, pinpoint accuracy, and incredible shape-shifting abilities.

How do you become a tool and die maker?

A combination of book smarts, on-the-job training, and getting your hands dirty is typically what it takes to make it as a tool and die maker. Many start by completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by enrolling in a vocational school or technical college program specializing in machining, manufacturing, or engineering. To become a skilled tool and die maker, there's no substitute for the combo of in-class instruction and real-world training that apprenticeships offer. Want to supercharge your career? Top-notch CNC machining, CAD software, and metallurgy training can bring you up to speed - and make you a more attractive candidate.

How much does CNC machining cost?

Material selection, part design, machine runtime, labor expenses, and production quantities all play a role in determining the final cost of CNC machining. Simple parts with short machining times may cost as little as a few dollars per unit, while complex, highly precise components can range from tens to hundreds of dollars per piece. Custom prototypes typically cost more than mass-produced parts due to setup and programming expenses. For an accurate estimate, manufacturers usually request a CAD design and material specifications.

Tool & Die Manufacturing in Jamestown, NY: Supporting Local Industry Since 1970

Feb 15

Written By KIM RIEHLE

For over five decades, Barton Tool has been a cornerstone of manufacturing in Jamestown, New York. Since opening our doors in 1970, we've had the privilege of supporting local industry with precision tool and die manufacturing services. Our story is intertwined with the history of Western New York manufacturing, and our commitment to this community remains as strong today as it was when we first began.

A Legacy Rooted in Manufacturing Excellence

Jamestown has a proud manufacturing heritage stretching back to the 19th century. When Barton Tool was founded in 1970, the region's manufacturing sector was evolving, and there was a clear need for high-quality tool and die services to support local industry.

Our founders understood that manufacturers needed a reliable local partner who could deliver precision tooling quickly and cost-effectively. That convenience, combined with exceptional quality, became the foundation of our business.

What Tool & Die Manufacturing Means

Tool and die manufacturing is the backbone of production manufacturing. Dies are specialized tools used to cut, shape, or form materials into specific configurations. Stamping dies cut and form sheet metal into parts. Forging dies shape heated metal under extreme pressure. Injection molds form plastic parts. Each of these tools must be manufactured to exacting standards because any imperfection will be replicated in every part produced.

The "tool" side of our business encompasses jigs, fixtures, gauges, and custom cutting tools. These devices ensure that parts are machined, assembled, or inspected consistently and accurately. A well-designed fixture can reduce setup time, improve quality, and increase throughput dramatically.

Creating these precision tools requires a unique combination of skills. Our tool and die makers must be able to read complex blueprints, understand manufacturing processes, select appropriate materials, and employ various machining and finishing techniques. It's a craft that takes years to master and requires continuous learning as technologies evolve.

Serving Jamestown's Industrial Community

Over the past 54 years, we've worked with manufacturers across Western New York and beyond. Our customer base spans automotive suppliers, furniture manufacturers, agricultural equipment makers, and specialized machine builders. Many of these relationships have lasted decades.

Local manufacturers appreciate having a tool and die shop they can visit in person when a production line goes down because of a broken die or worn fixture; proximity matters. We've received emergency calls on Friday afternoons and worked through weekends to get customers back in production by Monday morning.

We also serve as a resource for local companies exploring new product development. Our engineering team can help design tooling to optimize manufacturability and reduce production costs.

Our Tool & Die Capabilities

Barton Tool maintains a complete range of equipment for tool and die manufacturing. Our CNC wire EDM machines can cut intricate profiles in hardened tool steel with tolerances measured in ten-thousandths of an inch. This capability is essential for producing stamping dies with complex geometries or tight clearances.

Our conventional and CNC milling equipment handles everything from roughing out die blocks to finishing precision surfaces. We can machine cavities, pockets, and contours in materials ranging from aluminum to carbide. Our surface grinders produce the flat, parallel surfaces that dies require for proper function and long life.

Heat treatment is a critical aspect of tool and die work. We work with local heat-treating specialists to ensure dies are properly hardened and tempered for their intended applications. Proper heat treatment can mean the difference between a die that produces 10,000 parts and one that produces 100,000.

For plastic injection molds, we offer complete mold-making services including cavity and core machining, cooling channel drilling, and polishing. We understand the relationship between mold design, material selection, and part quality. Our experience helps customers avoid common pitfalls that can lead to costly redesigns.

Repair and Maintenance Services

Tool and die maintenance is an ongoing necessity for manufacturers. Even the best-designed dies eventually wear and require reconditioning. We provide comprehensive repair services to extend the productive life of tooling. Our team can assess worn dies, determine the most cost-effective repair approach, and restore them to like-new condition.

Preventive maintenance is equally important. We work with customers to establish maintenance schedules that minimize downtime and maximize tool life.

Adapting to Changing Industry Needs

The manufacturing landscape has changed dramatically since 1970. Computer-aided design and manufacturing have revolutionized how we approach tool and die work. What once required days of manual calculations and setup can now be programmed and simulated digitally before any metal is cut.

We've invested steadily in technology while maintaining the craftsmanship that has always defined quality tool-and-die work. Our machinists use CAD/CAM software to program complex tool paths, but they also understand the fundamentals of speeds, feeds, and cutting theory that no software can replace.

The materials we work with have evolved as well. High-performance tool steels, carbide inserts, and specialized coatings allow modern tooling to withstand higher production volumes and more demanding applications than their predecessors. We stay current with material developments to recommend the best options for each application.

Training the Next Generation

One of our responsibilities as a long-established manufacturer is to develop the next generation of skilled workers. We've partnered with local technical schools to support machining and manufacturing programs. Several of our current employees started as interns or apprentices and have grown into skilled tool makers.

We're committed to providing training opportunities that attract talented young people to manufacturing careers. Our investment in modern equipment makes the work more interesting and rewarding while maintaining the craftsmanship traditions that define quality tool-and-die work.

Looking Toward the Future

As we look beyond our 54th year in business, we see opportunities to expand our capabilities and better serve manufacturers. Advanced technologies like additive manufacturing present both challenges and opportunities for traditional tool and die shops.

What won't change is our commitment to quality, service, and the local manufacturing community. The relationships we've built over five decades are based on trust, reliability, and mutual success.

Your Local Tool & Die Partner

Whether you need new production tooling, emergency repairs, or engineering support for a new product launch, Barton Tool brings over 50 years of experience to every project. As a locally owned and operated business, we're invested in your success and in the continued vitality of manufacturing in Western New York.

Contact Barton Tool today to discuss your tool and die manufacturing needs. Speak with our team about how we can support your next project.

KIM RIEHLE