[JVN]

On Wednesday at 2PM I sent 75 distinct parts (not counting multiples of the same part) to our sheet metal shop. This represents a new record for any team that has built out of our shop.

To fabricate these parts in the quantities we requested the shop will use 18 4'x8' sheets of metal (0.625" thick, 0.090" thick, and 0.125" thick.)

The total run time to laser/punch these parts is approximately 24 hours. Most of this run time will be done during off-hours.

All the parts will be delivered on Friday evening before the Robowrangler's Saturday meeting.

We love having the unconditional support and sponsorship of Innovation First. We love getting "above and beyond" support from the folks over at Metal Solutions. We love having the ability to run our team in a way that focuses on student prototyping and design such that we can spend lots of time thinking, and only a little time building. We are spoiled, and we know it.

I know the 148 students love touring the Metal Solutions facility and learning more about sheet metal. I've had the opportunity to take a few guests through the shop as well (I think Meredith Novak knows more about sheet metal then she EVER wanted to know.) We thought that some people within the community would enjoy learning a bit more about this great manufacturing technique.

Enjoy!
-John

PS - If you ever visit Greenville, TX -- call me up and I'll get you a tour.