As global industry grows, new challenges emerge. From production delays, manufacturing and materials shortages, to counterfeit parts, it often seems that obstacles are keeping pace with advancement. At Boker’s, Inc., we know that OEMs and their supply chain demand manufacturing partnerships with the highest levels of precision, quality management and performance, with a strong understanding of unique industry-specific requirements. Here’s what to look for when selecting a stamped components provider and how Boker’s stacks up.
Industry experience
Experience cannot be emphasized enough. Boker’s has been in the business of stamping components since 1919. Today, Boker’s continues to meet the evolving challenges of global industries as a best-in-class manufacturer of fastening components including custom washers, spacers, shims, precision stampings and other complex stamped components. Additionally, Boker’s works with OEMs and their various tiers of manufacturing providers, helping to efficiently solve product engineering challenges quickly.
Quality and compliance standards
Boker’s Quality Management System is certified to both AS 9100:2016 as well as ISO 9001:2015, and can comply with DFARS and RoHS, with the ability to manufacture to customer provided NAS, MIL spec and a variety of other standards.
Manufacturing agility and readiness
A highly qualified provider should maintain the highest levels of production readiness, with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and capacity. Boker’s meets these qualifications. Along with immediate access to over 2,000 commonly specified and hard-to-find materials, maintenance of over 32,000 stock tools that eliminate tooling charges, and customization options, Boker’s facilitates millions of possibilities in non-standard flat washers, spacers, shims and complex stampings.
Manufacturing range and tolerances
Capabilities and range must meet your specific manufacturing requirements, and not all providers are equal in this regard. Boker’s focuses on precision custom washers in outside diameters ranging from .080” to 12”, with material thickness as low as 0.005”. Boker’s custom stamping offering includes flat blanking and piercings in sizes up to 12” x 12”, metal forming in thicknesses from .005” to .190” (varies by material) and draws up to 3” deep and 8” in diameter.
Materials availability
To meet varying performance requirements from extreme temperatures, corrosion resistance to high strength-to-weight ratios, a wide range of available materials are a must. Boker’s metallic materials include low-carbon sheet steel, numerous super alloys, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and nickel silver. Non-metallic materials include ABS, acetal, polyester, nylon, MD nylon, polycarbonate, fiber, polyethylene and NEMA grade laminates. In all, over 2,000 stock material choices.
Secondary operations
Achieving the standards and tolerances you need starts with manufacturing and ends with secondary operations. Boker’s employs advanced secondary and finishing operations including deburring, tapping, reaming, counterboring, spotfacing and metrology services, plus availability of heat treating, plating and non-destructive testing services.
Custom capabilities, technologies, supply chain and QA
A principal consideration is the provider’s custom manufacturing capabilities and their structure for performance. Boker’s offers expedited custom design capabilities with multiple in-house technological advantages, including the tight tolerances of wire EDM-produced tooling, complete Statistical Process Control (SPC) and 3D rapid prototyping capabilities to validate designs.
Combined with industry-leading manufacturing capabilities and capacity, JIT and Dock-To-Stock inventory options, a dedicated quality assurance team, and the experience of over 100 years in operation, Boker’s is among a select group of stamped components manufacturing partners that meets the stringent demands of today’s global manufacturing companies.
