Happy New Year 2013

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

May this New Year
Bring you Happiness, Peace, and Hope,
Fill your Home with Joy and Spirit,
And May God Bless you with Love and Care.

Happy New Year from all of us at Astro.

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Sheet Metal Fabrication for Electronic Enclosures

As the electronics industry continues to proliferate, there is a corresponding demand for individual components such as electronic enclosures. Engineering firms and electronic assemblers looking for high-grade custom enclosures have benefitted from the services of Astro Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc.

Though these firms have access to cheaper alternatives that are manufactured offshore, they continue to partner with Astro simply because our custom products are intelligently engineered and high on the durability factor. This has been achieved through Astro’s expertise in sheet metal fabrication techniques. We manufacture electronic enclosures to hold each and every tolerance to customer specifications.

We employ advanced machinery to carry out stainless steel fabrication processes such as CNC punching, laser cutting and forming to rapidly fabricate steel, stainless steel, or aluminum enclosures.

If you are an engineering firm or electronic assembler, here’s what you can expect from our sheet metal fabrication services:

• Our services are most compatible with companies that need a very specific enclosure in lot sizes of 20 to 1000.
• We can rapidly make a prototype before initiating a new production run. Once we complete the first production run, we can offer repeated runs for your custom electronic enclosures.
• Our rich experience and knowledge of bend allowance is a strength for us. This lends a proper fit and neat finish to each enclosure.
• In addition to metal fabrication services, we can also provide you with painting or silk screening services through our well-established partner network.

To contact us for a quick quote on our sheet metal fabrication services, please visit the Astro Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. website www.astroeng.com.

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Offering 20% Off Laser Cutting and Quick Turn-Around

For first time new orders for a limited time, up to $1500 off

Our New Laser Up is and Running! Are you experiencing a 2 -3 week wait for your laser parts? Right now we have time available on this laser, so we can offer a short lead time AND a great price. Our new software, Radan, is installed, our programmer, Tony, is programming parts. The guys are ready to cut, and also form parts. And in case you weren’t aware, we are 51% woman owned and can help you fulfill your diversity goals. Call or send your prints today to find out how you can save money, and get your parts faster.

Don’t need custom laser cutting now? CLICK HERE to enter a drawing for $500 of FREE LASER CUTTING! For more information please visit us at http://www.astroeng.com

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Astro Engineering Increases Laser Cutting Capacity

We are excited to announce the purchase of a Mazak Super Turbo 2500 Laser with a load/unload system

Faster cutting + Thicker metal =  Lower cost laser parts, Faster turn-around, Larger variety.

This increases our capacity for laser cutting services both in volume due to higher speed cutting, as well as increased thickness of metal that can be cut with the added power. We now can cut thickness of up to 3/8" Stainless Steel, 3/4" Carbon Steel, and 1/4" Aluminum. The photo of the laser parts shows a few laser cut pieces we have done in the past. Our newer laser is in the final stages of installation and we plan to be cutting parts on the new machine by the second week of September. The automated load/unload system greatly enhances our volume output and allows lights-out operation for more cost savings. Send us your project for a free quote today!

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Thermal Augers

Thermal augers are especially important to the food industry and the bio-energy pioneers.  They are most often built with stainless steel fabricators, but sometimes carbon steel. The purpose of thermal auger to bring the material moved by the auger to a desired temperature. Thermal auger systems can be made to eitherheat or chill the product going through it. Food processors often like to keep their ingredients to a semi- frozen state, so a chilled conveying system is found most beneficial, however cheese manufacturers find a heated auger useful for moving and compressing cheese as it’s made.

Those companies involved in the production of bio-energy are looking to us to help on both their heating and cooling needs. At this time, Astro is able to provide augers that can attain temperatures between 32 and 500 degrees F.  and a diameter range of 6” to 24”.  We can also provide variable pitches, a variety of jackets and other components of a screw conveyor system.    

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Ornamental Railing for Minneapolis Light Rail Project

Ornamental Railing for Minneapolis Light Rail Project

Astro fabricated this carbon steel railing for this bridge that was built over 35W for the new Central Corridor Light Rail Train connecting Minneapolis and St Paul. This is a heavy duty railing built to Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) standards. The project began with drafting, then following print approval, we brought in domestic steel tubing and plate. Next there was saw cutting, some custom laser cutting, and lots and lots of MIG welding, interspersed by inspections by MnDOT.

In order to be awarded a MnDOT project, a company must be a certified vendor of MnDOT. Astro went through the process and was approved for certification in 2009. The certification process is quite rigorous, similar to ISO certification. Welding certifications, inspections, material certifications, and other aspects that pertain to producing a top-notch quality product are all addressed in our Quality Control Manual. We continue to keep our certification by partaking in biennial audits by MnDOT.

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Stainless Steel Railings for Train Stations

Stainless Steel Railings for Train Stations

This trailer load of stainless steel railing railings are packed and ready to head down to their installation location on the stations for the Light Rail Project for the Central Corridor. They are made of 316 stainless steel with a #4 brushed finish. We’re starting with ½” domestic bar stock, then cutting, polishing, machining and welding the bars to end up with a finished rail. There will be copper infill panels that will fill the interior opening.

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Metal Fabrication for the Light Rail Industry

Over a year ago, it started with our engineers designing the right gauge tie for the specifications and putting in a bid for the job. In 2011, we were awarded a contract to manufacture the leveling gauge ties for the new light rail train for the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota. The gauge tie is a great fit for the metal fabrication equipment we have at Astro. The metal used is carbon steel and fabrication for the tie involves shearing, punching, forming, welding, and assembly. The purpose of the gauge tie is to hold the rails of the train in place before the concrete gets poured. We'll be making about 10,000 pieces for this order.

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