Ichor Systems, a designer and manufacturer of subsystems and components for semiconductor equipment, needed to keep up with unprecedented demand. Working with Concept, Ichor leveraged new CNC mills to increase automation, decrease scrap, and increase throughput. This success led Ichor to further expand its capabilities and capacity, backed by Concept’s partnership and service.
Challenge
With a global shortage of semiconductors leading to record demand, all departments at Ichor were operating at full throttle. The manufacturing team was unable to hire enough skilled workers, and backlogs were an ongoing challenge. To further add to their stress, their Northern Minnesota plant had limited room for expansion.
Solution
The Ichor team decided to explore a change in machining strategy and evaluate newer technology that would improve their machining capabilities. They approached Concept on a fact-finding mission and found the Concept team to be responsive, open, and solutions-oriented. After understanding Ichor’s challenges, Concept introduced the team to Kitamura’s horizontal mills. With high RPM spindles and fast traverse rates, these mills could provide Ichor with the advantages of high-speed milling. The Kitamura mills also offered a small footprint and tool expansion capabilities, both critical in Ichor’s space-constrained plant.
Although the Ichor engineers expected a steep learning curve, the Concept team made implementation of the new mills nearly seamless. Early on, when operators needed guidance on the new machines’ controls and messages, Concept’s applications team stepped in quickly to ensure smooth adoption, allowing the team to avoid downtime.
Guided by the Concept team, Ichor has leveraged the new mills to increase automation, decrease scrap, and increase throughput. As a result, Operations can run manufacturing cells with fewer and less experienced machinists. Sr. Manufacturing Manager at Ichor, Rich Novak, explained the significance of partnering with Concept. “Working with the Concept team, I realized the value of outstanding vendor relationships. I trust the Concept team to candidly help me find the best solutions for our needs.”
Backed by confidence in Concept’s high-quality product offerings, unparalleled service, and trusted partnership, Ichor has continued to expand its capabilities and capacity.