ASX Composites & Starrett Precision Tools: A Perfect Match for Demanding Applications

ASX Composites LLC, based in Bothell, Washington, isn't a name everyone immediately recognizes, but if you’re involved in demanding industries like aerospace, defense, or high-performance automotive, chances are our materials are already playing a role. We're a leading manufacturer of high-performance composite materials – think super strong, incredibly lightweight stuff. We specialize in prepregs, which are basically fabrics already infused with resin, ready to be molded into complex shapes. We also offer film adhesives, tooling prepregs, and a whole range of other advanced materials. You can reach us at 116 223rd St SE, Bothell, WA, 98021-8317, or give us a call at 248-386-3075. But making great materials is only half the battle. You need the right tools to work with them. And that’s where Starrett Precision Tools comes in. The Challenge: Precision with Advanced Composites Working with composite materials isn’t like working with metal. They’re often softer, more prone to delamination (layers separating), and require incredibly precise cutting, measuring, and inspection. Traditional tools can struggle, leading to wasted material, inaccurate parts, and ultimately, compromised performance. Think about it: you’re building parts for airplanes, race cars, or even medical devices – there’s zero room for error. We've been talking to our customers – the fabricators, the engineers, the folks actually making things – and one thing came up repeatedly: the need for tools specifically designed for composite materials. They were frustrated with tools that chipped, tore, or just couldn't deliver the accuracy they needed. ASX Composites & Starrett: A Collaboration Built on Quality That’s why we've been working closely with Starrett, a name synonymous with precision measurement and tooling for over 140 years. Starrett isn't just making tools; they're crafting instruments with a legacy of quality. We realized that combining our advanced composite materials expertise with Starrett's tooling precision was a game-changer. “We’ve always prided ourselves on providing materials that push the boundaries of what’s possible,” explains [Insert ASX Composites Spokesperson Name/Title]. “But even the best materials are only as good as the tools used to process them. Partnering with Starrett allows us to offer a complete solution, ensuring our customers achieve the best possible results.” What Tools are We Talking About? The collaboration isn't about just slapping a label on existing tools. Starrett has specifically engineered a range of products optimized for working with composites. Here’s a breakdown of some key offerings: Starrett Composite Cutting Tools: These aren’t your standard metal cutting blades. They’re specifically designed with geometries and coatings to minimize chipping, delamination, and fuzzing when cutting carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other composite fabrics. Think incredibly sharp, smooth cuts, and less material waste. We’ve seen significant improvements in edge quality with these blades. Starrett Dial Indicators & Test Indicators: Accurate measurement is crucial for ensuring parts meet tight tolerances. Starrett's precision indicators, when used with the right composite-friendly accessories (like non-marring points), allow for detailed inspection and quality control without damaging the delicate composite surfaces. This is particularly important for complex geometries and thin-walled structures. Starrett Digital Calipers & Height Gauges: Digital precision makes quick, accurate measurements a breeze. We've tested these on a variety of composite laminates, and the results are consistently impressive. The digital readouts minimize errors and streamline the inspection process. Starrett Protractors & Angle Finders: Getting angles right is critical for composite layups and tooling. Starrett's protractors offer exceptional accuracy and ease of use, ensuring precise alignment and consistent results. Specialized Composite Measurement Accessories: Beyond the core tools, Starrett has developed a range of accessories – like non-marring tips, specialized jaws, and flexible probes – designed specifically for working with composite materials. Real-World Benefits: What Our Customers Are Saying We’ve been beta testing these tools with several key customers, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “[Customer Name], a leading aerospace component manufacturer, told us, "We were constantly battling delamination and edge damage when cutting our carbon fiber prepregs. The Starrett composite blades have completely eliminated those issues. It’s a significant improvement in our workflow and material utilization.” Another customer, [Customer Name] in the automotive racing industry, noted, "The precision of the Starrett digital calipers has allowed us to consistently meet the incredibly tight tolerances required for our composite body panels. We’ve seen a reduction in rework and improved overall part quality." Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Innovation This collaboration between ASX Composites and Starrett is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing to innovate and develop new materials and tools that meet the evolving needs of the composite industry. We’re currently exploring new coating technologies for our composite cutting tools and developing advanced measurement techniques for complex composite structures. "We believe that by combining our expertise, we can help our customers unlock the full potential of composite materials," says [Insert Starrett Spokesperson Name/Title]. "This isn’t just about selling tools; it’s about providing solutions that help our customers build better, more efficient, and more reliable products." Where to Learn More: To learn more about ASX Composites and our range of high-performance composite materials, visit our website at [Insert ASX Website Address] or call us at 248-386-3075. You can find the full range of Starrett composite tools at [Insert Starrett Website Address] or by contacting your local Starrett distributor. We’re confident that these tools will help you take your composite fabrication to the next level.