
ASX Composites & Starrett Precision Tools: A Powerful Partnership for Advanced Manufacturing
Bothell, WA – October 26, 2023 – ASX Composites LLC, a leading innovator in advanced composite materials, is thrilled to highlight its strong relationship with Starrett Precision Tool, a name synonymous with quality and accuracy in metrology for over 140 years. This collaboration isn’t just about supplying materials; it’s about enabling a new level of precision and performance in a wide range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to medical devices and tooling. Who is ASX Composites? Let’s be real, composites can sound complicated. But at ASX Composites, we keep it simple. We’re a US-based company, located right here in Bothell, Washington, at 116 223rd St SE, 98021-8317. You can reach us at 248-386-3075. We specialize in creating custom composite parts and materials. That means we don’t just sell you a sheet of carbon fiber; we work with you to design and manufacture a solution that fits your exact needs. What does that look like in practice? We deal in a bunch of different high-performance materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, and a whole host of specialty resins. We use everything from simple hand lay-up techniques to super-advanced automated fiber placement. This flexibility lets us make everything from small, intricate parts to large, complex structures. We’re all about turning your ideas into reality, and doing it with top-notch quality and turnaround times. We're pretty proud of being a domestic manufacturer – it means we have better control over the entire process, and it allows us to respond quickly to our customers’ needs. The Critical Role of Precision – And That’s Where Starrett Comes In Okay, so we make awesome composite parts. But what good are those parts if they aren’t exactly right? That’s where precision tools come into play, and honestly, nobody does precision like Starrett. Think about it. Composite materials are amazing – they're strong, lightweight, and can be molded into pretty much any shape. But they're also complex. During manufacturing, you need to ensure everything is aligned perfectly. You need to measure dimensions with absolute accuracy. And you need to be able to inspect for any tiny flaws that could compromise the part's performance. Starrett’s tools are the gold standard in this area. From their legendary dial indicators and calipers to their sophisticated optical comparators and vision systems, Starrett provides the tools we – and many other manufacturers – rely on to achieve the highest levels of quality. How ASX Composites Uses Starrett Tools Here's a glimpse of how we integrate Starrett into our process: First Article Inspection: When we create a new part, we use Starrett tools to thoroughly inspect the very first one that comes off the line. This ensures that everything is dimensionally correct before we ramp up production. We use their granite surface plates and precision height gauges to check critical dimensions, ensuring they meet the tight tolerances our customers demand. In-Process Quality Control: We don’t just inspect at the end. Throughout the manufacturing process, we use Starrett’s digital calipers and micrometers to constantly monitor dimensions and make adjustments as needed. This prevents defects from creeping in and ensures consistent quality. Tooling Verification: We create custom tooling for many of our projects. Starrett's tools help us verify the accuracy of that tooling, ensuring that every part produced is consistent and meets specifications. Material Testing: We use Starrett's precision instruments to aid in the testing of composite materials to verify their properties and ensure they meet design requirements. Complex Geometry Inspection: Some of our parts have really complicated shapes. That’s where Starrett’s optical comparators and video measurement systems come in handy. They allow us to accurately measure angles, curves, and other complex features. Specific Starrett Tools We Rely On: Starrett Dial Indicators: These are workhorses. We use them for everything from checking runout to verifying alignment. They’re incredibly accurate and reliable. Starrett Digital Calipers: Fast, easy to use, and surprisingly accurate. We have these on every workstation. Starrett Micrometers: For those really tight tolerances, we turn to Starrett micrometers. They’re built to last and provide consistent readings. Starrett Optical Comparators: Essential for inspecting complex parts with intricate features. These allow us to see details that would be impossible to measure with traditional tools. Starrett Video Measurement Systems: The ultimate in precision measurement. These systems combine the power of optics and software to provide highly accurate measurements of even the most challenging parts. Beyond the Tools: A Partnership Focused on Innovation It’s not just about buying tools; it's about having a partner who understands our needs. Starrett is known for its exceptional customer service and technical support. They’re always willing to go the extra mile to help us find the right solution. We see a lot of overlap in our customer base - companies that demand the best in both materials and measurement. By combining ASX Composites’ advanced composite manufacturing capabilities with Starrett’s precision tooling, we’re enabling our customers to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Looking Ahead We’re excited about the future and the opportunities to continue collaborating with Starrett. As technology advances, we’ll continue to explore new ways to leverage both our expertise and the latest tools to deliver even more innovative and high-performance solutions to our customers. Contact: ASX Composites LLC 116 223rd St SE Bothell, WA 98021-8317 248-386-3075 [Insert website address if applicable]