Skip to Content

Mike Sterling

Recent Posts

When Is Swiss Machining the Right Choice?

Posted by Mike Sterling

May 6, 2015 9:45:00 AM

Automotive, consumer electronics, and IT are among some of the most popular applications.

Swiss screw machines are a type of automated lathe capable of machining turned parts. It was invented in Switzerland to manufacture precision components, and is operated by mounting a work piece on a rotary slide. These machines are better than their counterpart, Turret screw machines, which are operated by mounting the work piece on a vertical ram and working it into the lathe.

Of the two varieties of screw machines, the Swiss variety is far better suited for machining modern precision components. Swiss screw machines themselves are designated into two types—CNC and automatic.

Read More

Topics: Machining


ITAR Registered Machine Shop

Posted by Mike Sterling

Apr 15, 2015 9:00:00 AM

Ardel Engineering is an ITAR registered CNC machining shop dedicated to providing precision parts and components for military and defense technologies.

ITARITAR, or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, is a series of controls designed to restrict and regulate the export of products with defense industry applications.

Read More

Topics: Ardel News, itar, Manufacturing Certifications


Introducing the RAM Optical SprintMVP 300

Posted by Mike Sterling

Apr 1, 2015 10:06:00 AM

To continue to provide our customers with the superior precision parts they have come to expect from us, we are consistently working toward upgrading and maintaining the latest technology available.

Ardel_About_UsUtilizing state-of-the-art equipment enables us to serve a wide range of industrial customers with the quality and close tolerance parts required for their applications.

Read More

Topics: Ardel News


The Future of Commercial Space Flight

Posted by Mike Sterling

Oct 30, 2014 8:41:00 AM

There are some exciting possibilities on the horizon for commercial space flight.

Last month NASA awarded funding to Boeing and SpaceX for both companies to continue working on their “space taxis” which could carry astronauts to and from space stations.Ardel_Commercial_Space_Flight This month Boeing has reached its final commercial crew design milestone for its CST-100. This means that the company can now begin planning for full-scale flight tests article construction.

Read More

Topics: Aerospace, Manufacturing news


Is a US-made Rocket Engine in Our Future?

Posted by Mike Sterling

Aug 28, 2014 5:13:00 AM

Recently the head of the US Air Force Space Command, Gen. William Shelton, said he believes now is the time for the United State to begin developing a new engine.

US_Defense_NewsAccording to the Defense News article he believes that a national program would be a good place to start. Currently the engine used on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle is supplied by Russia, which could cause problems with supply in the future.

Read More

Topics: Manufacturing for the Military


Additive Manufacturing in the Aerospace Industry

Posted by Mike Sterling

Jul 29, 2014 5:35:00 AM

Last year we wrote a blog about 3D printing in the aerospace industry, and over the past 12 months it seems we have continued to see buzz within the industry.

Additive_MfgRecently companies like GNK Aerospace and others have announced plans to research techniques for additive manufacturing.

Read More

Topics: Manufacturing news


How New Medical Device Regulations will Impact US Manufacturers

Posted by Mike Sterling

Jun 25, 2014 6:16:00 AM

2015 may prove to be the year of new regulations.

Medical_Device_RegulationsFirst the European Union may adopt new medical device regulations, which were first proposed by the European Commission in 2012, and secondly, there will be updates to ISO 9001 guidelines.

Read More

Topics: Medical manufacturing


Conflict Minerals and the Supply Chain

Posted by Mike Sterling

May 28, 2014 5:39:00 AM

At Ardel we are always monitoring industry news and one issue we’ve been watching recently is about conflict mineral statements.

about-usIn 2010 the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was passed to help bring about financial reforms in the wake of the Great Recession. In an effort to help promote financial stability the act also includes provisions to dissuade companies from engaging in trade that supports regional conflicts. These provisions are now causing manufacturers to take a closer look at their supply chain as publicly traded companies must now be in compliance.

Read More

Topics: Manufacturing news


Secondary Processes for the Aerospace and Defense Industries

Posted by Mike Sterling

Apr 28, 2014 1:29:00 PM

At Ardel, we specialize in working with the aerospace industry.

Ardel_Commercial_Space_FlightNot only is our machine shop outfitted with the latest precision machines, but we are also able to provide secondary processes such as plating and heat treating through our approved vendors.

Read More

Topics: Heating and Plating


Defense Priority in Manufacturing

Posted by Mike Sterling

Mar 27, 2014 6:22:00 AM

There are many rules and regulations governing the manufacturing sector, including the Defense Production Act, which helps to ensure the military is properly prepared.

Defense_PriorityThe Act was passed in 1950 during the Korean War and was a part of a broad civil defense and war mobilization effort during the Cold War. The Act allows the president to issue executive orders for purchases that need to be completed quickly in order to maintain national security. It allows the president to establish regulations, orders, etc to allocate materials, services, and facilities to promote national defense. Finally, it also authorizes the president to control the civilian economy so that scare or critical materials necessary to national defense are available.

Read More

Topics: Manufacturing for the Military, Military, Manufacturing news