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Acu-Rite Solutions
Acu-Rite Solutions

Building Faster Sleds: USA Luge and droPWR

While watching the Winter Olympic Games, have you ever considered who built the athletes’ sleds? To the astonishment of many, the USA luge team coaches and athletes are responsible for assembling and repairing the sleds. Building the SledsUSA Luge has two centers of operation: one in Lake Placid, N.Y., and the other in Park City, Utah. Both facilities have installed ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS equipment to machine metal parts and components for USA Luge. The more recent installation was at the U.S. Luge Association’s headquarters in Lake Placid, New York. The year-round training facility has indoor ramps for athletes to practice start techniques, is a few miles from the 1980 Olympic luge site, and is home to workshops with machinery to build the sleds.Mark Grimmette — 5-time Olympian and the Sports Program Director at the U.S. Luge Association — oversees the facility operations and coaching staff. He explained, “Luge is a sport that you can’t just go to the local sporting goods store and buy a sled. We have a few workshops inside the building where we have to build the sleds for our athletes.”Within the workshop is a Bridgeport Mill that helps produce metal parts and pieces for the sleds, making it vital machinery for the Team’s operations. Mark shared, “It was time for an upgrade. Our machine was suffering from the outdated dial indicators that were on it. We wanted a DRO to better control our operations.” Choosing droPWR The U.S. Luge Association selected ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS’ droPWR as the preferred DRO system. This decision was made given the superior accuracy and ease of use of the ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS MILLPWRG2  which was previously installed on a Republic Lagun milling machine at the Park City, UT, training facility. The droPWR is an excellent user-friendly system for non-professional machine operators, such as athletes and coaches. Ease of Installation Howie Green — Vice President at RLA Machine & Tool Sales Inc. and regional Channel Partner representative of ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS products — worked with Mark Grimmette throughout the droPWR installation process. “The installation was easier and shorter than installing other digital read-out (DRO) systems” explained Howie. “Since the droPWR [...]

2026-02-18T21:16:57+00:00

MILLPWRG2 Halves Setup Time for Custom Glass Fabricator

A family-owned glass fabricator in Ohio expanded its machining capabilities with the MILLPWRG2, allowing it to handle a higher volume of work and more technically demanding jobs while significantly reducing programming and setup time. Background Delivering Precision Glass Parts for Demanding Applications Machined Glass Specialists (MGS) is a family-owned custom fabricator of high-performance glass materials like fused quartz, fused silica, and borosilicate. Since its founding in 1989, MGS has continually advanced its techniques, equipment, and efficiency to create precision glass parts affordably. From its 15,000-square-foot facility in Ohio, MGS uses proprietary cutting, polishing, and inspection methods to craft one-of-a-kind glass components for industries ranging from semiconductors to medical. MGS parts are produced with the quality and reliability to perform in a variety of high-temperature, high-pressure applications. Photo Courtesy of Machined Glass Specialists Challenge Why Upgrade CNC Controls When the Old Ones Still Work? MGS wanted to keep pace with increasingly complex fabrication by modernizing its aging equipment—several milling and grinding machines and the legacy Acu-Rite Solutions MILLPWR CNC controls attached to them. Their MILLPWRs were still performing well after nearly 20 years in service, eliminating human error that could cause costly material and tool waste and lost productivity. But MGS recognized that adopting more modern CNC technology would enhance their machining capabilities and efficiency. “When it came time to buy new machines and upgrade our legacy MILLPWRs, choosing MILLPWRG2 systems was a no-brainer for us.” Jason Behm Supervisor, Machined Glass Specialists, Inc. Solution Why Was MILLPWRG2 the Right Fit for MGS’s Evolving Machining Needs? After years of success using MILLPWR CNC systems, MGS purchased a used machine with a first-generation MILLPWRG2. The team was quickly impressed by how it performed. MGS needed a CNC control that could provide precision feedback in a dusty environment while adapting to frequent program changes. The MILLPWRG2 met these needs with a high-accuracy glass scale, durable construction, intuitive programming options, and comprehensive support. The MILLPWRG2 is an entry-level CNC control for precision three-axis machining on knee and bed mills. It’s designed for [...]

2025-05-05T16:39:32+00:00

MILLPWRG2 CNC Control Bridges Past and Future at American Precision Museum

Nearly two centuries ago, the Robbins & Lawrence Armory in central Vermont sparked the development of precision manufacturing and machine tools in America. Today, it’s the home of the American Precision Museum (APM). Since 1966, APM has showcased American ingenuity by telling the manufacturing stories of yesterday, today, and the future. The ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 CNC control is vital to these efforts. Powered by the continuous innovation of HEIDENHAIN, the ACU-RITE control helps APM bridge the gap between traditional and modern machining methods. Together, we are engaging new audiences in the evolution of manufacturing—and inspiring the next generation of makers to continue the advancement. The Birthplace of Modern Manufacturing APM stands as a testament to the dawn of precision manufacturing. It is a historic site located in Windsor, Vermont, that played a pivotal role in manufacturing interchangeable parts in the 1840s, a revolutionary concept at the time. To create the interchangeable parts, the site repurposed existing machinery and built new equipment powered by water in the nearby stream. These innovations enhanced the efficiency and quality of manufacturing, giving way to new standards that became the American system of Manufacturing. The American system led to consumerism, making everyday objects such as bicycles and typewriters more affordable and accessible to the masses. APM preserves this rich manufacturing heritage by showcasing traditional machinery and artifacts as well as modern machine tools. Its signature 4,000-square-foot exhibit, Shaping America, illustrates how mechanized production drove industrialization and developed modern consumer culture. Interactive Learning with the MILLPWRG2 The ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 CNC control is more than just an exhibit piece at APM. It’s an educational tool demonstrating manufacturing machinery’s evolution to nearly 6,000 annual visitors. HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION donated the MILLPWRG2 to APM in 2023, and it was installed on a 1960s Bridgeport mill in the museum’s Innovation Station. The MILLPWRG2 shows visitors in real time how CNC retrofit technology transforms manual machining methods. “We learn so much from history, but some people won’t be drawn to the historical side,” Rex said. “That’s why we need modern technology to work with historical machinery. We need to show people [...]

2025-06-25T19:01:01+00:00

8 Applications for the MILLPWRG2 CNC Mill Control

Machining possibilities are endless when manual machine tools are optimized for quality and efficiency. That’s why manual machine tool operators of all skill levels use the Acu-Rite Solutions MILLPWRG2 CNC mill control. The MILLPWRG2 supports professionals seeking higher production, educators inspiring the next generation, and hobbyists pursuing their passions. Keep reading to explore the advantages of machining with a MILLPWRG2 in various manufacturing applications. What Is the MILLPWRG2 CNC Mill Control? The MILLPWRG2 is an entry-level CNC retrofit system designed, built, and supported in the USA by Acu-Rite Solutions. It’s compatible with knee and bed mills with two to three axes. The MILLPWRG2 is ideal for applications requiring both manual and automated machining. It can operate as a full-function DRO system, a programmable CNC control, or both. Automating manual processes right at the machine eliminates the need for external setups. Acu-Rite Solutions developed its CNC mill control so every manual machine tool operator can quickly learn, understand, and use it—from machining students to experienced machinists. The MILLPWRG2 can also integrate with nearly all the most popular machine brands, new and old. Why Use the Acu-Rite Solutions MILLPWRG2? The MILLPWRG2 powers precision in every manual milling application, including automotive, aerospace, and beyond. With the Acu-Rite Solutions MILLPWRG2 CNC control, users can produce superior workpieces and greater efficiency. Superior Workpieces HEIDENHAIN powers the advanced technology of the MILLPWRG2. It enhances machining capabilities and accuracy, resulting in less scrap and tighter tolerances for shapes from simple to complex. Real-time Feedback: MILLPWRG2 achieves greater consistency and fewer mistakes because it provides accurate real-time feedback on tool positions and movements. 3D Graphics System: The 3D graphics system also improves accuracy. Users can program cycles using conversational language prompts. Plus, they don’t need multiple screens, thanks to the streamlined navigation. Resolution and Repeatability: Precision and consistency are essential for quality control in machining. When paired with an Acu-Rite Solutions linear encoder, the MILLPWRG2 produces repeatable precise measurements. Greater Efficiency The MILLPWRG2 is durable. Many customers who purchased a first-generation model are still using it decades later. The CNC mill control can maximize machine lifespan and throughput, [...]

2025-06-25T18:55:29+00:00

USA Luge uses G2 to keep sleds competition ready

Put into use last year in the USA Luge Association’s Park City, Utah, location, the MILLPWRG2 is helping in the process in making parts and components for TEAM USA’s sleds, used to fly down racing chutes all over the world! “In our workshop, I make a lot of parts, that make the parts, that make the parts for our team sleds,” explained Jon Owen, Technical Director for the USA Luge Association in Utah. “I also make a lot of jigs and workholding pieces needed for our processes, as well as parts directly for the sleds. That’s the machining world.” Owen has a special love for USA Luge, since prior to becoming a staff member for the USA Luge Association about 20 years ago, he himself was a member of the 1988 Olympic Team that competed in Calgary, Canada. “That was a thrilling experience,” said Owen. “Luge is a special sport; incredible precision is needed at all levels.” And precision truly is the name of the game. “Racing is very precise, as is our equipment,” explained Owen who adds that his Utah facility operates a Luge track, handles training and equipment, as support to the national organization in Lake Placid, NY. “In USA Luge, we are timed to thousandths of a second. When you are talking thousandths of a second, thousandths of an inch matter too. “So many of our parts need to be extremely precise, and while our donated Republic Lagun milling machine was working great in our workshop for the past few years, it was only manual. After further discussions, ACU-RITE Solutions donated a G2 control to add to it, and Republic Lagun generously retrofitted it for us last year. We so appreciate the help we receive from our sponsors. Without them, we couldn’t do all that we do.” With the retrofitted machine control, Owen can now do more. “What I really like about this G2 is that, with it, I can very easily switch back and forth between manual work and some CNC. Once we got it in-house, it was quick to learn, [...]

2026-02-17T14:22:35+00:00

Did you know that the VUE is being used in restoration of a World War II submarine?

The USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine, is well known for having made six patrols in the Pacific during WWII. The Pampanito, now a museum and memorial, has been docked at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, CA, since 1981. It is open to the public where it educates approximately 4,000 students in day and overnight programs annually, and 100,000 visitors a year who tour the boat. It is currently undergoing important restoration and replication projects to bring it as reasonably close to its original operational condition as when it sailed in the summer of 1945. The project is managed by the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Association, and includes work to refurbish everything from old and/or missing parts, as well as repairing original historic artifacts. Maintaining the submarine as a non-profit is a huge challenge, and the Maritime Park Association relies heavily on donations to further is goals of bringing maritime history to life, offer future generations its important teachings, as well as honor the men that served there. To that end, when HEIDENHAIN staff learned that the project received an old Bridgeport mill from a local machine shop as a donation, and that the 1980 digital readout on it was broken and obsolete, they approved the donation of an Acu-Rite Solutions VUE 2 digital readout kit. The VUE came with two SENC 150 scales and accompanying brackets. This DRO kit should help the mill come back to life. “We were very happy that someone at HEIDENHAIN / Acu-Rite Solutions took the time to understand our mission and donate this DRO,” said Rich Pekelney, one of the Maritime Park Association’s trustees and volunteers. “I’ve been doing hands-on restoration like this for 23 years, and our small machine shop is a vital part of our project. “With our refurbished mill, we expect to be able to do many things ourselves now,” explained Pekelney. “For example, we recently acquired an old five-inch deck gun that would have been used here during WWII but is missing parts. Now we can [...]

2025-06-25T18:57:52+00:00

Did you know that a MILLPWR is being used to create classic aircraft parts in an Alaskan machine shop?

An Acu-Rite Solutions MILLPWR control has been a critical production component in Burl’s Aircraft, LLC machine shop since the year 2000. Making aircraft parts, including parts for the classic Aeronca Sedan light aircraft (originally built in 1949-1951) and now manufacturing an entirely new updated version of it called the AeroSedan Model 15AC, Burl’s Aircraft, LLC is helping to keep this classic aeronautical tradition alive. “We have customers all over the world that still own and use classic light aircrafts, and we are happy to support them,” explained Burl Rogers, company owner. “I have a special love for the Aeronca Sedan, a 4-place aircraft,” added Burl. He explained that his own father bought one in 1956 in which he was given flying lessons as a teenager by his father while traveling on hunting and fishing trips in their home state of Alaska. Burl served in the Alaska Air Guard where he was a mechanic from 1962-1968. In 1982, he started his own light aircraft maintenance business with the knowledge and skills to do the job. In 1996, Burl quit doing maintenance and devoted full time to manufacturing. In the year 2000, while visiting new and used equipment dealers on the West Coast with his wife, Burl witnessed a demonstration of an Acu-Rite Solutions MILLPWR in action. “After the demonstration, I asked her what she thought, and she told me ‘you need to buy that’, as it was clear the benefits this MILLPWR would provide to our company’s milling capabilities,” explained Burl. “So, we purchased the MILLPWR II. It was obvious that this would allow us to update our operation and machine basically anything that had a shape to it, and it has!”es Here Today, Burl’s Aircraft, LLC is producing FAA-approved parts for classic and current general aviation aircraft using the MILLPWR, including parts necessary for landing gear, flight control surfaces, a sub-assembly brake torque flange, engine mount brackets and a new design fuel cell screen to name a few. They also use the MILLPWR in manufacturing special tooling that is required to [...]

2025-06-25T18:56:18+00:00

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