The Young Guns Are Taken Over, Meet Josh Our New Programming Manager


Marcellus, MI, – Josh Hunsberger, Assistant Programmer at Fab Masters Company, Inc. was promoted to programming manager in March, after Gene Sibley retired from 25 years of service with the Company.



Hired in ten years ago as a machine operator, Josh Hunsberger has come a long way. He took over as programming manager in March, when Gene Sibley retired after 25 years with Fab Masters Company.



When asked, did he think that he would ever reach such a senior position here, Josh said, “No, this was a complete surprise. I feel good about the promotion, the transition went well, and I’m comfortable with my new responsibilities.”



Josh is a self-made young man, and management is very proud of his assent up the ladder. He was promoted to set-up after being a machine operator, then to set-up supervisor, followed by programming assistant. In set-up he learned programming by editing the machining programs that were in production. Then working as Gene’s assistant, taught him the deeper complexities of writing the programming. The only new aspect of his job is working with suppliers, which he has not done previously, but catching on to very rapidly, he said,” I am expanding our distributor list, trying to save as much as possible on parts.”



He has already completed his first big change in the machining department. The tool crib was been completely inventoried and reorganized making it easier to keep track of what we have, so that we don’t run out of tools. Tools are the bits or cutters that are the business end of a CNC machining center, and we have 22 CNC’s and routers to keep supplied. Each machine has an average of 3 to 10 tools that it uses per job, many of which are custom cutters for specific parts that we run regularly, and can take up to three weeks to replace when worn-out or broken.



Josh has also started experimenting with our CAM software for writing CNC programs. Typically he writes the programs manually, but the CAM software that is utilized by our CAD design department can quickly write the programs automatically from a model produced in CAD, then input into the Cam system. For example, a conical shape with an outside mill swipe is a difficult and time consuming program to write manually, but the CAM software out puts this very quickly. Speed being the advantage, there are disadvantages such as the programs are more feature based and lengthier, and cannot be edited on the production floor. Everything we do here is job specific so there is no right or wrong way to write programs. Although Josh feels we may need to switch to this technology in the future if 5th axis mills are brought in.



He sees his job as a continual learning experience saying,” Each project is unique, and has its own problems to solve. Also, I am learning more about the routers, their programming needs are different than the machining centers.” He has already started on some long term goals to improve efficiency and processes by maximizing our capabilities. Such as utilizing more of our dual table and head capabilities, the new Heian router can run a two step operation in one set-up.



This young man is open to new ideas and has a lot to offer the company. We feel very fortunate to have him; he has and will continue to be a valuable asset to Fab Masters Company.

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