About
A-1 Engineering
and the "Ultimate"
5-Axis Work Stop
A-1 Engineering
manufactures tooling for the machine industry. Besides making the 5-Axis
Work Stop tool, we also manufacture specialized replacement parts and
customized machinery.
The
original idea for the 5-Axis Work Stop began as early as 1995 when machinist
Rudi Pankratz began his quest to develop a truly useful and practical
work stop for CNC machine centers, milling machines and drill presses.
Rudi
was frustrated with the common and continuous problems associated with
most types of work stops on the market. As the owner/operator of a machine
shop, Rudi's intent was to design a work stop tool that would be versatile
to fit many different machines and applications, quickly installed with
fast set-up time, and having maximum access, accuracy and rigidity.
Following
two and a half years of research and development Rudi's design was perfected.
Unlike all previous work stops, his work stop contains a 5-axis pivoting
and positioning rigid locking system that attaches to any standard table
on CNC machine centers, milling machines and drill presses. Rudi has developed
the ultimate work stop and the solution to problems faced regularly by
machinists and the machine industry.
Its
universal and quick machine installation, versatile job application, and
precise access and accuracy, set it apart from any other type of work
stop on the market today. Truly innovative and unique.
The
5-Axis Work Stop is made of high-quality aircraft aluminum and stainless
steel and is manufactured on CNC machines.
The
5-Axis Work Stop tool is presently marketed throughout North America and
internationally. The majority of customers are manufacturers of precision
products.
Rudi continues to work on innovative ideas as head of research and development for his company.