[Susan Woods]

Criterion Tool & Die Inc. is a precision machine shop specializing in close tolerance (±0.0002") Swiss turning, CNC turning and CNC milling of precision components from prototype through production for the medical, aerospace, electronic and other commercial industries.

This ¼"-dia.×1½"-long aluminum pin, machined on a Swiss CNC automatic lathe, has a threaded end and a 0.010" slot on the opposite end.

The company is involved in the development of components from the outset. “We develop the ‘manufacturability’ of them,” said Tanya DiSalvo, president of Criterion. “The engineers design from a surgical standpoint, but we make sure it is something that can be made and made profitably down the line.”

Machining capabilities include:

• CNC turning bar capacity of 2.5"
• Chuck capacity of 14"
• CNC milling of 0.250" sq. to 17"×22"×17"
• Swiss turning of 0.040" to 0.875" diameter
• Prototype machining turning to 17"

The company also machines plastic, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, Inconel, brass, Hastelloy, Nitinol and nonferrous casting.

Machined on a CNC milling machine, this 303 stainless component is 1¼"-dia.×1" long and has through holes ±0.001" on diameter and 0.003" true position.

One of Criterion’s greatest challenges is dealing with tooling issues.

“We work with the tooling distributors to get the newest, smallest tools and the best coatings,” said DiSalvo. “The guys out on the shop floor are part of the solution, too. They are given the opportunity to solve the problem.”

Operating in JIT mode, Criterion is certified to ISO 9001:2000 and in compliance with GMP standards. The company is a female-owned, non-union shop located in Brook Park, Ohio. The staff of 29 strives to remain current in the latest technologies and continues to develop skills.

“The key to our success is the people,” said DiSalvo. “Everyone has the same machine tools, but finding the right people and keeping them trained is the key. We give them the opportunity to try things on the machines and that breeds confidence.”