The Team at Navus: Contribution in Custom Automation

May 5, 2021

The Team at Navus: Contribution in Custom Automation

Automation Careers, automation technician, custom fabrication, water jet

Navus

At Navus, the majority of our team has worked at the company for years. Each one comes with a different professional and educational background, and a lot of them are hired with one position in mind. But a trend at our company is our team members discovering what they’re most passionate about in the custom automation process, and moving into that position as they grow with the company.

Meet David: Automation Technician

David P. has been with the Navus family since 2007. He’s done a variety of jobs, including welding, fabrication, assembly work, and now mostly operates our water jet and press break. We recently sat down and asked David to share his Navus story.

Passion for Fabrication

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

David: I do a variety of things. Welding and fabricating. We do the automated machines, obviously, so that requires a lot of assembly work. But mostly I operate the water jet and the press break. I still do a little welding if they need some extra help with it, but mostly making parts for our machines is what I do day-to-day! I really enjoy it.

The water jet cuts the material. It can cut a variety of thicknesses from 1/16” to 3” and a variety of different materials. It will even cut glass, cardboard, wood… You put it under there and it will basically cut it! It uses 90,000 PSI (pounds of force per square inch).

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

David: I was born into it. My dad was a sheet metal worker for 40 years so he always did custom cars at home. I’ve been welding since I was 5 years old. I studied some stuff about fabrication in the auto trade in school. I went to college for mechanical engineering, but I’m not an office person. I prefer to be in the shop. I worked in automotive painting for a while, but I really enjoy the welding side of that industry more. That’s what got me into this.

The company I worked at before [Navus] had a huge warehouse and they had rented part of it out to Navus because of a big machine they were making. At the time, Navus needed the extra space. That’s actually how I got connected with Navus. They were interested in starting more of the welding side of fabrication, and asked if anyone at my job was interested! It’s close to home, and we’re always doing something different, which is really nice.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

David: Seeing the whole process to me is fun. Right now they’re finishing a weld cell, getting ready to ship it, [at the same time] keeping the ball rolling on all of our other current and upcoming projects. I’m always cutting parts for the next machines. I love seeing the whole process, from me cutting the parts, to the guys welding them together, to powder coating, to assembly, to seeing the machine run. That’s just always super cool. We’ve made some really neat machines over the years.

Obviously, we stay busy. But it’s a really great environment. Our team trusts each other, and no one micromanages what we do. It’s close to home. And once I get somewhere I like, I like to stay.

More Heads Are Better Than One

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

David: The more heads you have in something, the better off you are as far as perspective goes. It’s just neat to see how people think differently to solve the same problems.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

David: There’s a bunch. The very first one was a filter machine. It was stainless steel filters and the machine did the entire process. It would actually run it out, sheer it off, crimp it, stack it, and have it ready to go. Another one was for a paper company. They had big rolls of paper towels and the machine would stretch out the paper towels and cut it off. I liked that one a lot.

I also love the project I’m cutting parts for right now. It’s a return client that wanted us to do more of a system we’ve already created and delivered to them. It’s for a product that a lot of people are familiar with, so it’s cool to be a small part of the process of the production for them.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

David: I can’t wait to see what projects come in next. It seems we get something different every day to work on, and it’s just nice to be super busy and learn new things constantly.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Navus’ team is made up of hand-picked individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our work. We believe that a work environment like ours should be a safe place for our team members to show interest in new skills and grow in their career. Dedicated team members like David who have worked with us for so long are a part of the reason that our high standards for the solutions and products we deliver are possible!

If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help overcome your challenges through custom automation solutions, or if you’re interested in joining the Navus family, reach out to us today. You can contact us by emailing info@navusinc.com.

Custom Automation

April 7, 2021

The Team at Navus: Forerunners of Technology Advancement

career, custom automation, custom fabrication, custom programming, robotic solutions, robotic welding, technology advancement

Navus

Navus has a reputation of delivering systems that work for our clients. We talk about solving client challenges regularly because it’s what we do every day! But how do we do it? We constantly look for ways to use, and even develop, the latest advanced technologies to ensure that our solutions work.

From robotics programming to bridging the gap between academic and hands-on engineering, our team takes their wealth of experience and knowledge to work with them every day of the week. They collaborate to make our solutions the best choice on the market, and think about challenges from every possible angle.

Meet Matt: Automation Technician

Matt N. recently joined the Navus team at the end of 2020, but he’s jumped right into his role creating solutions for our clients’ challenges. He’s been an impressive addition to our team, and we can’t wait to see how he continues to grow in knowledge and expertise at Navus.

Creating Something New Every Day

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Matt: I assemble and install electrical components as an aspect of our automation systems.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Matt: I was in the right place at the right time! In Fall of 2020, I was in my last semester of Electrical Engineering at Pellissippi State Community College. Navus came to visit our class to let us know about them and the work they do, but also to get to know us a little bit. I talked to them, and they thought I’d be a good fit at Navus, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for my career..

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

Matt: I just like that it’s not always the same thing. Every day is a little different. Sometimes it’s similar to something I’ve done before, but oftentimes it’s something completely new. Especially for me, since I’m coming from the academic side of engineering rather than the experience side of it like some of my co-workers. It’s good for me to learn the practical side of some of the academic things that I learned about electrical engineering.

It’s also nice that Navus is a smaller company. We’re able to have input into the projects we’re working on, and to associate with everyone who’s involved with the project. I get to talk to the engineers, the project managers, the other fabricators, and the other technicians. We tend to work closely together that way to find the best multi-disciplinary solutions to the challenges that we face. I like that a lot about our company.

A Team That’s Not Afraid of Challenges

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Matt: Everyone brings their own expertise to any challenge we face. When we look for solutions, everybody brings a different perspective based on what they know about that type of issue, what the end goal is, and how best to attain it for our client.

We can collaborate and work together, and you end up getting input from other sides that you may not have thought about. Our team is familiar with all types of materials and the processes for fabricating them. They always bring their knowledge into play, and being a smaller operation allows us to share in those ways and come up with solutions for challenges.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Matt: Right now we’re working on a line that’s going to be a huge part of the future of the automobiles. It feels good to play a small part in the next generation of the automotive industry.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Matt: Honestly, I just like to see the robots dance. As advanced as robot technology is, and the constant advancement of the different tools we have to use with robots, we’re able to bring more and more of them into play and have greater precision with less waste and more efficiency. We create a better product for the end consumer—not only the client we’re working with, but also their ultimate client. It’s nice to be on the forefront of technology advancing.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex of Custom Automation

Navus’ team is made up of hand-picked individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our work. One of our values as a team is the ability to collaborate and overcome any challenges our clients face. Team members like Matt are part of the reason that our high standards for the solutions and products we deliver are possible!

Custom Automation

March 24, 2021

The Team at Navus: Overcoming Challenges for Clients Every Day

career, custom automation, custom fabrication, water jet, welding

Navus

At Navus, every day is a little different. Our team is always working on different machines for different projects to make different parts to satisfy all of our clients. We only deliver projects to our clients that have been tested to perfection and are ready to be installed immediately.

The reason why we can deliver on our high standards is the very heart and soul of our operation: our team of expert engineers and technicians. The team at Navus works together relentlessly to solve any and all challenges that our clients face.

Meet Alan: Automation Technician, Mechanical Level 4

Alan R. has been a part of our team for nine years. He found his way to Navus while he was studying Mechanical Engineering at Pellissippi State Community College. He began working for our company when he was still in school, and then started working here full-time once he graduated with his degree.

Alan is the reason we can make the different parts for our clients’ projects, and make them well! He’s responsible for translating plans from the engineers into tangible parts used for client projects. We couldn’t serve our clients like we do without Alan’s hard work and dedication!

Translating Engineering Solutions to Physical Parts

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Alan: I take the prints from the engineers and work out how to actually make the parts [for our clients’ projects]. Anything that requires any tolerances, I work out what we have the capacity to do in-house, and make jigs or anything that needs to be made to actually make the parts workable.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

Alan: It’s varied and challenging. It’s certainly not [typical] production. Everything we do is usually custom to the client’s install. I’m not a big fan of doing the same thing every day. Here, there’s always something new to stretch yourself.

A Team That Forges a Future for Custom Automation

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Alan: We have developed quite a few welding techniques [at Navus]. We’ve gone through different robotic programming languages to get welds specific to the customer’s satisfaction and needs. We’ve used more than one program in the same part to get the ideal result. I usually spend my time in awe of the technical knowledge and creativity around here.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Alan: One of the jobs in the shop at the moment was one that I worked on when we originally built it. The first iteration of this job had a lot of detail and challenging parts for me to make. It’s been a while since it was here, so I get to restart that project anew and face the same challenges again. I think that’s a fun and an exciting part of my job.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Alan: We’ve got a few jobs coming in that are going to require utilizing some more of the features of the water jet, and getting the parts closer to being completely finished before they come into the machine area. Ideally, I’d like to get to the point where we have the capability of having parts made to much tighter tolerances, and produce much cleaner parts to the customer’s satisfaction. Some of our newer engineers have this same mindset and motivation. It’s nice to see the chance for our team to continue to improve for the sake of our customers’ satisfaction.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex of Custom Automation

Navus’ team is made up of hand-picked individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our work. One of our values as a team is the ability to collaborate and overcome any challenges our clients face. Team members like Alan are part of the reason that our high standards for the solutions and products we deliver are possible!

Custom Automation

March 10, 2021

The Team at Navus: A Workplace to Grow & Learn

career, custom automation, custom fabrication, welding

Navus

Ask anyone who’s been working in their career for a while, and no matter their industry, they’ll tell you that you don’t learn everything in school. Once you’ve graduated college and start your first job in your professional career, you’ll continue to find opportunities to learn and master new skills that will help you in your future.

At Navus, we take pride in investing in our employees. Our staff is encouraged to learn and grow in areas they’re interested in. The result is a safe, fun, and rewarding workplace with opportunities for professional growth.

Meet Mike: Weld Engineer, Programmer, and CWI (Certified Welding Inspector)

Mike T. has worked at Navus for a total of 13 years. He began his career with us directly after graduating from Ferris State University as a welder with a degree in Welding Engineering and Welding Education. Mike worked in this position for a total of two years before working a different job for a short period of time before returning to Navus as a Weld Engineer and CWI, and he’s been here ever since.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mike and ask him some questions about his job at Navus. He’s a crucial part of our team, and we’re excited to share just a portion of his story!

Work That’s Different Every Day

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Mike: It depends on the job. If there’s a robotics job, I’ll be in charge of a lot of the robotics programming. If there’s a welding development job, I’ll be in charge of the development for [that job]. Any sort of welder certification or inspection, I would be over [that process]. And then I provide random tech support.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Mike: I went to Ferris State University for Welding Engineering and Welding Education with the intention of being a Welding Engineer or a Welding Instructor. I pretty much picked an area where I wanted to live (I lived in Michigan at the time), and I decided that near the Smoky Mountains was where I wanted to live, so I moved and then found a job here at Navus as a welder.

I was drawn to the area because I am an avid hiker and motorcyclist. There are some pretty epic trails here, some nice riding, and just a beautiful area compared to Michigan. And I HATE cold (not ideal for living in Michigan).

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

Mike: I like how it always changes. It’s not the same thing week to week. I get to learn new things. I did not go to school for programming, but I’ve been able to learn programming here. If you can learn it here, you can move into it. I really like that you’re not stuck in one job if you’re willing to learn new things.

A Team That Works Together to Overcome Challenges

Mike: I also like that Navus is a small company. Everyone knows everybody, and everyone’s willing to help each other out. Nobody’s like, “That’s not my job.” I like that aspect.

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Mike: We recently worked on a project with a cable management issue, and pretty much the whole engineering team and the guys out on the floor (including the welders and fabricators), were all pitching in ideas to come up with different ways to solve a really complicated problem with cabling and a robot that had to do a bunch of very complicated moves. It took time to get the final product, but nobody gave up on it.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Mike: I’ve been working on one project for almost 11 years. It’s one of the first things I worked on, and we’re still continuing to do things for the client. It’s where I started learning programming, and I’m still involved with it since it’s a more complicated project. Some of the other projects I enjoy are anything involving ABB [robotics] and programming, just because it’s such fun code to write.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Mike: I’d like to get into PLC programming. I’ve started dabbling in HMI programming and screen setup. Pretty much any new language that I can dabble in, so I can basically move into more of just a programming role.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex of Custom Automation

Navus’ team is made up of hand-picked individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our work. One of our values as a team is the ability to collaborate to overcome any challenges our clients face. Team members like Mike are part of the reason that our high standards for the solutions and products we deliver are possible!

Company News

November 15, 2016

See Us In Action

custom fabrication, multi-task robotic welding, Navus videos

Navus

We invite you to view two new videos on our website that showcase our innovative work.

The first video features an unprecedented welding project that was designed to move a robotic welding workcell 20 yards into position in a dangerous environment. This multi-task robot effectively preps joints, welds, provides inter-pass cleaning, and vacuums welds remotely from an operator’s console that utilizes a live monitor and a HD camera for post inspection.

Navus services include precision CNC machining as well as the prototyping, fabrication and assembly of metal and composite materials for aerospace, automotive, medical device, nuclear, and pharmaceutical applications. Our commitment to quality is the result of having qualified personnel dedicated to meeting our goal of serving the customer.

Tag : custom fabrication