Case Study: RTU Lift System

September 14, 2022

Kosmo Machine Inc. is pleased to announce a newly formed partnership with RTU Lift Systems. The RTU-2500 (Roof Top Unit) Lift System is a patented, innovative, and cost-effective solution for installing or replacing commercial rooftop HVAC units. In many cases, the RTU-2500 eliminates the need for a larger, more expensive crane or helicopter rental for unit placement. Its heavy-duty yet compact design allows passage through most roof access points.

Kosmo Machine manufactures, paints, and assembles the RTU-2500 Lift System to rugged commercial-grade standards permitting years of dependable service. “The unique design allows Kosmo to provide RTU a sustainable yet scalable manufacturing solution supporting future sales growth on a national and international level,” states Noah Odum, Kosmo’s Quoting and Account Manager. “RTU commissioned us early on to develop efficient manufacturing strategies, and from that starting point, we became the manufacturer and warehouse & distribution arm. RTU is all about quality and reliability, so their business aligns perfectly with Kosmo Machine Inc.”

RTU Lift Systems has been in business since 2017. The company’s website is here.

“Kosmo Machine is a turn-key professional machine shop. They have skilled machinists, welding dept, designer, shipping department and excellent managers. My product is produced and shipped from their superbly maintained and climate-controlled machine shop. Kosmo Machine is what “Made in the USA” stands for when you have them perform your manufacturing.”

….. Anthony T. Stellabuto, President RTU Lift Systems, Inc

Established in 1976, Kosmo Machine Inc. has operated as a Virginia-based business devoted to quality production and superior customer service. Now an employee-owned ESOP, our full-service precision machine shop specializes in CNC milling and turning, electric discharge machining (EDM), custom welding processes, critical component reconditioning, and commitment to remaining at the forefront of precision manufacturing technology and best practices.

Link to Case study

Meet The Team – Colleen

July 7, 2022

Colleen Oliva

When Colleen Oliva joined Kosmo Machine back in early March 2020, her role and objectives seemed clearly defined. We were thrilled she had started with us and quickly gained a high regard for her professionalism and experience.

Little did we all know that the coming months would take every ounce of Colleen’s experience and skills.

A matter of a few days after her start date … Covid-19 hit and everything we knew was turned on its head!

After 14 years in grocery retail, Colleen’s ability to handle the unexpected was clear from day one. In fact, when we sympathized that she had landed at Kosmo in the middle of a global tsunami, Colleen calmly replied :

“It is an ideal time to start with Kosmo because it allows my experience to come to the forefront right away, and I am secure in my abilities to ensure that our team stays safe, healthy, and knows the Company has their best interests at heart.”

Right away the angst and concern we were all feeling dropped significantly.

As a key part of the US critical infrastructure, Kosmo was fortunate to have a strong year and not lose a single employee through a layoff or furlough. We were much more fortunate than many companies, but the challenges of keeping the lights on and the “chips flying” were still significant. Colleen views the past few years as an amazing learning experience and an opportunity to shine.

Mike Redden, Kosmo’s President, added, “Having Colleen’s hand on the HR helm was a major comfort as we all came to terms with how best to deal with the challenges of Covid. This wasn’t something you could plan for in college or study in an on-line course; and Colleen seemed unfazed and happy to jump into the fray. All of our staff appreciated her calm resolve and can-do approach.”

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Colleen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & Management. And can be heard proudly extolling “Go Rams” whenever VCU has a sporting event.

Colleen is pursuing her Master’s degree in HR Management at the University of Richmond, with plans to graduate in late 2023/early 2024. We assume her repertoire will expand to “Go Rams and Go Spiders” fairly soon.

An avid runner of marathons and half-marathons, Colleen is very active in her church and leads a Sunday church group, while at the same time being a great parent with her husband, Nick, to their six kids; and still managing to find time to read. Next up on her adventures is either a trip to Ireland or a long-awaited return to her birth state of Alaska.

Located near the Richmond International Airport, Kosmo’s 62,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility in Sandston, Virginia, can handle the entire lifecycle of just about any precision project—from initial concept to large-scale production runs.

1μm = One Millionth of a Meter and why this matters …

June 21, 2022

Sandston, VA June 21, 2022 …. Kosmo Machine recently announced procurement of a new LK Altera Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to supplement an existing line up of prominent measuring equipment.

Further expanding their metrology equipment inventory of two modern Faro Arms, two existing CMMs, a Keyence Vision System and a full complement of assorted instruments and gages; Kosmo continues to increase its complex manufacturing capacity to satisfy ever-changing market demand from new and current customers.

CMM’s are “measure only” machines used for dimensional checks and conformity verification to customer specifications and industry standards. This particular model features a working envelope of 59” x 47” x 39”, large enough to accommodate most precision components produced at Kosmo Machine. Fitted with a fully articulating motorized head allows either conventional “touch” probe measurement of complex parts or full scanning of free-form surfaces utilizing the latest multi-sensor metrology software with thermal compensation allowances built in.

“Volumetric accuracy and repeatability of 1.5 micron or µm (.000058”) ensures exactness and consistency with each measurement. For perspective, the average human hair measures 70 microns in diameter +/- 20µm, a naked eye can see objects as small as 40µm, a red blood cell is 8µm and most dust particles measure 5µm,” said Mike Redden, President.

Redden added, “The complexity and strategic nature of our contracts impose progressive alignment with modern manufacturing and inspection technologies, which continues to advance our company and further strengthens meaningful relationships with our clients. All of which rely on us to have the ‘right stuff’. This class leading machine – in fact our entire technology suite – will further supplement Kosmo’s ability to maintain our AS9100 Quality Management System, and stellar reputation as a regional manufacturer of precision machine components.”

Kosmo Machine Inc. is an employee owned (ESOP) company supporting many industries including aerospace, defense, advanced fiber manufacturing, motion controls, heavy industries, among others. ITAR compliance and CMMC Level 2 attainment during 2021 supports internal cybersecurity initiatives and DOD flow down requirements.

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For additional information contact:

sales@kosmomachine.com

(804) 326-6819

Cybersecurity – Kosmo Machine attains Level 2 of CMMC

April 21, 2022

Sandston, VA – April 18, 2022 … Kosmo Machine Inc. today announced that it has attained Level 2 – Advanced Status – of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a required status of sub-contractors active in Federal government contracting.

CMMC attainment became a topic of discussion and an action item for Kosmo Machine early in the spring of 2017. This flow-down requirement is intended to control and protect unclassified information residing outside of Federal government systems from bad actors. NIST SP-800-171 reflects 110 security controls detailed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication. Ensuing years brought regulation amendments and extensions of implementation dates – mostly due to the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape and related technology advancements.

For some, these delays could be interpreted as favorable as it has allowed unassessed subcontractors to continue bidding and working on Federal projects. Current estimates for the start of CMMC compliance are Q2 of 2023 and Kosmo Machine welcomes this implementation and accreditation requirement, across the board for all federal government suppliers, to further enhance national security.

Mike Redden, Kosmo Machine’s President said, “The investment for a small business to attain CMMC Level 2 is exorbitant yet essential. The efforts have required significant financial and resource commitments by our small business, but to have Federal suppliers and sub-contractors like Kosmo Machine step up and be counted is essential for the protection of our nation’s information and systems, and the security of the people who protect us.”

Redden added, “It has been a significant learning experience, but more importantly, it was the right thing to do. Now, we look forward to the implementation and progression of the requirements.”

In an extract from the Federal News Network, Jesse Salazar, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy said, “CMMC 2.0 will dramatically strengthen the cybersecurity of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB’s). By establishing a more collaborative relationship with industry, these updates will support businesses in adopting the practices they need to thwart cyber threats while minimizing barriers to compliance with DoD requirements.”

Established in 1976, Kosmo Machine Inc. is a contract manufacturer of precision machine components and a specialized service provider to the energy, aerospace, defense, and advanced fibers industries.

The company relocated in 2013 to a 62,500 sqft. climate-controlled facility near Richmond International Airport. Since the move, the company has invested in excess of $7M towards equipment, technology, and staff development to remain at the forefront of precision manufacturing trends and best practices.

Kosmo Machine continues to maintain continuity with all federal or commercial contract requirements while safeguarding our nations assets.
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For additional information contact:
Mike Redden – mikeredden@kosmomachine.com – (804) 326-6819

Expanding Complex Manufacturing Capacity

February 15, 2022

News Release 2/15/22 … Kosmo Machine announces a significant expansion of its complex manufacturing capacity with the addition of a versatile machining cell capable of unmanned (lights-out) production.

By adding the class-leading Mazak i700T Variaxis with Palletech System to its manufacturing stack, Kosmo will see the benefits of added flexibility and efficiency, and customers will continue to experience the reliability, consistency and value that has been a hallmark of Kosmo’s success over 44+ years.

The new Mazak i700T Variaxis and Palletech System delivers full 5-axis machining of workpieces up to 33-inch diameter. This machine combination includes twelve independent worktables that load automatically, sequentially or randomly, allowing production set-up of high quantities, one-offs, or recurring projects to remain undisturbed and available at a moment’s notice.

Well optioned with an 18,000 RPM mill spindle, 1100 RPM turn table, and 80-tool magazine partnered with an automated tool data identification system. In process measurement has never been easier: the coupling of laser tool measurement & breakage detection, RMP 60 Renishaw probe measurement system, and the latest SmoothX manufacturing software enables the i700T to produce extremely complex machine components at industry leading material removal rates. This machining system can be scaled and interconnected with other machine cells to double or even triple production rates utilizing the same network of tables and cutting tools.

“We have built Kosmo Machine on a reputation for quality, consistency, and value; and are committed to continuing and expanding on those performance traits,” said Heath Stewart, VP of Operations. He continued, “one of they key factors in that path forward is our insistence on investing in the very best equipment, the highest level of staff training, and a quality team that is empowered to insert themselves into any project or process to achieve the standards we require and our customers expect.”

Kosmo Machine Inc. is an industry-leading AS9100 certified manufacturer of complex components supporting many industries including aerospace, defense, chemical, motion controls, heavy industries, among others. ITAR compliance and CMMC Level 2 attainment in 2021 supports internal cybersecurity initiatives and DOD flow down requirements.

Full Press release

Roaring into 2022 with expanded capacity

January 3, 2022

For immediate release

News Release 1/4/22 … Kosmo Machine Inc. today announced the acquisition of two new Mazak turning centers and one Fanuc wire electric discharge machine (EDM).

This expansion adds to Kosmo’s growing inventory of high-performance, high-tolerance production machinery.

With a maximum work piece size of 16.6” in diameter x 60” long the two Mazak Quick Turn lathes add to existing mid-size part capacity while increasing current multi-tasking capabilities and new project availability. The turning centers include 12-tool turrets and four feed axes; advanced software permits conversational programming (without external CAD/CAM software).

Mike Redden, Kosmo Machine President said, “The multi-tasking turning centers bring together the latest advanced technology, productivity and value to our customers by efficiently performing numerous processes per set-up. We’re excited to see our capabilities increase and our commitment to on-time delivery strengthened with this investment.”

Read the full release here

Meet The Team – Brett

July 7, 2021

Kosmo Machine welcomes Brett Cherefko as its new Certified Weld Inspector (CWI).

With over three decades of welding experience in SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW disciplines, Brett has 19 years of CWI experience and is a member of the American Welding Society.

When asked why he decided to join Kosmo, Brett was his usual forthright self, saying :

The first time I visited Kosmo Machine I quickly realized they had something unique to offer. I was very impressed by the quality evident in the shop, the wide range of highly specialized equipment and the skills, ability, and attention to detail demonstrated by the employees.

Kosmo’s Heath Stewart, VP of Operations added :

We developed the Certified Weld Inspector position to take our welding department from first-class to world-class. CWI’s must undergo specialized training and certification, helping them understand the nuances of compliance within the code, and Brett was the perfect person to bring in to Kosmo. He has the training and the certification, coupled with extensive hands-on experience.

Asked a month or so after he’d started whether his initial impressions were correct, Brett added :

Absolutely! All my initial impressions, combined with our ISO 9001:2015 quality program means Kosmo has what it takes to make it right – the first time. Additionally, unlike many other machine shops, Kosmo has a welding division staffed with very talented welders. I knew this was a company I wanted to work for and where I could utilize my skills and experience as a CWI to produce superior products unmatched in the industry. It’s always good when perception aligns with reality.”

Established in 1976, Kosmo Machine Inc. has operated as a Virginia-based business devoted to quality production and superior customer service. Now an employee owned ESOP, their full-service precision machine shop specializes in CNC milling and turning, EDM machining, custom welding processes and critical component reconditioning.

Mike Redden, Kosmo Machine’s President has helped build a company where a reputation for quality and excellence goes hand-in-hand with a focus on staff and career development. Mike proudly stated:

At Kosmo, our well-trained personnel and modern technologies can turn the most challenging designs into reality. This has been made possible by continued investments in the latest technologies and recruiting top talent like Brett and his colleagues. Our history of 99.9% customer acceptance rates and our attention to even the smallest of detail has allowed us to build our business and attract motivated individuals who take pride and a personal responsibility for each job.

We’ll wrap this up by asking Brett his thoughts on some of the challenges facing the industry:

In my experience the industry has evolved over the years to the extent that welding has become an engineered science as well as an art. That transition coupled with requirements for close dimensional tolerances is creating challenges for many welding shops. Kosmo meets these challenges with its powerhouse of machining ability and superior skills, experience, and patience among the machinists and welders. This allows Kosmo to consistently produce technically unique components that other shops cannot.

Located near the Richmond International Airport, Kosmo’s 62,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility in Sandston, Virginia, can handle the entire lifecycle of just about any precision project—from initial concept to large-scale production runs.

Reconditioning even the most fragile and sensitive parts

November 11, 2020

At Kosmo Machine, our job doesn’t end with manufacturing. We also offer a range of reconditioning services for worn, out of specification, or damaged parts, with fast turnaround. Our process offers several cleaning options, including some of the latest in green technologies. Once our work is complete, we inspect critical dimensions and features to ensure that the parts continually meet your specifications.

Dry ice blasting uses pressurized dry ice (the solid form of carbon dioxide) to remove dirt, contaminants, and other foreign object debris from industrial parts and equipment. It’s safe to use on electrical components and faster than conventional cleaning methods. Dry ice blasting is eco-friendly—it uses no water or solvents and produces no hazardous wastes—and is a popular choice for those in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, as well as many others.

Other services offered by Kosmo include soda blasting, a very mild form of abrasive blasting that uses sodium bicarbonate, and wet blasting, which uses water and a very fine abrasive.

Complete weld overlay, remachining and testing are an option in certain cases. This process often saves customers considerable expense vs. buying new.

Once our work is completed, we inspect critical dimensions and features to ensure that the parts continually meet your specifications.

Call: (804) 326-6819 or email Sales@KosmoMachine.com

Capacity and capability growth

September 7, 2020

Sandston, VA September 4, 2020 … Kosmo Machine Inc. today announced the acquisition of a Mazak i700T VariAxis machining center. This purchase enables the company to double capacity and decrease lead-time of highly complex machine parts and custom molds requiring 5-axis technology. With a maximum work piece size of 33.5” diameter x 20” long and weighing up to 1543 pounds, it accommodates most mid-size applications while adding value with multi-tasking abilities. Advanced software permits conversational programming (without external CAD/CAM software) of intricate shapes such as helical pinion gears.

see full release …

New Horizontal Machining Center

October 24, 2019

Kosmo Machine Inc. is pleased to announce the recent purchase of a new Mazak HCN8800 Horizontal Machining Center.

This capital investment represents the latest machining technology utilizing patented Smooth G software which eliminates distortion of surface geometry commonly found during high speed contouring. Specifications include: four work pallets (tables), 120 tool magazine, 50hp spindle and can accommodate work pieces weighing up to 4,400lbs.

If you have an upcoming project you’d like to discuss, or would like to see the machine in action, please give Kosmo a call or schedule a visit to our facility.

Click below to view the installation of our new Mazak HCN 8800.

Established in 1976, Kosmo Machine Inc. is a full-service precision machine shop specializing in CNC milling and turning, EDM machining and custom welding processes. Kosmo’s quality management system is certified for ISO 9001:2015, AS9100 REV-D (Aviation, Space and Defense), and Naval Level-1 SUBSAFE inspections. The employee owned company is devoted to quality production and superior customer service. Kosmo is located at 500 Trampton Rd, Sandston, Va. 23150. For more information or to request a quote, please call us at (804) 326-6819 or toll-free at (877) 798-1383.