A larger space means more employees - currently numbering just under 20 - and bigger machinery, including a horizontal boring mill, lathes and vertical turning lathes. Over the past 20 years, 3D-Machine has grown at a steady clip. Industries served include hydropower and nuclear power, automotive, aerospace, communications and medical. Located more than 20 miles northwest of Atlanta in Powder Springs, the full-service shop specializes in precision milling and turning of parts ranging from less than 28 g (1 oz.) to 13,608 kg (30,000 lbs.).

Armed with Mastercam version six and a Haas VF-3 vertical machining center, he launched 3D-Machine Inc. In 2001, Roberts seized a chance to run his own machine shop. The part groove was machined on a vertical turning lathe with Mastercam’s Lathe Custom Thread toolpath. That’s a lot better than typing in G code all day.’”ģD-Machine employee Bryan McKinney is pictured with a hoist drum. “When I saw Mastercam and had an opportunity to see what it could do,” he said, “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s impressive. As a machinist proficient in G code, he was impressed with the software. In 1999, he was introduced to MastercamCAD/CAM software from CNC Software Inc. Through that job and a few others, Roberts honed his manual and CNC machining skills.

“I baked cookies on Highway 5 in Douglasville for a couple of weeks until I found a manufacturing job.” “I took the chance and drove to Georgia on my last paycheck and a prayer,” he said. Weary from his 80-mile commute, he was ready for a change of scenery - and climate. Several decades ago, after years of working as a machinist in his home state, Ohio native Sam Roberts decided to head south in search of manufacturing career opportunities.

Mastercam thread milling