K-TEK

Frequently Asked Questions

Tooling Questions

What are metal stamping tools?
Metal stamping tools, or dies, are best described as a custom, permanent tool used to manufacture a single, specific engineered part.
Who pays for the initial tools?
Most often the customer pays for the initial tooling through an engineering charge.
Who is responsible for tool maintenance?
K-TEK is responsible for maintaining tools.
How many parts can I expect to get from my tools?
Most of our tools are considered "life of part" although we state that our progressive tools will produce up to 2 million parts before a major rebuild. The one thing that can change this would be an engineering change to the part profile or form.
What is your maximum press capacity?
Our maximum press capacity is 400 tons with a max bed size of 36" x 96"
What is your maximum draw?
Our maximum draw capability is 8"
What's the maximum thickness of laser-cut material?
We have the ability to cut 3/8" material at K-TEK Wisconsin and 1/2" material at K-TEK Carolina.
What types of material can you work with?
All types of ferrous and most non ferrous materials.
Can I supply a specialty material?
Yes, we would look at that during the quote phase.
Can my parts be made from RoHS and/or DFARS material?
Yes, if you specify that your parts should be made from RoHS or DFARS material we will accommodate your requirement.
Do you offer other services?

Yes, we offer every service necessary to produce your finished parts:

  • Design Assistance
  • Metal stamping
  • Laser cutting
  • Forming
  • PEM Nuts
  • Staking
  • Plating or painting
  • Welding
  • Assembly
  • Special packaging
What are your quality certifications and procedures?

We are ISO 9001:2015 registered. And our quality procedures vary with the customer requirements. In a typical case a full first article inspection report (FAIR) is prepared including a numbered print to correspond with the dimensioning. In addition a quality plan is prepared to describe the process inspections and final inspections that are to be performed.

The first article is then reviewed with the customer and the quality plan is discussed to ensure that key and critical dimensioning is reviewed.

Additional quality planning may include capability studies, gauge R&R, PPAP, FMEA, or gauging and fixturing requirements. All of these are performed in house and are based on customer requirements that are described at the contract placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been in business?
The K-TEK Wisconsin division has been in business since 1980.
The K-TEK Carolina division has been in business since 1972.
What is your typical lead time?
Our typical lead times are 2 to 4 weeks for production parts.
Do you have a minimum order size?
No
What is a typical manufacturing run quantity?
5 to 500,000
Do you work from my sample or my CAD drawing?
We can work from either a sample or, more often, a CAD drawing file. 
We currently accept files in the following formats; 
.pdf, .iges, .dxf, .dwg, .stp, .sldprt, sldasm, and others.
Can you make prototypes?
Yes, K-TEK is able to work with you on quick turn prototyping leading to production.
K-TEK
Precision Metal Specialty Manufacturing
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
About K-TEK

K-TEK is a division of Griffiths Corporation which was founded in Minnesota as a short run metal stamping company in the mid-1960's. 

K-TEK Wisconsin started in the early 1980's and grew out of their customer's need for a full-service supplier.

K-TEK CarOLINA
10240 Industrial Drive,
Charlotte, NC 28134
K-TEK Wisconsin
750 Vandeberg Street,
Baldwin, WI 54002
©2023 K-TEK Corporation, Inc. All rights reserved.
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