Schmitt Industries Inc's Business Segments

Schmitt Industries, Inc. (the Company), an Oregon corporation, designs, manufactures and sells high precision test and measurement products for two main business segments: the Balancer segment and the Measurement segment. For the Balancer segment, the Company designs, manufactures and sells computer-controlled vibration detection, balancing and process control systems for the worldwide machine tool industry, particularly for grinding machines. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Schmitt Measurement Systems, Inc., an Oregon corporation, the Company designs, manufactures and sells laser and white light sensors for distance, dimensional and area measurement for a wide variety of commercial applications, laser-based microroughness measurement products for the semiconductor wafer and hard disk drive industries and for other industrial applications, laser-based surface analysis and measurement products for a variety of scientific applications, and ultrasonic measurement products that accurately measure the fill levels of tanks holding propane, diesel and other tank-based liquids and transmit that data via satellite to a secure web site for display (the Measurement segment). The Company also provides sales and service for Europe and Asia through its wholly owned subsidiary, Schmitt Europe Limited (SEL), located in Coventry, England and through its sales representative office located in Shanghai, China. The Company’s corporate office is located at 2765 N.W. Nicolai Street, Portland, Oregon.

Schmitt Industries Inc. is structured around two primary segments: the Balancer Segment and the Measurement Segment, encompassing a diverse range of products and services designed for specific industrial applications.

Balancer Segment

The Balancer Segment revolves around high-precision balancing systems mainly utilized in grinding machines. The flagship product line includes the Schmitt Dynamic Balance System (SBS), specifically tailored to optimize grinding operations. The SBS system comprises several components:

1. Vibration Sensor - Detects vibrations that may indicate imbalance during operation.
2. Computer Control Unit - Processes the signals from the vibration sensor, filtering and analyzing them.
3. Balance Head - Can be installed externally on the spindle or internally within the spindle bore to correct imbalances.

Key Products in the Balancer Segment:
- SB-5500 Control Panel - This fully automated control panel allows for sophisticated balancing functionalities. It can include up to four functional circuit boards that enable processes like direct manual balancing, hydro chamber balancing, and process monitoring through acoustic emission (AE) signals. This automation significantly reduces machine setup times and enhances the efficiency of the grinding process.

- Acoustic Emission Monitoring System (AEMS) - This optional feature can be integrated into the SB-5500, utilizing acoustic sensor technology to monitor AE signals during critical grinding events. This system is crucial for automatic in-feed control to prevent damaging crashes caused by improper part loading.

- Process Control Cards - Two additional control cards feature enhanced capabilities: the ExactControl™ card optimizes the grinding process through various control strategies based on AE signals and machine power fluctuations, while the ExactDress™ card assists with the grinding wheel dressing process to maintain quality.

- SB-2000 Series - Consisting of both manual and portable versions, the SB-2000 is a user-friendly manual balancing system that offers one and two-plane balancing capabilities. Its ideal for users who require flexibility in balancing operations.

- AE-1000 - A dedicated platform designed for acoustic emission control, effectively reducing grinding times while alerting operators to potential crashes.

Measurement Segment

The Measurement Segment offers an extensive range of advanced sensor products aimed at various commercial applications. This includes:

1. Laser and White Light Sensors - These sensors employ triangulation and time-of-flight methods to measure distance, with essential applications across manufacturing, medical imaging, and surface inspection. Notable products include:

- AccuRange and AR Series - Distance measurement sensors operating over various ranges (e.g. AR1000 to AR3000) for precise measurements indoors and outdoors.
- AR700 and AR500 - Triangulating laser displacement sensors focusing on high-speed applications while ensuring maximum accuracy.
- AR CCS Prima and AR CCS Initial - Confocal chromatic sensors providing nanometer-level accuracy, ideal for measuring distance and position across various material surfaces.

2. Surface Roughness Measurement Products - Utilizing laser light scatterometry technology, these products provide rapid, accurate surface measurements essential for industries such as semiconductor and hard disk drive manufacturing (e.g. the TMS 2000-RC system).

3. Remote Tank Monitoring Solutions - The Xact Tank Monitoring System offers unparalleled solutions for monitoring fill levels in various liquid storage tanks. This system includes several components:
- Tank Sensor - An ultrasonic sensor that accurately measures the fill level based on echo detection.
- Satellite Radio Transmitter - Transmits fill level data securely via the GlobalStar satellite network.
- Xact Website - A secure platform providing real-time data access from remote tank locations, alerts for fill level thresholds, and integration for inventory management.

Market Segments

Schmitt Industries serves three primary market segments within the Balancer Segment:
1. Machine Tool Builders - Suppliers and manufacturers of specialized grinding machines that incorporate the SBS system into their offerings.
2. Machine Tool Rebuilders - Companies focused on refurbishing older grinding machines by incorporating upgraded components like the SBS systems.
3. Grinding Machine Users - End-users from diverse industries—automotive, aerospace, medical—who become familiar with the SBS system through various channels such as trade shows or referrals.

Conclusion

Schmitt Industries Inc.’s comprehensive range of products and services places it at the forefront of precision measurement and balancing technology. The companys offerings play an essential role in improving the efficiency, quality, and reliability of industrial grinding and measurement processes across multiple sectors, making them indispensable tools for modern manufacturing operations. Through continuous innovation, Schmitt Industries aims to meet the evolving demands of its diverse customer base while ensuring improved operational performance and cost-effectiveness.