Accutec, Inc. designs and engineers precision blades in global partnerships with manufacturers and distributors of material processing equipment

Irrespective of the industry type, generally, users will appreciate the value of possessing high-quality cutting tools. Precision blades are an inseparable part of any manufacturing system. They are basically used to reduce the material sizes while processing various products from pork to paper. While businesses understand the need for precision blades, it is important for them to understand their manufacturing systems to boost productivity. Like how manufacturing systems have distinct production processes, precision blades also have certain requirements to fulfill before being installed in a manufacturing unit. When it comes to precision blades and knives, there are various types depending on the functions like cable splicing knives, hobby knives, replacement blades, and compass circle cutters. We introduce you to Accutec, Inc., before it got its name there is a history.

It was in 1875 that the first single edge safety razor of Star Razor was sold; the firm is enhanced to be skillful in design engineering. This is the reason for the company to shift production from razors to ammunition during World War II. Post the war, industry engineers started working on an ideal production facility when the company shifted from Brooklyn to Verona, Virginia.

Today the products match up the demands of many advanced enterprises that need high performance blades and bladed tools. Keeping up with the commitment of advancing its capabilities products, the name changed to Accutec, Inc.. purchased the assets of Edgewell Personal Care Company’s Medical and Industrial Products Division in September of 2015. Personna^® is a trademark of Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC.

All along, AccuTec has provided manufacturers, OEMs, and distributors with specialty blades that improve efficiency and quality so that they, in turn, can best serve their customers. Today, at every step—from concept to customer—AccuTec continues this reputable tradition that reflects the best in American invention and ingenuity.

AccuTec is already a well-known innovative, surgical, histology, dermatology, food, fiber, glass, flooring, and DIY blades and bladed solutions, the firm is actively planning for the needs of customers in the coming years. AccuTec believes that new ideas inspire new opportunities and leads to success. This keeps AccuTec can-do spirit alive.

AccuTec brings mechanical, physical, and process engineering expertise to every detail of blade manufacturing—and edge coatings are the important finishing touch. Very thin surface coatings increase wear resistance and reduce friction at the tip. The firm’s industry partners—whether in auto glass, fiber, plastic, film, or food processing—require a blade edge designed specifically to its application regardless of the use; however, consistent cutting quality is critical. The company’s extended-life, corrosion-resistant coatings minimize down time, reduce waste, and boost productivity.

The AccuTec team carry to complete arduous battery of section tests for each batch of microtome blades before they are released to packaging. The company inspects for initial quality, ease of ribboning, quality of section, longevity and knife lines. Each sample must pass the minimum quality requirement for the specific type of blades. Currently, The firm offers soft tissue blades with high molecular weight coating, soft tissue with low molecular weight coating, and general-purpose blades in a variety of packaging formats.

Sectioning tests are performed for all microtome blades. Tests involve ‘shaving’ a thin piece of paraffin wax from a block of wax, which is how lab technicians use these blades. AccuTec has individuals trained in Engineering & Quality for performing these tests & evaluating the results.

Process carried from beginning to end

Quality Checks at Every Stage: Before the metal enters the plant, each shipment must be pre-certified for compliance to AccuTec’s material properties standards. But even that is not enough. A receiving test is also conducted to ensure the steel meets the necessary criteria for its intended use.

Routine and rigorous audits are conducted many times during a single blade run to ensure that all blades conform to the high-performance standards. Each time a batch is about to enter production (before the lines goes full speed) the firm conducts a “first article” inspection. Before and after metal perforation, heating, grinding, surface processing, cleaning, packaging, and shipping—all along the production line from start-up to mid-run to end of run, each blade is tested and retested.

Training Makes it Possible: Every AccuTec auditor brings a basic aptitude and background for materials testing. Then, an arduous three-month in-house educational program ensures instrument proficiency. After initial training, the organization works closely with its “Blade U” graduates to be sure they understand all dimensions of their job. Knowing that the ultimate quality of the product is “on the line”, everyone at Accutec, Inc.takes QA very, very seriously.

Certifications: AccuTec

Blades has earned ISO 9001 certification indicating the presence of a sound Quality Management System and demonstrating its focus on meeting customer expectations and delivering customer satisfaction. AccuTec has also earned certification in ISO 13485 which signifies the Quality Management System is compliant with regulatory requirements for medical devices.

American Standards for

Testing Materials International (ASTM): ASTM chose Accutec, Inc. to provide blades for

testing safety gloves and related fabrics and materials. The sharpness of the blades set the international ASTM 1780 industry standard for cutting force resistance.

Regulatory items and responsibility (Certs., Record Keeping, etc.) : AccuTec has several registered Medical Devices as well as 3 skus of sterile dermatology blades that are regulated items. These must have full traceability and documentation of the manufacturing process, tests and inspections, and formal ‘release’ before shipping to customers to ensure that documentation is available, correct, & complete.

Greet the luminaries of AccuTec

Rick Gagliano , President & CEO

Rick establishes AccuTec’s strategy, direction and culture, building and leading the executive team, and allocating capital, among other responsibilities. Rick’s past senior management experience and expertise served as the driving force when Accutec, Inc., Inc. was successfully spun off from Edgewell Personal Care (formerly Energizer) in September 2015, in order to establish Accutec, Inc.. as a standalone company.

Rick received his B.A. in Mechanical Engineering from Union College in Schenectady, New York and his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the A.L. Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Kevin Breheny , Senior Vice President , Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Kevin brings 25+ years of financial accounting and financial management experience, having served in the CFO role in his two previous positions at Industrial Container Services and NuCO2, Inc. Kevin has also worked for Crane Aerospace, Crane Co., Sunbeam Corporation and the public accounting firms Deloitte, LLP and KMPG Peat Marwick. Kevin will be responsible for managing the company’s treasury, finance, accounting and IT functions. Moreover, while maintaining the required financial compliance he will support the expected growth and maximize enterprise value.

Kevin received his BA from Pace University in New York.

Kevin Closky, Senior Vice President , Operations

Kevin’s diverse experiences as a US Navy submariner, business owner and executive-level consultant across many industries will drive best practices across manufacturing, operations, and safety functions. Prior to AccuTec, Kevin was Chief of Operations at DB&A – DeWolff, Boberg & Associates, Inc., where he catalyzed change across people and processes with strong, positive financial results. His passion for growing people into effective leaders will drive the firm’s operational excellence as it continues its growth plans.

Kevin earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of South Carolina, Columbia.

“AccuTec provides the highest quality specialty, medical, and professional blades for customers worldwide.”