FactoryLink Friday!
Keith Brown • November 7, 2025
Delivering Solutions, Not Just Products
At Factory Link Inc., we believe true value goes far beyond handing over a catalog or processing an order. Ourmission is to deliver solutions that help manufacturers overcome their toughest challenges—boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and driving long-term success on the shop floor.
More Than a Line Card
Anyone can sell tooling or equipment. What makes Factory Link Inc. different is our technical, solutions-driven approach. Every recommendation we make is backed by hands-on experience, product knowledge, and a deep understanding of Midwest manufacturers’ unique needs. From precision machining to surface finishing, we align the right products with the right processes—so you’re not just buying tools, you’re investing in outcomes.
Solving Real Manufacturing Challenges
- Productivity Gains: We identify opportunities for faster setups, higher throughput, and reduced downtime.
- Cost Reduction: By matching the best tooling and workholding to each application, we help shops extend tool life and cut waste.
- Process Reliability: We partner with customers to ensure consistent performance and repeatable results, even on complex jobs.
A True Partner in Growth
Our team doesn’t measure success in units sold—we measure it in customer wins. Whether it’s helping a job shop reduce cycle time, supporting an OEM with advanced inspection solutions, or introducing new surface finishing technology, we’re here to create competitive advantages for our partners.
At Factory Link Inc, we’re proud to stand by our mantra: Delivering Solutions, Not Just Products.
Linking Industry Together Since 1987
In today’s high-mix, high-precision manufacturing environment, speed and repeatability are everything. That’s why more and more shops are turning to 5th Axis Workholding solutions —a system built to maximize spindle uptime, reduce setup costs, and eliminate inefficiencies on the shop floor. At Factory Link Inc., we’re proud to represent 5th Axis and bring their cutting-edge RockLock bases, dovetail fixtures, and vises to Midwest manufacturers. Why 5th Axis? 5th Axis has redefined what “workholding” means for modern machining. Their system is designed around quick-change efficiency , allowing operators to go from job to job in seconds, not minutes. This is made possible through the RockLock zero-point system , which provides a universal interface for vises, dovetail fixtures, and custom applications. Key advantages: Repeatability within microns – ensuring consistency and reducing scrap Universal compatibility – mount parts, vises, or pallets across multiple machines Time savings – changeovers that once took 15–20 minutes now take less than 60 seconds The RockLock Advantage At the heart of the 5th Axis system is the RockLock Base Plate . With a simple quarter-turn, machinists can lock in workholding fixtures securely and repeatably. This means less time spent dialing in setups and more time cutting chips. Pairing RockLock bases with 5th Axis self-centering vises or dovetail fixtures makes it possible to grip even the smallest parts with absolute rigidity. Shops working in aerospace, medical, or high-value contract machining especially benefit from the ability to maximize every inch of their machining envelope. Learn how 5th Axis RockLock can help you
In a world where advanced machines, automation, and cutting-edge tools dominate the conversation, it’s easy to forget that manufacturing has always been — and will always remain — a people-driven industry. Precision is not only measured in microns or tolerances, but also in the care, dedication, and expertise that humans bring to the shop floor. At its core, manufacturing is about relationships: between operators and their tools, engineers and their designs, suppliers and their customers, and teams who rely on each other to deliver quality work every single day. While automation accelerates efficiency, it is human intuition, problem-solving, and creativity that drive real innovation. Think of a machinist who knows the “feel” of a cutting tool in a way no algorithm can measure, or a team that rallies together to solve a production challenge on a tight deadline. These human connections transform technical excellence into sustainable success. At Factory Link Inc., we believe that technology and people are not in competition — they are partners. The most sophisticated cutting tools, workholding systems, or metrology solutions achieve their true potential only in the hands of skilled professionals who understand how to unlock performance. As we continue to advance precision manufacturing, we remain committed to supporting not just the tools and processes, but also the people who bring them to life. Because in the end, precision is not just about parts — it’s about people. LEARN MORE
When it comes to industrial deburring, surface finishing, and high-precision internal tool solutions, E.S.S. (E SurfaceSolutions) remains the leader — and there’s only one official point of contact to get the real product, true specifications, and verified technical support. In manufacturing — especially when dealing with burr removal, tight tolerances, cross-section, or finishing tough materials — cut corners in communications or sourcing can introduce risk. A burr left behind isn’t just an aesthetic blemish — it can cause friction, premature wear, poor surface coatings, and even safety hazards. Using a single, verified contact prevents confusion and guarantees that you’re getting genuine E.S.S. solutions — with accurate specs, performance data, and support from the original source. What Sets ESS Apart E.S.S. specializes in mechanical and chemical surface enhancements , combining proprietary ceramic extruded fiber brush technology with deep-feature capability — ideal for challenging materials such as hardened steels (up to 70 HRC), stainless steels, super-alloys (Inconel®, Hastelloy®, Monel®, René alloys, Titanium), and more. Engineered fiber geometry delivers robust grinding power capable of removing burrs up to 0.010″ root thickness — and improves finishes while minimizing tool chatter and material stress. For surface-hole and deep-bore finishing, E.S.S. brushes outperform conventional media by “out-flexing” typical abrasive media while maintaining cutting pressure deep into features — reducing the need for manual “lollipop” tools or re-work. Compared to many incumbent solutions, E.S.S. often delivers 20–25% cost savings (due to longer tool life, faster cycle times, and reduced re-work), plus increased throughput and consistent part quality. For manufacturers looking for workflow improvement, reduced manual deburring, or precision-finished surfaces across aerospace, medical, firearms, automotive, or general machining — E.S.S. delivers tools built for accuracy, longevity, and repeatable results. As the Midwest representative, FactoryLink Inc. proudly supports E.S.S. with on-site demonstrations, product integration, training, and hands-on manufacturing solutions. If you need the right E.S.S. tool for your operation, Contact us FactoryLink Inc. for support. Either way — you’re connected to the same trusted network.
