The pursuit of precision
Since 1946, we have solved our customers’ problems in manufacturing, measuring, and scientific research. Anywhere ultra-precise motion or geometry is involved, there’s a good chance we have something to do with it.
Who we are
We design and build air bearing spindles and slides, and serve customers around the globe from our shop in Hopkins, Minnesota.
Alongside our air bearings, we provide a wide range of sub-contract manufacturing, including tools, gages, precision cams, special machines, and prototype or production parts.
Our technicians combine a deep understanding of precision engineering with many years of experience.
History
From a garage in 1946 to tolerances at the next decimal point.
- 1946–1966
Ted and Harold Arneson take the company from their garage to outer space.
1965: the first Blockhead spindles.
- 1966–1986
Collaborations with Honeywell and Control Data set the company on a path toward ultra-high precision manufacturing.
- 1986–2006
By the turn of the century, the product line includes a wide variety of ultra-precision linear slides.
- 2006–today
Mastery of ultra-precision manufacturing helps drive tolerances toward the next decimal point.
Next: our ultra-precision products and services will stay in demand as the world moves toward nanometer-level precision.
The shop
We build our spindles, and make close-tolerance parts for others, in the same shop.
Our shop is tooled with fine machines and inspection equipment. We have rebuilt many of those machines to better-than-new condition, and for the most critical work we have installed our own air bearing spindles and slides, making extremely close-tolerance work a specialty.
Shared with the field
87 technical posters, most presented at ASPE and euspen meetings from 2004 to 2026.
- 2004 · ASPETurning calcium fluoride
- 2006 · euspenFlatcheck
- 2009 · ASPEThe step-compensated 4RH
- 2011 · ASPEFlatstones
The posters cover spindle error motion, grinding, turning and surface preparation, and the full set is free to read.
Browse all 87 postersTell us about your high-precision project.
For prompt, personal service, request a quote or give us a call.