Is Possible

Blue Sky Inventors advances technology to foster growth and progress for the benefit of Humanity.

About Us​

Blue Sky Inventors is a one-stop shop for all your innovation, research and development, and machining needs. We can secure and develop your intellectual property, or we can innovate new solutions to problems in your industry. We mature concepts from any stage of development, from napkin sketches to optimized developed product.

Blue Sky Inventors is poised to make a significant impact on Montana and beyond. We are already working on several exciting projects that have the potential to revolutionize their respective industries. By fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our Montana's economy, we are helping to address the world's most pressing challenges.

Female manager writing notes in a clipboard and manual worker talking in a factory
Michael Merino, Founder and CEO

Michael Merino, Founder and CEO

Blue Sky Inventors was founded by Michael Merino, a seasoned U.S. Army veteran with a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to his home state of Montana. Inspired by his grandfather, Robert Noyce, the co-founder of Intel, Michael has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of technology and creating a brighter future. Michael's strength lies in his ability to think outside the box and approach solutions that others may overlook.
Dave Lake, R&D Senior Engineer

Dave Lake, R&D Senior Engineer

David Lake combines his experience in machining and manufacturing, his knowledge of mechanics, and his understanding of physics and engineering principles to help create and refine innovative new products and solutions. "Blue Sky Thinking" spurs David to challenge and expand the industry's common notions of what's possible.

Who We Work With

No matter what stage or development you're in, we can help bring your product to market.

Startups and Inventors

We'll help bring your ideas to life!

Established Businesses

Streamlining your manufacturing processes and developing new products.

Military and Aerospace

Meeting their demanding specifications and tolerances.

Services

/01

Free Consultations

We offer free consultations to discuss your project and identify the best path forward.

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Innovation to Engineering

We act as your R&D department on-demand, growing your ideas from concept, to prototype, and beyond.

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Engineering Services

Our team of experienced engineers can help with reverse engineering, destructive and non-destructive testing, and mechanical process improvement.

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Value-Added Machining

We offer designs for machine manufacturing consulting, optimization, and cost reduction based on application and utilization.

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3D Modeling & Prototyping

We can create 3D models and prototypes to help you visualize your product and ensure its functionality before production.

Capabilities

Machining

  • 3, 4, 4+1 -axis CNC machining and live tool lathes, with a wide range of materials.

Tolerances

  • +/- .001 for general work orders.
  • +/- .0005 for precision work.

Part Size

  • 2.5 inches in diameter for lathe.
  • 24 inches for mill work.

Materials

  • We specialize in machining metal components. We can also work with some plastics and composites for high-volume orders.

Current Machines

HAAS Mini Mill-2

HAAS MINI-MILL
  • Axis: 3+1
  • Max. workpiece diameter: 36.2 in.
  • Max. workpiece length: 123 in.
  • Max. bar diameter: 4.6 in.
  • Max. X-axis travel: 16 in.
  • Max. Y-axis travel: 14 in.
  • Max. Z-axis travel: 15 in.
  • RPM: 8000

HAAS VM-3 VMC

HAAS VM-3
  • Spindle Taper: CT or BT 40
  • Table Size: 54" x 25" (1372 mm x 635 mm)
  • Max Table Load: 4000 lb (1814 kg)
  • X-Axis Travel: 40"
  • Y-Axis Travel: 26"
  • Z-Axis Travel: 25"
  • Max. Distance Spindle Nose to Table: 29"
  • Min. Distance Spindle Nose to Table: 4"
  • Max. Spindle Speed: 12,000 RPM
  • AXIS: 4

DMG Mori- NLX 2500

nlx-2500-product-picture
  • Type: Dual Spindle y-axis live tooling lathe
  • Max. workpiece diameter: 18.1 in.
  • Max. workpiece length: 49.4 in.
  • Max. bar diameter: 3.5 in.
  • Max. X-axis travel: 10.2 in.
  • Max. Y-axis travel: 3.9 in.
  • Max. Z-axis travel: 53 in.
  • Milling Spindle RPM: 10k
  • Turning Spindle RPM: 6k

HAAS VF-2SS

HAAS VM-2SS
  • Max.X-axis: 30 inches
  • Max. Y-axis: 16 inches
  • Max. Z-axis: 20 inches
  • Max Speed: 12,000 RPM
  • Max Weight: 1500 lbs
  • AXIS 4

DMG Mori- NLX 1250

DMG MORI NLX 1250
  • Type: Dual Spindle y-axis live tooling lathe
  • Max. workpiece diameter: 36.2 in.
  • Max. workpiece length: 123 in.
  • Max. bar diameter: 4.6 in.
  • Max. X-axis travel: 19.1 in.
  • Max. Y-axis travel: 7.9 in.
  • Max. Z-axis travel: 124.8 in.
  • Milling Spindle RPM: 10k
  • Turning Spindle RPM: 6k

DMG Mori- NHX 5000

nhx-5000-product-picture-usa
  • Max. X-axis travel: 28.7 in.
  • Max. Y-axis travel: 28.7 in.
  • Max. Z-axis travel: 34.6 in.
  • Max. workpiece diameter: 31.5 in.
  • Max. workpiece height: 39.4 in.
  • Max. workpiece weight: 1543.2 lbs.
  • Pallet size: 19.7 x 19.7 in
  • Spindle Speed: 15,000 rpm
  • Torque: 81.9/85.6 ft lb.

"Innovation is everything."

-Robert Noyce

Contact us today and see how we can help!

Blue Sky Inventors, Inc.
1309 Cole Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
406-457-5519

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