With very few exceptions, the tools of our trade are remarkably specialized and backed by years of scientific research and testing. NAILS wanted to learn what goes into the making of that time and motion saver, the electric file, so we sent a staffer to Kupa’s Buena Park, Calif. facility for a behind-the-scenes tour by marketing director Richard Hurter.

 

Kupa does all of its manufacturing in-house, using sophisticated machines that were built specifically for this purpose. Hurter first demonstrated the shearing ability of its Mani-pro electric file, pointing out that the handpiece remained cool and vibrated little. “We strive to make the bit and the shaft as concentric as possible to reduce vibration. The more it vibrates, the more fatigue the nail tech will experience,” he explains.

 

As for the carbide bits themselves, the design of the cutting surface is programmed into a computer and precision crafted. Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Kupa’s carbide bit machines churn out 12,000-15,000 bits a month, or roughly one bit every seven minutes. Each machine pumps 110 gallons of biodegradable oil to keep its parts cool.

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