|
 “I just couldn’t see adding unproductive overhead to my operation just to get the advantages of CNC machining centers for my shop. Hurco has the perfect solution.”
—Kevin O’Donnell, President
With many die shops, wire EDM machines are a key component. Kelco has four including a new Charmilles Robofil. In the past couple years, the business has grown such that Kevin O'Donnell, president, realized he needed a VMC to keep up with his needs for drilling and tapping mounting holes for all the various die sections that each of his progressive dies required.
Other shops had setup separate CAM programming departments and hired CNC machine operators, but Kevin knew that adding overhead would make him less competitive. He had competent toolmakers on his staff, so he wanted a machine and control package that would give him shop-floor productivity.
VM2 Provides Versatility and Accuracy Shop Requires
The Hurco VM2 machining center is ideal for the versatility demanded in a die shop. It has travels of 40″ in X, 18″ in Y and 18″ in Z. With an 8,000 RPM, 15 HP motor, it has plenty of cutting capacity for tool rooms. With a starting price of $49,900 and a full range of productivity enhancing options, the VM2 was ideal for Kevin’s needs.
Kevin does all of the die design work in AutoCAD. Hurco’s Max control allows Kevin to directly download the entire CAD file to the control and by simple “point and click” programming create a program that will drill, tap, or ream all the construction and mounting holes he needs. The control is so simple and easy to learn, all of his toolmakers can run it. There are no mistakes due to data entry transpositions or misunderstandings about what is to be done. The accuracy of the VM2 is such that all the components fit at assembly. Costs are lowered and lead times shrink.
Kevin has also found that because CNC machines are so accurate (the VM2 is rated at =/- 0.0001” positioning) his toolmakers can eliminate all the time consuming measuring and layout work required by old methods. Since the mounting and locating holes on the die shoe and each of the die details were created in AutoCAD and the Hurco control permits direct conversion of that CAD data to machine programs, the locations are machined correctly every time. Assembly hour timesavings are significant.
Summary
After having the VM2 for three months, Kevin wants to rename it the “Die Master”. He doesn’t know of any other vertical machining center that fits the needs of a die shop so well. When coupled with the options he purchased (Graphics software, DXF file transfer to read CAD drawings, UltiPocket software to mill advanced contours and pockets with islands, flood coolant and a chip conveyor) it meets all the needs of a competitive die shop that is focused on efficiency.
Under Kevin’s leadership, Kelco Tool and Die is rapidly moving forward bringing technology in-house to improve efficiency, lower costs and remain competitive in today’s market. The Hurco VM2 is a perfect match to increase his toolmakers’ productivity without having to add expensive overhead. Now, everything can be done on the shop floor.
|