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"We have been using Hurco for over 15 years. We found the new VM3 to be perfect for a number of repetitive jobs. We can set up five vises and/or fixtures on the long 50-inch bed, and we’re ready to do fast response turnarounds for our critical customers."
- Paul Quake, President
Quake Manufacturing, a job shop in Ft. Wayne Indiana, began operations in 1990. In 1996 they expanded into their current 8,000 square foot facility. Paul Quake took over as CEO in June of 1999 when his father, who founded the shop, retired. Like most job shops, Quake caters to just about anyone with a need for machined parts including local customers in the automotive, aerospace and food industries.
Although Quake specialized in lathe work during the early days, the need to add milling operations became apparent as the business grew. The result was the 1991 purchase of a 3-hp Hurco KM3P precision knee mill with its easy to use UltiMax® control. Two years later, they added a BMC20. However, they have since replaced these machines with even faster, more productive Hurco machines. With lot sizes ranging from a single piece to 50,000 pieces, productivity matched with flexibility is a necessity.
Key Hurco Advantages
Quake Manufacturing has maintained a long and beneficial relationship with Hurco. In 1997, they added a BMC4020 vertical machining center. This workhorse is still used today when the newer machines are not available or are underutilized for a particular operation. The next additions were the newer generation vertical machining centers—the Hurco VMX42 and VM3.
Paul Quake added the Hurco VM3 in March of 2005. Quake says the VM3’s 50-inch X travel was one of the biggest selling points for two reasons. First, Quake handles a fair amount of shaft and bracket work. In many cases, the pieces can reach 50 inches in length. The VM3, with its versatile control, was a real bargain for the machining area. Secondly, Quake has found he can set up five different vices on the long table. This flexibility allows him to do multi-sided parts in one handling or set up each vise for a different repetitive job. Lead times are significantly reduced for small lot repeat orders and his operators can multi-task on other machines.
Quake also uses the VM3 with permanent setups of 4 vises and a three-jaw chuck. With each vise ‘zeroed in’ he can quickly set up and run a wide number of repeat jobs. If the material is available, turn around times of 24 to 48 hours are the norm. The three-jaw chuck is in place for secondary lathe operations as needed.
Summary
The VM3 has become the perfect complement to the shop’s BMC4020 and the VMX42. Quake Manufacturing utilizes all three machines to achieve maximum efficiency. Quake relies on the VMX42’s speed and power for complex and long runs and the VM3’s 50-inch table to handle the small and repetitive jobs. He counts on the sturdy BMC4020 to fill in the remaining gaps.
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