Machining milestone

Haas Automation has announced the installation of its 200,000^th CNC machine – a major milestone in the company’s history as one of the world’s leading machine tool builders.

It was 30 years ago that a small start-up machine tool company from Southern California introduced its first vertical machining centre at IMTS 88 in Chicago. The Haas VF-1, affectionately known as the Very First One, quickly became an industry benchmark for affordable CNC technology.

Today, Haas is one of the largest machine tool builders in the world. The company’s 200,000^th machine – a UMC-750SS universal machining centre – rolled off the production line recently, and was installed at Vineburg Machining Inc (VMI) in Carson City, Nevada.

“We are proud to be the recipient of Haas’ 200,000^th machine, and couldn’t be happier with its performance,” stated Gerd Poppinga, operations manager at VMI. “This is our seventh Haas 5-axis UMC, and they have been a game changer for us. We are focused on creating high quality products, and Haas helps us keep that promise.”

“Installation of the 200,000th machine is a very special occasion for our company,” added Scott Gasich, Haas sales and marketing. “The fact that it coincides with the 30^th anniversary of the VF-1 is proof that the combination of value, performance, reliability, and support is just as important today, as it was in 1988.”

The UMC-750SS is a 5-axis, 40-taper universal machining centre with 762 x 508 x 508mm travels and an integrated high-speed, dual-axis trunnion table. The bestselling machine is equipped with a 15,000rpm inline direct-drive spindle, a side-mount tool changer, and the company’s high-speed machining software.

Haas www.haas.co.uk