New VMC packs a punch

The success of a Hyundai Wia E200C slant bed 2-axis lathe in reducing the machining times of punches and dies, as well as the resulting improvements in product quality, have not only enabled Alpha Punch & Machinery to expand its order book but have also spurred the company to install a new Hartford PRO - 1000 vertical machining centre – which is now producing similar productivity and quality benefits in the machining of both contoured and prismatic punch tools.

According to Julian Smith, managing director of the Rotherham-based specialist punch and die manufacturer, the new machines, both supplied by TW Ward CNC Machinery, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for the Hyundai Wia and Hartford brands, have transformed productivity and quality levels, enabling the company to gain new overseas customers while also further improving its service to UK clients.

Indeed, Mr Smith adds that most orders received by 1pm are machined, heat treated and despatched on the same day.”

The company has more than 21 years’ experience in the manufacture of punches and dies to suit a large variety of steelworkers. It was, however, the desire to improve manufacturing methods and cycle times, initially on shaft type workpieces, that prompted the purchase of a new 2-axis lathe.

“With the Hyundai Wia, Ward CNC and tooling supplier Kyocera put together a superb package for the machining demonstrations held by Ward CNC at its Sheffield headquarters,” Mr Smith explains. “They got everything right – and their process methods, which include the use of carbide tooling, were replicated when we installed the E200C.”

With swings over the bed and carriage of 550mm and 350 mm respectively, plus turning diameters and lengths of 350mm and 300mm, the Hyundai Wia E200C adequately copes with the wide variety of punches and dies processed. This capability is enhanced by the machine’s 12 tool turret, 78mm spindle bore, 4,000rpm spindle speed and rapid traverse speeds of 36m/minute.

“Compared to our former methods, the Hyundai Wia from day one slashed cycle times on the S1 tool steel punches and dies, and it was this success that immediately made us look at a new machining centre for producing the various shape contoured tools,” adds Mr Smith.

With a pallet working surface of 1,150mm by 600mm, travels in X, Y and Z of 1,000mm by 600mm by 630mm with rapid traverse rates of 20m/minute, plus 8,000rpm spindle and feed rates of 12,000mm/minute, the Hartford Pro Centre 1000 VMC also accommodates all possible requirements on Alpha’s prismatic workpieces.

“In both cases, we did look at alternative machines but the back-up and support from Ward CNC have been faultless from day one with the lathe,” says Mr Smith, “so much so that we had no hesitation in returning when we wanted a new machining centre.”

TW Ward CNC Machinery www.wardcnc.com