PUNCHING INVESTMENT FOR HIGH VOLUMES |
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Established in 1977, Hydram Engineering had grown its business on punching. Indeed, eight years ago it was operating seven punching machines in a single shift. The greater flexibility offered by lasers then beckoned and, in line with its policy of continuous improvement and investment, the company steadily adopted this technology. |
| The automated handling and low set-ups of the lasers make them an attractive option for cost-efficient volume production. But they are also, by comparison with punching, more expensive to run. The obvious course is to put as much work on these machines as possible to achieve maximum economy. “We have always had a lot of work ideally suited to punching, “ explained Operations Director, David Greatorex. “ However, the limiting factor in terms of competitive volume production, has been the lack of automation on our existing machines.” To redress the balance and achieve the best from both laser and punching technologies, Hydram Engineering has now installed a TC5000R FMC automated punching cell, from TRUMPF, at its extended premises in County Durham. This ISO 9001:2000 company undertakes a broad variety of work that extends from aerospace, automotive and construction through to white goods, electronics and even sculpture and art. However, high volume work requiring quick turn around continues to feature strongly in its workload. “We chose TRUMPF’s TC5000R FMC because this machine has a proven track record for reliability and we believe it to be the best in the field,” David Greatorex concludes. “Its automated features provide the speed, tool rotation and flexibility for us to provide our customers with a dedicated, highly cost-competitive punching service, whatever the volume.” |
| © 2008 TRUMPF, 2008-10-09 | |