Page 18 - MetalForming August 2016

E
E
Eu
u
ur
ro
oBLEC
CH
H 2
2 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 16 6
6

Fiber Laser Keeps RealWheels Rolling
In the early-1980s, RealWheels started out making custom wheel covers. Wheel work, including this stainless-steel wheel- trim kit with lug-nut covers, is still a mainstay of the business.
pallet changer to increase throughput, ball transfer to keep stainless steel scratch-free and Mazak’s multi-function torch. Key to the entire package are the machine’s Intelligent setup and monitoring functions. Automatic setup functions include nozzle changing, focus position, focus detection, profiler calibration and nozzle cleaning. Monitoring functions include pierce, plasma and burn detection. Together, these capabilities dramatically simplify operation and automati- cally adjust cutting parameters to increase the quality of
parts and overall throughput, according to Mazak officials.
Efficiency Soars, Spurring More Business
“The new-machine buzz got our customers very excited, so excited that they started sending in drawings before the machine was installed,” says Jan Polka, noting that since the machine was placed online, orders have increased, due in part to more efficient operations that allow RealWheels to provide more competitive pricing to its customers.
“The machine is a workhorse,” says Cory Polka. “It process- es 85 percent of our products. We have a job that was taking 2.5 to 3 hr. to complete on the CO2 laser. We now cut the exact same grille cover on the new machine in only 25 min.”
Another job, a wheel cover, had taken 11.5 min. to com- plete on the CO2 machine; it now takes only 1.5 min. on the new machine. A portion of these production-time reduc- tions results from elimination of finishing steps. Operators can deliver laser-cut pieces directly to forming or welding operations.
The new fiber laser-cutting machine “has given us the confidence that there is no job we can’t compete for,” says Jan Polka. “We know that our equipment can do the work and provide high-quality results.” MF
Article provided by Mazak Optonics Corp., Elgin, IL; tel. 847/252-4500, www.mazakoptonics.com.

24th
Handling
Finished products, Parts, Assemblies Composites Flexible sheet metal working Machine elements
Tube/Section working Additive Manufacturing Surface treatment Tools, Dies Safety at work Data capture/processing CAD/CAM/CIM systems Controlling, Regulating, Measuring, Inspection Separation, Cutting Joining, Welding R&D Factory and warehouse equipment

HANOVER, GERMANY
www.euroblech.com
Organisers: Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd
Sheet metal, Tube, Sections
Forming
16
MetalForming/August 2016
www.metalformingmagazine.com