To maintain relevance during economic uncertainty, businesses should focus on improving their efficiency which drives their bottom line. For machining service providers, this means increasing the machining efficiency which leads to a shorter cycle time. With this in mind, Thaimach and Hurco, and partners; PTSC and Autodesk, recently hosted an open house to showcase trend-setting machines and machining solutions for their customers and visitors.
The event began with a welcome speech and introduction by Mr. Taveesak Srisuntisuk, Managing Director of Thaimach Sales and Service Co., Ltd. MEGATech is pleased to feature this event with the following highlights.
Machining and Programming Challenges
Mr. Wai Yip Lee, General Manager of Hurco (S.E. Asia) Pte. Ltd., reviewed challenges in achieving a shorter cycle time which lie in two factors; machine programming and machining capability. Most of the programming problems are acute lack of skilled programmers and machinists. The speaker suggested the manufacturer to adopt shop floor programming to lighten the load of their existing CAM programmers. This will help shorten the learning curve and get the job done quicker. The manufacturers also need to adopt trends of high mix low volume and even one-off production with more programming and set up times required.
Invest in the Right Machines
The conference introduced and demonstrated the VMX24Di and VMX30UDi, Performance series vertical CNC mills from Hurco. These compact machines feature a maximum direct drive spindle speed of 15,000 rpm and power of 20 HP or 15 kW. The machine is equipped with Hurco Max5 CNC control technology power with 4GB RAM Memory, 2.7 GHz dual-core processor and 128 GB solid-state hard drive. It is the most flexible control in the industry that allows customers to decide which programming method is best for each job: conversational, NC, or an NC/Conversational merge. With more than 80 improvements, usability tests by customers, ergonomic design and programming flexibility, the MAX5 control proves to be the customer favorite in the market.
The VMX series comes standard with its patented UltiMotion that allows for up to 4,000 bps processing speed and up to 10,000 block lookahead. With its advanced algorithm software that takes the load off the motion control board, the VMX series achieves a 30% reduction in cycle time. Furthermore, with UltiMotion, the cutting quality doesn’t rely on hardware as conventional motion control so there is less chatter, less vibration, and less machine jerk enabling in better surface finish.
5-AXIS for Accurate and More Complex Parts
The conference also introduced the VMX30UDi, 5-AXIS Integrated trunnion table machining center. The 5-axis milling results in decreased production time mostly due to reduced set-up time, which means shorter cycle times and more accurate parts. 5-axis machining also allows to use shorter tools, which reduces chatter, improves surface finish, and provides more rigidity. The integrated trunnion table design provides more clearance in the Z-axis allows the VMX30UDi to machine heavier parts. With the 5-axis, manufacturers can take on and quote on more complex parts.
Solid Model Import for Fast Programming
This newest control feature is designed to simplify programming, save time, and preserve accuracy with simply click and cut. With Solid Model Import, the user can take a customer’s 3D solid model and import it directly into the Max5 controller. For 5-sided programming, Solid Model Import automatically creates the transform planes for easy 5-sided conversational programming with no need for data entry.
Streamline Sheet Metal Processing with Fusion 360 by Autodesk
Another presentation was from Autodesk. The software house from France provides a comprehensive suite of design and manufacturing software highlighting the ability to streamline the process from CAD to CAM, and directly interface with a machine, enabling a rapid turnaround time for parts. In this event, Autodesk introduced the Fusion 360 software designed to support a wide range of manufacturing processes commonly used in sheet metal fabrication, including laser cutting, punching, bending, and welding.
Save Tool Cost with WattPilote by PTSC
Digital Way WattPilote tool wear and breakage detection systems combine a unique set of technologies to provide the highest-performance machine tool power monitoring systems in the world. They’re in-process tool monitoring systems, so they don’t add to cycle time, they reduce it. They’re installed outside the harsh machining environment (to avoid cutting oil, high temperatures, vibration etc.), so WattPilote is easy to retrofit and simple to maintain.
Lineups for Intelligent Production
Thaimach Sales and Service Co., Ltd. established in 1994, is a pioneer in importing and distributing industrial machinery and metrology products and service. The company’s lineups include CNC mills and turning centers from Hurco, DMG Mori CNC machine tools, Hexagon CMM, Jagura grinding machines, Unison grinding machines, and Baty profile projectors. In 2022, the company underwent a rebranding with a focus on Industry 4.0 adding automation solutions to its portfolio, especially the Automation Suite from Eleven Dynamics that enables seamless integration of robots or scanners for intelligently automated production.
With decades of hands-on experience, Mr. Taveesak said he still enjoys working and hopes to bring his knowledge and experience to benefit the Thai industry and drive Thaimach to grow even more. This 2025 open house just proved his words.
Article by: Thaimach Sales & Service Co. Ltd. and MEGATech Thailand << Click Here