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Americanmachinist 2001 Csbks0100png00000002499
Americanmachinist 2001 Csbks0100png00000002499
Americanmachinist 2001 Csbks0100png00000002499
Americanmachinist 2001 Csbks0100png00000002499

Technology makes shop money

April 1, 2005
The key to making money on the shop floor is keeping spindles turning, says Paul Hartz, vice president of engineering and finance at Mack Tool & Engineering in South Bend, Ind. But to live by this philosophy often means sidelining entrylevel-mills and

Paul Hartz, vice president of engineering and finance at Mack, says the shop's Mazak machines contribute to overall company productivity.

Mack quickly produces parts from solid stock using special companyengineered tombstone workholding and other productivity enhancements on its Mazak machines.

The key to making money on the shop floor is keeping spindles turning, says Paul Hartz, vice president of engineering and finance at Mack Tool & Engineering in South Bend, Ind. But to live by this philosophy often means sidelining entrylevel-mills and machines from the company's early years and opting for advanced machines like an Integrex 200-IIISY, a Variaxis 630/5X, and a PFH4800.

These machining centers, all from Mazak, incorporate productivity advancements such as material-handling automation, dual-pallet changing where applicable, special Mack-engineered tombstone workholding, and 120-tool magazines on the newer models. With these systems, Mack operators set up jobs while machines are running, easily produce complex parts in single setups from customer CAD files, and machine parts from solid stock.

Machining parts from solid stock, as opposed to castings or forgings, speeds production. "We cut total time for parts from eight weeks to under one," comments Hartz.

Mack's emphasis on technology and automation also allows it to quickly upscale or downscale in response to business conditions. With reliable equipment, the shop safely reduces inspections, and operators can run more machines.

"Technology has made us competitive on high-end parts," says Hartz, "and when you deliver complex, high-value parts on time, it makes the buyer look good." In addition to machining, the company offers services such as pressure testing, power flushing, assembly, kitting, and shrink-wrap packaging.

Mazak Corp.
Florence, Ky.
mazakusa.com