The built-in swivel head-/rotary table configuration increases flexibility.
Machining centers in the SRTi series from mechanical engineers HURCO have been developed specifically for handling heavy precision parts where complex contours need to be machined despite their heavy weight and above-average size.
Pliening, Germany, September 2018: At the AMB trade fair, for instance, HURCO used the VMX 60 SRTi to exemplify how large travel ranges combined with a swivel-head rotary table configuration effectively extends the production spectrum. This configuration enables horizontal machining and optimal chip control. As the C-axis, the permanently integrated rotary table supports unrestricted angle movement. This is an aspect that shortens machining times and has a positive effect on the cost-effectiveness offered by the machine – as Michael Auer, Managing Director for HURCO GmbH, explains: “If the machine is to circle the workpiece to mill the surface of a cylinder, then the table performs a continuous rotational movement.”
Only one clamping process
All C-axis rotary tables in the SRTi series are capable of unlimited continuous movement. The B-axis swivel head also provides access to the workpiece on a swiveled machining plane. This is an advantage when machining complex contours, such as impellers or turbines, according to Michael Auer: “Clamping processes cost time. For these frequently requested machining combinations, the time savings from having just one single clamping process, without sacrificing accuracy, is an important competitive advantage in contract manufacturing.”
Productivity increases thanks to loading systems.
The opportunity of loading without human intervention by means of automated systems also increases the efficiency of HURCO machines. “We collaborate with providers of various automatic loading systems”, explains Michael Auer. “This means we can exactly match a wide variety of customer requirements to achieve a sustainable method for increasing productivity.” The result in practice: HURCO coordinates with customers to develop a matching solution consisting of the machining center and a loading robot from one of its partners. This can extend to integration of a machine tool into an existing, digital production system.
The objective of automated loading systems is sustainable capacity expansion, with the proviso that additional personnel are not required for machine operation. HURCO will demonstrate a current, comprehensive integration example at the AMB. This consists of combining the HURCO VMX 60 SRTi and an EROWA Robot Compact 80.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
Automated loading of HURCO machining centers
HURCO will be demonstrating how cooperation between a machine tool and a loading robot ensures greater efficiency in production at the EMO 2018. The use of the new Solid Model Import option will also be demonstrated at the trade fair stand, along with HURCO lathes and machining Centers.
Pliening, Germany, August 2018: HURCO and the specialist for process automation, EROWA, are unveiling a joint solution for the automated loading of machine tools. It integrates HURCO CNC machining centers into an EROWA production system via the DNC interface. Its software thus takes on the organizational tasks and processes production orders via the connected machining centers in accordance with the program. An EROWA Robot Compact 80 executes the automated workpiece changeover. The loading system is suitable for single or double machine operation, and harmonizes perfectly with the HURCO multi-axle machining centers.
Productivity increases thanks to loading systems
“We are in cooperation with various automatic loading system providers”, explains Michael Auer, Managing Director of HURCO Germany. “We can therefore satisfy differing customer requirements and open up a sustainable method for productivity increases for our customers.” The automated loading enables, for example, an increase in capacity in single-piece and small series production, without additional personnel costs for operating the machines. HURCO goes one step further in the collaboration with EROWA, because the Flexible Manufacturing Concept of the cooperation partner features a suitable framework for the integration of the HURCO machines into a digital complete system.
The proven digital production system comprising EROWA and HURCO machines will be presented at the AMB 2018. One CNC machining center can be docked on each side of the streamline EROWA Robot Compact 80 respectively. The pieces to be machined are fed into the robot cell on trays. The robotic arm integrated into the cell positions these one at a time in the HURCO machining center and removes the workpieces after completion in order to deposit them back into trays in the cell. The cell is controlled by the EROWA JMS 4.0 ® pro process control system. “All that remains for the operator is the programming of the machine tool and the loading of the shelves in the cell,” explains Michael Auer.
Less programming outlay thanks to he Solid Model Import Option
HURCO will be demonstrating just how easy programming with the Solid Model Import option at the AMB 2018 using several machine types as examples: 3D models that are available as STEP files can be imported directly with the new option. The import option interprets the data and enables production programming at the machine. This saves programming time and reduces the potential for errors during programming many times over.
Reliable turning centers with an extended service life
Using the robust TM8Mi lathe as an example, HURCO will be presenting its range of multi-axle turning centers for the turning and complete machining of medium-size workpieces at the AMB 2018. With these machines, programming for the operator is also fast and reliable. DXF drawings can be imported easily, and dialog and NC programming can be merged together individually. Driven tools can also be fitted to each revolver tool station, which simplifies the machine setup process.
Perfect surfaces with Takumi machining Centers
HURCO will also be providing information in the H series from Takumi at the trade fair stand. These portal machines are fast, work with exceptional precision and are therefore particularly suited for tool-making and mold-making. Absolute direct measuring systems, direct drives on all axes and electronic temperature compensation come as standard. The machines are equipped with a Heidenhain control system that enables dialog, parallel and free contour programming, as well as ISO-NC programming.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
The fastest route to finished workpieces – Never accept the status quo
Short processing times and outstanding precision in all machining steps are distinguishing features shared by all HURCO machining centers. With an innovative computer-based control unit, Hurco’s story of success began in 1968 in the American state of Indiana.
Pliening, Germany, June 2018: When working in sales for the plant manufacturer Humston Companies, Gerald Roch learned that manual setup and production control meant that work was not really economically viable for one-off part and small series manufacturers in metalworking. The engineer thus came up with the idea of equipping metal bending machines with an automated control system. This may sound like a matter of course for us today, but the concept was completely new at that time. In their early years, computers were only found in public institutions and were very large and expensive.
However, Roch and his business partner Edward Humston believed in this vision, and this prompted them to found HURCO Companies Inc. in 1968
HU forHumston,
R for Roch and
CO for Company.
The world’s first automated control for metal bending machines was called “Autobend”. HURCO had already begun selling the control unit by 1969, with the required starting capital being provided by 21 private shareholders. However, it would be 10 years later before the innovative component finally had its commercial breakthrough.
Roch worked continually on improving Autobend. With the CNC 2-axis control, the desired bending angle and length of the tool could now be stipulated in the programming. Autobend also received innovative installation assistance, which enabled users to install the program themselves. The operators at the machines thus regained control over the production process.
HURCO a technological leader for 50 years
This basic idea of Gerald Roch was consistently pursued by HURCO: enhancing the profitability of workshop production – particularly in one-off part and small series production – by reducing setup and programming times. By 1974, the technology leader had already launched the first CNC-controlled milling machine on the market, an innovation that would go on to become the heart of the company’s portfolio. Two years later, in 1976, HURCO presented the first version of dialog programming. This “conversational programming” was regarded as a major step towards further technology development. 1979 saw more than 30 percent of the company’s revenues being generated outside the US. For the production of control elements, more and more of HURCO’s own machines were being used.
HURCO presented the first CNC 3-axis machine in 1986 and its first 5-axis gantry-type machining centre in 2003. Company acquisitions and collaborative ventures meant that HURCO’s market presence grew in Europe also. The industrial nation of Germany was given a key role:
from 1988 onwards, HURCO GmbH Deutschland in Pliening near Munich took over sales and customer service for all of Europe.
From the very beginning, HURCO not only constantly invested in new products, but principally in the further development of existing ones. The company employs a large contingent of own engineers, mechanics and IT specialists. In 1984, the dual screen Ultimax further simplified programming steps, and this was followed by the market launch of the control system Vmax in 1997, the WinMax Desktop in 2000 and the WinMax software in 2006. “The CNC machines offered by HURCO are continuously being adapted to meet changing customer requirements. Workpieces are becoming more complex and sophisticated. We are combining new requirements with the capability of the CNC controller,” explains Michael Auer, Managing Director of HURCO Deutschland. “We have lean processes at HURCO, and these enable fast implementation.”
Customers choose HURCO for more productivity
When asked “What do you like about HURCO?”, 65 percent of respondents said the capability of the controller first and foremost. “Even employees without specific programming know-how can be quickly trained. It takes no more than two days for users to be trained to use the HURCOs,” explains Auer. This is also a central component of HURCO’s success concept: an extensive training and service programme ensures collaboration based on partnership. And this allows HURCO to learn a lot of about special customer requirements and future trends.
“Never accept the status quo” is Gerald Roch’s motto. The company has registered more than 60 patents, all thanks to its pioneering spirit. Speaking about himself, the HURCO co-founder says that he was lucky to see how things should work and to always have competent employees by his side.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
D-85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
Reduce programming time, avoid programming errors
Solid model import option simplifies programming on HURCO machines. Increased profitability through fast programming.
Pliening, Germany, March 2018: Solid model import option simplifies programming for HURCO machines. Programming on 5-axis machines from HURCO can be performed easily and quickly. New and less specially-trained employees can be trained in a short period of time. The new “solid model import” option further reduces the steps. Machine tool manufacturer HURCO has enabled connection of its machines to a solid model import.
The programming time is reduced and simplified through simple data importing in the STEP 3D model format. The import option interprets the data and makes production programming directly at the machine possible. The path from workpiece to component becomes more secure as well. The potential for error during programming is reduced many times over, partly because the machining simulation of the written program is shown together with the solid model in a single view. Thus, users can immediately see if the programming matches the finished component and can refinish this component if necessary.
Increased profitability through fast programming
HURCO machines are equipped with the intuitively operable “Max5” conversational control system. “Our control system is an absolute highlight and unique feature of ours”, Michael Auer, Managing Director of HURCO GmbH, emphasizes. “It is the fastest in the industry and vastly increases the machine’s efficiency.” DXF files can be directly imported into the CNC control system. Drawings or sketches are imported quickly into a finished program, which contributes to increased profitability in prototype, single piece and small series production.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
Acquisition of two machine tool companies in the U.S. and Taiwan
Three strong global brands under one roof with over 150 different models of one of the broadest product portfolios in the machining center industry.
Indianapolis/Pliening, July 2015: HURCO Companies continues its globally oriented company strategy with the acquisition of two industry giants: Milltronics CNC Machines from the USA and Takumi Machinery from Taiwan. HURCO is headquartered in Indianapolis, USA. Its German subsidiary, HURCO Germany GmbH, is based in Pliening near Munich.
The group is a global leader in the development and manufacture of machine tools with integrated control technologies. The combined HURCO, Milltronics and Takumi businesses will represent one of the most extensive product portfolios in the machine tool industry, with more than 150 different models. “Milltronics and Takumi have more than 18,000 machines installed in 30 countries. This will expand our customer base and also reinforce our presence, particularly in markets of the future such as China and Latin America,” commented Michael Auer, CEO of HURCO Germany, on the potential of these latest acquisitions.
Gregory Volovic, President of HURCO Companies, expressed his satisfaction by concluding: “We believe our customers world-wide will benefit from the expansion of our portfolio because Milltronics and Takumi are strong global tool brands with an extensive range of machine tool products.” According to his predictions, this will already have a positive effect on HURCO’s consolidated earnings in the 2016 fiscal year. Milltronics is a manufacturing company that designs and builds CNC controls, milling machines and turning machines for toolroom and production environments at its Minnesota facility. Takumi, a company from Taiwan, designs and manufactures CNC vertical machining centers, double column machining centers, high speed bridge machines and other machine tools, with sales primarily in Taiwan, China and Europe.
Takumi and Milltronics products are the optimal addition to HURCO’s machine tool range in that approximately 60% of Milltronics and Takumi’s lines are unique. Machine tools equipped with industrial controls from Fanuc, Siemens, or Heidenhain have been added to the portfolio for high-volume manufacturing environments. In future, the individual product lines will continue to be sold under their own brand names. Tried and tested designs are used by each of the brands, a factor that benefits the development of product enhancements, technologies and models.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
Automated machine loading
HURCO shows how the cooperation of machining center and loading robot ensures more efficiency in production with assured quality: For machine loading and unloading, HURCO CNC machining centers can be combined with corresponding automation systems. This increases productivity, but saves personnel resources.
Pliening, Germany, September 2017: “This flexible system enables the expansion of the multi-shift operation in single-piece and small series production without having to increase personnel expense for machine operation,” reports Michael Auer, Managing Director of HURCO Deutschland and Head of Sales for HURCO machine tools throughout Europe.
HURCO opted for the “Titanium” BMO system. This system allows a CNC machining center to be docked on both the left and right. Blanks are fed in the loading robot cell on trays. The robot arm integrated into the cell positions the blanks in the machining center, removes them after production and places them back into trays in the cell. “The operator loads the racks of the cell, programs the machine tool, starts the program and can then watch the system during operation,” explains Michael Auer.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
D-85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
Customers trust in proven WinMax control.
HURCO scores points with customers with the “WinMax” dialog control. Fast and at the same time safe programming creates high confidence in the plants.
Pliening, May 2015: Mechanical engineering trade fairs and symposia are increasingly dominated by questions about the “right” control. The background to this development is the high pressure to optimize with regard to sustainable economic efficiency and customer satisfaction. HURCO GmbH shows how a manufacturer of machine tools and machining gantries can translate this task into a successful machine concept.
“Our WinMax control is completely geared to the performance data of our machines. It is consistently oriented in its design to user requirements,” explains Michael Auer, Managing Director of HURCO GmbH.
The importance of this philosophy for the success of the company’s machining centers is demonstrated by the experiences of HURCO customers.
System and control are safe, we have very good experience with them
Philipp Engelbreit, Managing Director of Engelbreit & Sohn GmbH, was convinced by the detailed options of the HURCO machines and the clear, concise design of the control: “We have been working with HURCO machining centers for seventeen years. This control is so simple in principle that with the WinMax we have an intercultural production tool in our hands. We do not have to teach our workforce a multitude of German technical terms in various languages. A basic understanding of the German language is enough.” The contract manufacturing company’s confidence in the machines goes so far that it is quite possible to have the systems there working unmanned overnight in three-shift operation. “We check the wearing parts beforehand, of course, but the plant and control system are safe. Our experience with this has been very good,” reports Philipp Engelbreit.
Versatility is the competitive advantage
“The versatility of the HURCO control makes complex work simple. Quickly readable data meets a wide range of machine options. We can define up to 9,999 tools,” reports Michael Hamsen, Technical Managing Director of Miratec Kunststofftechnik GmbH. For him, versatility is an invaluable competitive advantage in the production of individual parts. Thanks to the control’s tool and material library option, each tool only has to be set up once. It is then stored in the control and can be called up again for each subsequent job. The very fast and precise handling via WinMax extends from start to finish. This is exactly what he needs every day with hundreds of parts. Thanks to the program database, he can call up and produce repeat parts in detail even years later – even on another machine from HURCO.
Variety of supply options
For Klaus Schmid, Managing Director of Schmid Metalltechnik GmbH, all these aspects are important. But for him, the real advantage lies in the quotation options of the WinMax. The operator can select from them without having to learn a new language straight away, he reports: “The user guidance is like a modern PC in the office: I call up a writing program when I want to write. And a page appears on the screen analogous to the printout later. When I enter “mill” in WinMax, I am also shown on the two screens how and what is being milled.”
Read in DXF data and off you go – quickly and safely
Andreas Husemann, production manager at TBA Projekt GmbH, agrees: “Dialog programming has really taken off for us. We no longer have to spend a lot of time programming and entering data. We read in DXF data, for example, and off we go – quickly and reliably”. Semi-skilled workers can call up ready-written programs, run them and thus handle production peaks in series production. The operator receives a one-time introduction to the control and runs the parts. This is due to the intuitive operation of WinMax using only a few keys, the extensive graphics options and the self-explanatory user interface. HURCO Managing Director Michael Auer knows this scenario well: “From a purely economic point of view, such orders are only attractive for contract manufacturers if they can operate with inexpensive labor. Then these orders pay off and create a competitive advantage. With our machines and WinMax DXF software, we help them achieve this.”
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
A symbiosis of technically advanced hardware and powerful WinMax software.
A wide range of perfectly equipped CNC 5-axis machining centers, with the industry’s fastest control.
Pliening, March 2015: The CNC 5-axis machining centers of the VMX series from HURCO are versatile in several senses. HURCO currently offers six machining centers, all of which are equipped with an integrated rotary/swivel table. The concept of the integrated rotary-tilt table offers
more clearance on the Z-axis compared to other manufacturers’ models.
What sets HURCO machines apart is the symbiosis of technically advanced hardware and highly efficient software. This results in a product that is powerful as well as economical and at the same time has very good operability.
WinMax – the fast one among the dialog controls
The 5-axis machines of the VMX series are equipped with the “WinMax” dialog control – optionally with DXF option. The powerful software of the control from HURCO simplifies programming for 5-sided machining and creates the conditions for the production of precision parts in just three steps.
“Compared to other conversational programming, our WinMax DXF software reduces the programming time for a workpiece by up to 50 percent. Anyone who has tried WinMax is usually enthusiastic,” says Michael Auer, Managing Director of HURCO GmbH.
When developing the control system, the internationally active manufacturer of machine tools for metal-cutting production focused on uncomplicated handling. Sketches and DXF data can be quickly transferred or simply read in. WinMax can be operated intuitively via a few keys, offers comprehensive graphics options and a self-explanatory user interface.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de
CNC 5-axis machining centers process heavy parts with optimum chip control.
Versatile usage possibilities due to generously dimensioned rotary tables. Tool access with tilted working plane and complex contours.
Pliening, Germany, March 2015: CNC 5-axis machining centers in the SRTi series from HURCO offer multi-faceted benefits in more ways than one. The three machine models with a swivel head and rotary table have been developed specifically for handling heavy precision parts in cases where complex contours need to be machined despite a heavy weight and above-average size. Their large, permanently integrated rotary table makes them ideal for this application. The additional space on the table can be used for additional work as well as 3 or 4-axis machining. The swivel head/rotary table configuration enables horizontal machining and optimal chip control. All of the machines are equipped with a pimp system for chip flushing. As the C-axis, the rotary table supports unrestricted angle movement. This is an aspect that shortens machining times and has a positive effect on the cost-effectiveness offered by the machine, as Michael Auer, Managing Director for HURCO GmbH, explains, “If the machine is expected to circle the workpiece in order to perform milling on the surface of a cylinder, the table needs to be able to perform a continuous rotational movement. But if the C-axis is restricted to plus/minus 360 degrees during movement, the machine has to rotate the workpiece back again at regular intervals.”
Saving time with just one clamping process
All C-axis rotary tables in the SRTi series from HURCO can move continuously without restriction. In addition, the B-axis swivel head enables access to the workpiece on a swiveled machining plane—a big advantage when machining complex contours like impellers or turbines. “Clamping processes cost time. For these frequently requested machining combinations, the time savings from having just one single clamping process, without sacrificing any accuracy, is an important competitive advantage in contract manufacturing,” says Auer. The done-in-onpe principle – the idea of combining several machining processe in one machine – is a permanent fixture in the development work at HURCO.
The three machines in the series differ in their qualification for various applications due to the size of the workpieces they are able to machine and their spindle speed. The VMX 42 SRTi and VMX 42 HSRTi variants offer a maximum working area of 1,279 x 610 mm and 1,080 mm of X-axis traversing. Their big sister, the VMX 60 SRTi, has a working area of 1,675 x 660 mm. Their Y-axis also provides 50 mm of additional traversing. The VMX 42 HSRTi is the fastest of the trio, with a spindle operating at 18,000 revolutions per minute. They all have one thing in common: an exceptionally large working space for their machine class.
Despite differences in design, all of the machines stem from a standardized concept. This means that operators familiar with one machine can immediately feel at home operating the others. In terms of operating comfort, they also offer large door openings that make it easier to load the machine table as well as large, easy-to-open side doors for straightforward access during maintenance work.
Programming complex workpieces twice as fast
The 5-axis machines in the SRTi series come with a “WinMax” conversational control system, optionally equipped with the DXF option. The high-performance control system software from HURCO simplifies programming for 5-side machining and provides the setup for producing precision parts in just three steps. “Compared to other conversational programming systems, our WinMax DXF software reduces the programming time for a workpiece by up to 50 percent,” reports Michael Auer.
Contact:
HURCO Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH
Alexandra Banek
Gewerbestraße 5 a
D-85652 Pliening
Phone +49 89 905094 29
abanek@hurco.de