Capo Industries Inc.
Capo Industries Inc., Chino, California relies on the Delphin reference system to provide optimum 5-axis high-speed machining in support of maintaining global competitiveness.
“Maximising spindle time in our Mikron UCP 1350 and Mazak A-16N Machining Centres has been a major key to Capo remaining at the forefront of aerospace engineering worldwide,” said Steve Chiales, Vice President Sales & Operations.
This Southern California-based manufacturer of jet engine components, established in 1977, has the world’s leading aerospace companies in its customer base and is proud of approvals from Boeing, General Electric, Hamilton Sundstrand, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Snecma and Williams International, among others.
Reduced set-up times from 5 hours to 20 minutes!
Innovation in developing an industry-demanded lean manufacturing approach, led to the first US installation of this type of machining centre in 2002, but Capo soon realised that they had to make it work even smarter.
“Our OEM customers seek the lowest cost solution whilst continuing to hold the very tight tolerances in highly engineered components,“ explained Steve Chiales. “So, reducing the labour cost was achieved by running all our equipment more efficiently – especially the Mikron and Mazak CNC Machining Centres.”
With System 3R’s help, palletisation was the solution but with workpieces of up to 400kg, really tough metals/super alloys being machined and with cutting speeds up to 15,000 rpm Delphin was the optimum system. The size and weight of the workpieces also meant that their handling on pallets had to be exceptionally careful and precise. With possible damage to the machine’s table if pallets are not removed and positioned with care, Delphin’s unique ‘soft lift-off and landing’ in confirming precise positioning, engagement and disengagement of the pallet in the chucks is vital.
Delphin palletization increases productivity in Mikron machining centre.
This 2mm soft lift off and landing function is operated hydraulically through a light sensor. The chucks generate a locking force of 60,000 N to ensure no pallet/workpiece movement on the machine table during cutting.
“Palletisation allows us to set-up off line and we have dramatically reduced set-up times from 5 hours to 20 minutes,“ continued Steve Chiales. “The machine’s six pallet-changing system also gives us 24/7 unassisted working – especially as long cycle times are the norm – without compromising repeatability, reliability or accuracy to very tight tolerances.
“The performance of System 3R tooling has surpassed our expectations in not only helping us combat international competitive pressures but has also exceeded our ROI performance parameters.”
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