By adding a new Euromac CX 152030 CNC punch press set up with the Mate Ultra TEC tooling and MultiTool systems, Harwoods Ltd has completed an important first step in its program to double productivity.

Harwoods For Steel is a subcontract manufacturer of stainless steel, aluminum, and mild steel components used in cookers, electrical control panels, and commercial vehicles. The new tooling, supplied by Mate Precision Tooling, allows Harwoods to operate its Euromac press continuously and at speeds up to 200 strokes per minute minimal offline tool setup time.

"We punch thousands of round, square and rectangular holes in many sizes in our standard parts," reports Harwoods' managing director Harry Braunton. "Both the Ultra TEC and Multi-Tool systems handle this wide range of holes in mild and stainless steel, and thicknesses ranging from 0.9mm to 6.0mm with ease. The MultiTool uses interchangeable tools to create a truly hands-off automated production environment that lowers the cost base of the products we manufacture."

Tool arsenal

Harwoods utilizes two Multi-Tool versions. The first is an MTE6 station that holds six tools having a maximum diameter of 24mm. The second is an MTE10 station which holds three tools, each with a maximum diameter of 24mm, and holds seven tools having a maximum diameter of 8mm. The Multi-Tool system increases the number of tools available in the punch press. While one Multi-tool is running in the machine, the second is set up and ready to go for the next job.

Mr Braunton reports: "By employing the Multi-Tool concept, it allows the operator to concentrate on planning tool usage and scheduling part runs, a definite improvement over the manually operated 60-ton power presses we previously used."

Multi-Tool punches are produced from specially formulated premium high speed tool steel for exceptional wear-resistance, which is essential to Harwoods for the wide range of stainless steel parts that it fabricates. Punches have near polished punch flanks and minute back taper, which reduces friction, eliminates punch build-up (galling), improves stripping, and increases tool life.

For Harwoods' applications requiring tools larger than 24mm, operators use a full range of Mate's Ultra TEC thick turret tooling. These include 1 1/4" B station, 2" C station, and 3 1/2" D station tools.

This Ultra TEC tooling is equally effective in fabricating Harwoods' dif ficult stainless steel components. 

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