Faustson, a machining and additive manufacturing service provider, has added a new 5-axis milling machine to its existing lineup of 5-axis milling, 3-D metal printing and multi-axis EDM technology. The DMU 95 monoBLOCK is from DMG MORI's DMU monoBLOCK series of universal machining centers.
Fauston Vice President Heidi Hostetter said, "We strive to be responsive to what our customers need, and we kept getting quick-turn requests. We will use this new milling center exclusively for quick-turn projects. With it, we will deliver jobs in just one to two weeks, in and out, compared to a more typical eight to 10 week lead time."
Hostetter noted that their research showed them that the high-end precision shops in the region were at full capacity. In most cases it was six to eight weeks before a customer could expect to get a project on a machine. That, coupled with customers requesting quick-turn service, drove this high-six-figure purchase.
The new machine is known for its stability, is made from a single casting, and includes advanced software and 60 sensors that monitor its operations. Digital software provides the capability to program complex machining cycles at a much faster rate. Table tilt gives simultaneous 5-axis capability, rather than 4+1. Though the DMU 95 monoBLOCK handles all materials and super alloys, Fauston will use it for aluminum and titanium parts that require no additional operations other than heat treating.
"For Faustson, there is no learning curve on this machine," said Andre Rusconi of DMG MORI. "They are progressive and were one of the first in the region to add simultaneous 5-axis capability back in the late 1990s. They have a high skill set and will get maximum use and value out of this purchase. They have five other machines with the same control system, so they hit the ground running. Those who do not know the system have a six- to 12-month learning curve to understand the cutting and turning strategies. Given the economy, the customer demand and the low unemployment rate, equipment like this with a lot of automation capabilities is a wise investment."
Scheduling the machine and making parts this way enables Faustson to deliver jobs 80% faster and get customers 80% bill of materials (BOM). That time savings gives Faustson customers the flexibility to handle the final 20% of the part-complete process in whatever way they choose and still come out ahead in terms of time to a completed part.
The applications for this machine span the multiple industries Faustson serves, including aerospace, defense, engineering, medical and automotive. The increased capabilities enables Faustson to expand its client base and bring additional economic activity to Denver and Colorado.
DMU 95 monoBLOCK features include:
- A spindle touch probe for in-process quality control to verify internal diameters, circularity and more
- A 20,000 RPM spindle, with high torque and high RPM for fine control on light duty cutting and power for heavy-duty work
- A laser for setting tools, checking form, runout and radius of each tool. If a tool dulls or breaks, the machine can be programmed to swap it out for a new tool on its own, allowing jobs to be left running unattended.
- High-pressure coolant for faster drilling of holes and improved surface finishes
- Heidenhain TNC 640 contouring control
- An expanded tool changer capacity.
For more information contact:
Faustson
6803 Joyce Street
Arvada, CO 80007
303-420-7422
hhostetter@faustson.com
www.faustson.com