Increasing Efficiencies and Productivity with the Latest Advanced Equipment
Highland, Illinois (June 19, 2024) – Highland Machine recently added several pieces of new equipment to their operations in order to improve their capabilities and increase efficiencies. The additions include a large precision extrusion saw, a new lathe to produce more parts in house, and an advanced fiber laser to replace their traditional CO2 laser. The goal of implementing these machines is to automate, simplify, and streamline the sheet metal fabrication process, then pass the time and money savings on to their customers.
“By adding this equipment to our operation, we can serve our customers even better,” says Andy Sullivan, president and CEO of Highland Machine. “We’ll be able to handle a wider variety of metal fabrication projects, work faster, and complete the entire job in house. We’re very excited to be on the cutting edge of fabrication technology and to make gains in efficiencies and capabilities that will help the businesses we work with.”
The first piece of equipment added by Highland Machine was their new 4Kw Mazak Nexus Fiber laser. Compared to a CO2 laser, the 4Kw Mazak Nexus Fiber cuts over four times faster, completing 1,400 inches per minute of 16ga mild steel versus 300 inches per minute with the CO2 laser. Plus, the new laser only requires about a third of the power of a CO2 laser and has fewer parts that must be aligned, reducing maintenance. The result is that projects are completed sooner for a lower cost.
The next addition was a SPRINT 28|8 by DMG MORI lathe that is known for its high rigidity and accuracy. This Swiss type lathe has automatic turning with six linear axes and two C axes, along with 25 tool stations and eight driven tool stations. Prior to purchasing it, Highland was using a machine from the 1950s, then outsourcing the manufacturing of specific parts. With the new lathe, they can produce those parts in house, ensuring the quality and speeding up the entire metal fabrication process.
The last new machine to be added to their operation was a PMI precision cutoff Saw. This fully automatic combination saw and drill system provides drilled and accurately cut-to-length parts over and over again. Using this piece of equipment, the Highland team is able to saw aluminum profiles quickly and precisely with a burr free mirror finish, improving the look and functionality of the final product, and increasing shop safety through automation.
Highland Machine has also upgraded their material handling capabilities with a new CombiLift forklift that enables the safe, efficient transport of everything from palletized loads to lengths of structural material. This addition increases capacity and provides excellent cost efficiencies.
About Highland Machine
Founded in 1944 as a machine shop, Highland Machine is devoted to providing excellent quality in sheet metal fabrication, design services, sheet metal assembly, powder coating, and inventory management for their customers. They serve a wide variety of industries, including medical, electronic, automotive, printing, aerospace, industrial equipment, and many others. Highland Machine is ISO 9001:2015 certified and provides their customers with a single vendor for the entire manufacturing process, from initial design and prototyping to final assembly and managing inventory.
Download images at this link: https://www.highlandmachine.com/pr-new-equipment-gallery/
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Debbie Frakes
312-401-8651
dfrakes@winsbyinc.com