Choosing Innovation: The Decision to Invest in the Heller HF 3500
Choosing Innovation: The Decision to Invest in the Heller HF 3500
In 2021, amidst the challenges of rapid expansion and the pressing need for heightened efficiency, our customer embarked on a transformative journey. By March 2023, their General Manager's pivotal discovery of the Heller HF 3500 on the Titans of CNC Channel led to the decision to procure a Heller from Ellison over competitors. Driven by our collaborative approach, competitive pricing, and unwavering support during testing, they aimed to boost efficiency, minimize setup times, and enhance product quality with our guidance.
The Impact of Heller HF 3500 Integration
The integration of the Heller HF 3500 into our customers' operations brought revolutionary change to their manufacturing processes and provided a significant shift in their approach to mold manufacturing. This efficiency translated into significant reductions in cycle times and setup durations, enabling lights-out operation, facilitated by the introduction of a pallet changer, a first for them. The Heller HF 3500's reliability and accuracy resulted in tangible cost savings, eliminating the need for two other operations for the same part, equivalent to the hiring of two additional personnel. The machine's seamless integration of previous procedures and reduced setups ensured high-quality part production with fewer setups.
As a Horizontal 5-axis Machining Center, the Heller HF 3500 boasts unparalleled precision with positioning capabilities of X / Y / Z: 710 / 750 / 710mm and a 400 x 500 pallet. Equipped with an 18,000 rpm HSK63 Spindle generating 47kW of power, the machine embodies technological prowess, utilizing the MDynamics 5-axis Milling Package to achieve higher accuracy and perfect surface finish, pivotal in meeting stringent tolerances and producing parts of exceptional quality. With an impressive setup including 80 tools, a Renishaw Probe, and High-Pressure Coolant, the Heller HF 3500 stands as a testament to advanced engineering, ensuring optimized performance and delivering superior results.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Success
Operating under the control of a Siemens 24” SINUMERIK 840D SL, the Heller HF 3500 embodies cutting-edge control. Despite initial hesitations in learning a new control system, our swift and comprehensive support, along with Heller’s assistance, ensured a speedy resolution, with the machine up and running in just 2.5 months.
How Choosing Ellison Transformed Our Machine Tool Partnership
The decision to transition from their previous machine tool provider to Ellison proved to be a strategic move in a saturated machine tool market. Prompted by communication challenges, lackluster experiences, and the pursuit of alignment with their vision, our customer sought a new partner. Beyond highlighting the machine's capabilities, they emphasized the exceptional service and support provided by both the Ellison and Heller Teams, encompassing prompt response times, weekend visits, and adeptly addressing and resolving operator challenges. Ellison solidified its reputation as a reliable partner, demonstrating prowess in rapid communication, seamless coordination, responsiveness, and overall compatibility.
