August 2010 eNews

New Machines/Processes Cut Costs, Improve Quality, Speed Delivery for Precision Machine Shop

Economical manufacturing has never been more critical as businesses seek new ways to remain competitive. Herker Industries, a leader in precision machined parts, mechanical assemblies and contract welding, has poised itself to increase business and extend the value of efficient production to its customers, helping to build their profitability. Recent acquisition of eight advanced machining stations including the Nakamura-Tome Super NTM3 CNC turning center from Methods Machine Tools, Inc. (Sudbury, MA) increases the company’s ability to provide custom machined components. Herker acquired the equipment for its proven performance of high quality production at tremendous speed.

The additional equipment also includes two horizontal machining centers that provide greater breadth of milling applications. Overall, the new machining centers expand horizontal and vertical machining capacity. The increased capability provides original equipment manufacturers with machined assemblies for end products ranging from medical devices to agricultural equipment, at highly competitive prices.

“As part of our commitment to continually improve technology, we’ve expanded our offering with an investment in the latest generation equipment and machining process,” said Dennis Driscoll, vice president of sales. “By staying on the cutting edge we’re able to provide high quality products with quicker turnaround and pass the cost savings on to our customers. We’re constantly striving to do things better while maintaining our strong business position.”

In the past five years Herker has reinvested over five million dollars to offer versatility through technologically advanced equipment for the changing demands of its customers. The company has used their own cash for everything they have purchased. They told Tooling & Production they currently have zero debt. The contract manufacturing operation is customized to meet unique customer needs. From process design and production layout, to supply chain management that delivers quality products on a just-in-time basis at competitive costs, a complete solution to a wide range of manufacturing industries is offered.

Herker’s solution set includes an experienced team dedicated to optimizing the latest machining technology through continuing education programs including internal performance audits. The average length of employment is 14 years, with many third-generation and thirty-year service employees. Their machinists have been fully trained to efficiently operate the new advanced equipment and maximize capabilities for each new job.

For nearly six decades, Herker has served leading companies in the fluid power, power generation, power transmission, construction and agricultural equipment, heating/ventilation/air-conditioning industries, motor vehicle parts, medical and industrial machining industries. Located in a comprehensive 130,000-square foot manufacturing facility, Herker sets itself apart as a versatile company committed to exceeding customer expectations with a dedicated team of machining experts.

Turning Center Details

The Nakamura-Tome Super NTM3 PC-G from Methods Machine Tools, Inc. is a state-of-the-art CNC turning center proven to increase productivity and decrease milling and turning production costs. The three-turret multi-tasking machine achieves faster production by improving through-put, minimizing set-up time and eliminating operations. NTM3 advanced programming provides computerized simulated 3-D modeling for quick turn-around. With consolidated machining, simultaneous production is executed within one NTM3 turning center, increasing capabilities and reducing cycle time.

First machining and repetitive machining are executed to exacting accuracy and high rigidity by the NTM3, even in hard turning applications. High precision, tight tolerance milling and turning of tough materials are handled rapidly and flawlessly through advanced equipment and computer programming. Features include:

  • Opposed two spindle, three turret construction
  • Two upper turrets equipped with “Y”-axes
  • All turrets equipped with Mill/Drill capabilities
  • Maximum capacity of 72 fixed tools and 36 driven tools for milling
  • Bar stock capacity range of 2mm to 65mm
  • 12-foot auto loading bar feeder

Economies gained from NTM3 lights-out production allow the company to extend lower costs to customers. The high value of increased quality production for less means OEMs can be competitive. Herker has been successful for nearly 60 years through its niche of versatility and customer commitment. Company owners recognize that success lies in finding viable solutions to changing demands. With their comprehensive quoting process through looking at all methods of manufacturing for the best possible solution, they can quote parts at a highly competitive cost.




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Herker Industries
Methods Machine Tools, Inc.











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