Matsuura showcased Hydraulic Manifolds produced on the MX-520 PC4 by KCS Advanced Machining Services (KCS) at IMTS 2022.
During IMTS 2022, Matsuura partnered with KCS ADVANCED MACHINING SERVICES (KCS) and showcased Hydraulic Manifolds produced on KCS’ MX-520 PC4.
“The 7075 aluminum part was produced on the MX-520 PC4, a 4-pallet automated version of the MX-520 single table 5-axis vertical machining center model. Offering ease of use and reliable 5-axis machining, the MX series delivers dynamic machining versatility, high accuracy, reliability, and excellent cost-efficient performance,” said Billy Bogue, Matsuura’sPresident.
“Component complexity demanded a high level of multi-axis machining skill and exacting precision was critical. Demanding tolerance requirements had to be maintained in each component for the inter-connected system to function to its highest potential. KCS’s challenge to meet these demanding tolerances was further complicated by a seriously compressed timeline,” said KCS founder and president, Kyle Szczypienski.
Overcoming obstacles that had threatened to derail the entire effort, KCS was able to quickly understand the challenges and develop an accelerated work plan solution.
“The KCS team moved quickly through prototype to production, but KCS was working against an almost impossible deadline,” Szczypienski explained.
“In the end it came down to running our then-new MX-520 continuously for 147 hours to meet the critical customer need,” Szczypienski continued. “The MX-520 came through and the parts were flawless and we could not have met the deadline without that capability.”
About the Matsuura MX-520 PC4
The MX-520 PC4 was designed in response to customer demand seeking a Matsuura automation solution for the MX-520. The machine is equipped with 90 tools and an installed Universal Robot Interface to maximize its automation potential. The machine offers ease of use and reliable 5-axis machining. The MX series delivers machine versatility, high accuracy, reliability, and cost-efficient performance.
The Matsuura MX-520 PC4 is designed for high rigidity, offering a large machining envelope. The vertical machining center is also available in an assortment of configurations to accommodate all applications, industries, and materials. Designed with a RAM type structure, the machine has a compact footprint with ergonomic features said to enable rapid setup and processing of complex parts.
The MX-520 PC4 is a cost-effective machine for three-axis users making the transition to full five-axis operation.
KCS, a forward-thinking, Millennial-owned job shop is producing complex components many other shops cannot thanks to their Matsuura 5-Axis machines. KCS Advanced Machining Services has increased efficiencies and spindle uptime, and Matsuura’s factory-built automation is a force multiplier for their business.
“Had I known that this was an option, or even in my wheelhouse-what the automation allows us to do-it’s a force multiplier. One machine is a force, now two machines is a force multiplier, but three machines- one of them having a pallet pool is an exponential force multiplier. That’s a machine that doesn’t require a full shift of an individual and unattended nights and weekends machining and it’s all about the spindle uptime,” Szczypienski added.
Located in Livonia, Michigan, KCS is a low-volume, high-mix machine shop specializing in the precision machining of built-to-spec products for a range of industries that include space hardware, manned spaceflight, motorsports, automotive and aftermarket, consumer products, and industrial robotics. With a focus on utilizing the latest technology, hardware, and software, KCS specializes in sophisticated, complex, challenging, multi-axis machining projects.
“KCS has a long history of being a high-mix/low-volume, built to spec, 5-axis job shop. We identified some new opportunities in a high-volume production and faced with the everyday challenges of labor and skills gaps and cost of ownership, we decided that Matsuura is the most efficient and most sensible point of entry into on a high-volume market as well as very well suited for our everyday Niche high-mix low-volume 5-axis machining designed to run 24/7 for 20 years, the efficiencies can’t be beaten,” Szczypienski added.
The KCS team approaches every project as an opportunity for success. According to Szczypienski, while other shops shy away from challenging projects, KCS welcomes them.
“We’ve built a well-earned reputation for hitting above our weight class. We take on tough jobs other shops won’t or can’t – and we’ve grown by producing results and delighting customers. Big or small – no job is too difficult or too complex,” Szczypienski said.
About KCS Advanced Machining Services
Located in Livonia, Michigan, KCS Advanced Machining Services is a low-volume, high-mix machine shop specializing in precision turning and multi-axis machining of build-to-spec products for a range of industries that include: space hardware, manned spaceflight, aerospace, defense, motorsports, automotive and aftermarket, consumer products, and industrial robotics. With a focus on utilizing the latest technology, hardware, and software; KCS offers comprehensive services that meet or exceed customer requirements, end-user satisfaction, and interested party expectations. For more information visit: www.kcsams.com
About Matsuura USA
Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc., located in St. Paul, MN is the U.S. subsidiary of Matsuura Machinery Corporation in Japan. Since 1935, Matsuura has been the forerunner in designing innovative technology and manufacturing solutions to a variety of industries around the globe. Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. delivers unmatched excellence in 5-axis, vertical, horizontal, linear motor, multi-tasking CNC machine tools and machines with a powder bed metal AM platform with machining capability. Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. provides the service, applications and technical field support that have always been the Matsuura standard for business. Learn more about Matsuura’s Technology at: www.matsuurausa.com.