New equipment and good advice in the Tech Maquinser Open

Between 30 September and 2 October last, Maquinser invited customers and friends to participate in a new technical conference at its facilities in Granollers (Barcelona). Despite the aftermath of the general strike of September 29, the company makes a positive assessment of assistance data companies - 58 and 94 visitors-, bearing in mind that, in addition, at the same time held the AMB in Stuttgart and, a few days later, the Bimu in Milan. The company intends to repeat the next 24-27 November at its facilities in Iurreta (Bizkaia). "The 'Open House' are always positive," says José Luis Oltra, Manager of Maquinser. "In this edition we have seen a gradual improvement of the sector, having received more inquiries than in the past, a very good signal".

For the first time in Europe, Maquinser outlined the new machining center of Matsuura, the MX 520 model, which the company defines as "the simple step of 3 to 5 axes". José Luis Oltra explains thus: "Matsuura has always been the pioneer in the machines of 5 axes with own automation solutions which have placed it at the forefront of machine manufacturers." The MX-520 is a new model which not available, to be a machine without change of pallet. Thinking about the demand of the market, many customers dared not to take the step of machining in 3 axes in 5-axis, as complicated as a leap into the void. The MX-520 offers in their series equipment features as the IPS, which enables them to check the interference between the tools, the process of programmed machining and machine fixing one of the fears that are collisions. It also incorporates the MIMS, in order to facilitate the 'setup' tools and parts, as well as systems of control of thermal dispersion, energy saving, and preventive maintenance. All this in a design of machine ergonomically very successful in facilitating access to the machine, to facilitate loading of piece even with crane. "It's making available what at first seems complicated".

And in this case, who took the step to 5 axes was the Girona Placon, S.L. to acquire the MX 520 Maquinser was exposed in its 'showroom'. It's a family business of machining involved in the reactivation of the project of the Catalan motorcycle brand Ossa, and which take place with the MX 520 gasoline tanks, the cantilever chairs and various components of these classic bikes. It should be recalled that two businessmen of Girona, Joan Gurt and Jordi Cuxart, bought the patent of the mythical mark in 2009. As well as playing replicas of classic motorcycles Ossa, the grand project of new owners is to develop a dirt bike that will be available in 2011 and jump to the world of competition. Gurt and Cuxart intends to make the manufacture of the Ossa new 100% Catalan, which will certainly be a shock to mecanizadoras SMEs in Catalonia.

Matsuura MX 520

With a few tours of X = 630, and = 560 and Z = 510 mm, the new team of 5-axis of the Japanese brand includes a table of up to 500 mm in diameter, with 360º B axis and axis A - 125 ° to + 10 °. In fast, labor movements reach up to 30 meters per minute. The Random string loader provides 40 positions and a standard spindle of 12,000 rpm with option to 15.000/20.000 rpm. The largest piece that can be machined is 520 millimeters in diameter and 350 mm of height with a maximum weight of 150 kg.

The ergonomics of the machine provides easy access with an opening of door of 805 mm and the distance from the front to the center of the table is only 380 mm. The opening of the fairing on the top allows to load heavy through crane parts. All this with the guarantee of quality of Matsuura, considered one of the best Japanese and global manufacturers of machining centers.

During the Open Tech, and in cooperation with ABB Robotics, Maquinser Engineering Division showed an automation solution in which an anthropomorphic robot loaded parts in a cell made up of a lathe and machining center. On ABB, Oltra says "Have been collaborating with them." For us is a guarantee of success: have an excellent product, are greatly experienced and applications are carried out directly without intermediaries. "This gives us great confidence".

This solution in cooperation with ABB was only a small sample of which can be achieved by the design of complete applications of automation. That is Maquinser engineering, i.e. both supplied all the necessary equipment as it provides the solution of integration with the technologies that your customer already has. About the increasing tendency to demand complete solutions rather than a machine lironda, and monda Oltra says: "the only crisis has made that reaffirm the existing trend of that have to be both flexible and productive." Sometimes products require a high degree of automation and other flexibility (reduction of unproductive time of machine), it depends on the productions. The single machine is going to continue to sell, but engineering services are shown to be essential for the sale of machines. "You have to be very close to the customer, very well understand your needs and to offer total solutions that they require."

Maquinser engineering can boast of cases of success among their experiences of deployments. Your manager tells an example: "Maquinser has performed many successful projects, but we can cite some very important as references in the aeronautical sector with EADS FAL ('Final Assembly Line') of Seville, where we mechanize critical pieces in final assembly of the A400M." In the automotive sector can be the complete machining of the pulleys of the turbo Metaldyne with 5 Muratec lathes and a Kira CMV, all with robotic load and an anthropomorphic robot, measuring online and with quality of CPK 1.67 production, IXS Dast Mikro in the field of dental structures or Endaki machining of axes of large dimensions for the wind industry. "Just to name a few of the many projects we have done".

In mode one is something timely or is limited to the multinationals. "Sales of machines in mode key in hand represent nearly 70% of our sales, and does not necessarily occur all in large companies and large productions, many are performed in SMEs, which are also the largest number of productive industry in Spain".

In addition to presenting the latest developments of their represented, the Maquinser open days have always had commitment to inform about subjects of maximum interest in the metal-mecánica industry. Thus, this year, and with the collaboration of BBVA finance and Pimec organized a technical session on possible financial solutions for SMEs and advice for the start of their export activities. In the words of José Luis Oltra, "in our days we always try to address issues that are of interest to our customers." "In this Edition, we think that the current economic reality creates many concerns in all and that experts could explain systems, aid and above all to clarify those questions ourselves, were in the general interest of our customers".

On financing, the scheduled presentations were on ' liquidity for the company: action ' and 'Financial solutions tailored to measure', taught by experts from the Pimec, ('Micro, petita i mitjana company of Catalunya', patron of the Catalan SMEs) and BBVA Finanzia. "I think that the current situation has made us complete a master's degree in finance at all, but the opinion of experts is always well received," says Oltra.

And the other key to treat point was internationalization, another shock, in the opinion of the Manager of Maquinser, for the market of Spanish machining: "there are many who work for foreign markets, directly or indirectly, depends on whether you have own product or mechanical for third parties." This is a positive aspect that can allow a recovery of the sector in the short term. Anyway, there are many machining services, which are already leaving to seek customers outside of the country. This will allow a modernization of the productive systems. "When you go out you das account that you can not compete by price should be high quality and seriousness".

And to lead by example, Maquinser is making its first steps in Morocco, and although its implementation is still at an early stage, the company takes a positive view of the experience. "The analysis of market, customer requirements, modes of introduction and resources is a run-up and we are already concluding with it." "We have to thank the support of the official entities in Catalonia - Internacionalització - Pimec and Andalusia - Extenda-, without whose collaboration, our task would have been much more difficult." And adds: "Recommend to all our clients a deep assessment of their potential for internationalization, as a convenient alternative in these times of widespread crisis." "The data offered by the various statistical operators show, without any doubt, that companies that are better supporting these tough moments are those that are developing their international activities and that are adding value to their products to stay competitive".