PCS Co., Fraser, Mich., has added a high-precision, high-speed horizontal milling machining center, a $1 million investment, which represents the first installation of its kind for this maker and distributor of mold components and mold bases.
The DMG Mori machining center, model NHX 8000, is operating 24 hours per day with three shifts, says Kory Kline, marketing services director with PCS. It officially began operating in November.
"We are planning to add more of the same machines and others similar to it," Kline says of PCS' plans over the next few years.
"Our goal is to invest in production over the next few years to attract more customers and provide quality products to our existing customers."
Officials showed off the machining center to PMM during a recent tour. DMG Mori, Hoffman Estates, Ill., engineered the machine with a spindle that has large-diameter bearings, used to improve rigidity. The spindle is driven by a direct drive spindle motor that can achieve its full power over a wide speed range.
With a maximum tool length exceeding the pallet size, the machine performs deep hole boring without turning the table around. The direct drive motor is touted as the world's fastest rotary axis drive system, which achieves zero backlash, according to DMG Mori.
Investment in the equipment has allowed PCS to finish mold bases for its customers, says Kline.
"Before customers would take a rough mold base and finish it at their shop," he says. It also allows PCS to complement or accommodate larger mold base sizes.
Officials emphasized that PCS now offers front-to-back service, including verification of the customer's CAD data.
Angie DeRosa, managing editor
