PWB previously used 32 machines for CNC production at its sites in Altstätten and Pfäffikon, and now two Makino machines have been added to the machine park in Altstätten. “This increase in capacity is our response to the increased demands of our customers in terms of flexibility, efficiency and costs,” explains Daniel Hutter, who works as site manager at PWB in Altstätten. “With the additional capacity and the new technology, we can react faster and more flexibly to new customers and their products.”
Stable processes for CNC production
The commissioning of the new machines - an a61nx 4-axis milling machine and an a500Z 5-axis milling machine - has resulted in a number of optimizations. For example, they enable stable processes whose accuracy can be maintained over 24-hour operation. This increases the quality of the products, while at the same time reducing personnel costs. There are many reasons why Makino machines were chosen, even though PWB is using this brand for the first time. “Makino machines enjoy an excellent reputation in the industry due to their high availability, durability and extreme precision,” says Hutter. Some employees had already worked with Makino machines in their previous jobs in CNC production and are still enthusiastic about them.
A lot of effort required to set up the Makino machines
The adaptation to individual circumstances and the installation of the Makino machines involved some effort. A large part of the milling department had to be rebuilt and rearranged, and adjustments also had to be made to the ventilation system. “The supplier also redesigned the automation part of the machines so that it had enough space in our premises,” explains Daniel Hutter. “In addition, we placed all peripheral equipment required by the machines on specially designed platforms in order to make optimum use of the available space”.