Expansion thanks to 5-axis simultaneous machining
Manufacturas y Aleaciones de Cobre SA de CV (Macosa) was founded in 2000 in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico. As a supplier to the automotive, power engineering and construction machinery industries, the company manufactures electrodes, resistance welding components and impellers, among other products. More than 100 employees ensure smooth processes from consulting to production and service. In manufacturing, Macosa has relied on innovative machine tool technology from DMG MORI since 2012. The seven models installed have included a DMF 180|7 linear and an HSC 30 linear for the past two years, giving the company an additional boost in 5-axis simultaneous machining. Turnover doubled in 10 years.
In the past ten years alone, Macosa has practically doubled its sales. Managing Director Arturo Trejo sees the reason for this in the good economic development of the automotive industry in Mexico: “With high-quality products, especially made of copper alloys, we were able to establish ourselves in the industry as a reliable contract manufacturer. However, for this we also needed good and reliable machines.” This was the basis for the consistent further development of the company. “Today, we see ourselves as a technology partner in automotive production. In close coordination with our customers, we design and build automated welding systems.” In addition, Macosa also manufactures impellers made of Inconel for energy technology.
Macosa’s success is due to the fact that the company is always looking for new ways to manufacture. The best example is the focus on 5-axis technologies from DMG MORI – initially in 2016 with a DMU 50, and more recently with a DMF 180|7 linear and an HSC 30 linear. “Previously, we had already had good experience with a DuraVertical 635 eco and a DMC 1035 V eco,” Arturo Trejo recalls of the first models. “Since DMG MORI had pushed 5-axis machining early on, we were sure to find optimal solutions there.”
“Help customers be successful, and you’ll be successful, too” has been K&B’s formula for success since the company was founded. “As a supplier for demanding industries we know the importance of holistic and customer- oriented services,” Kenny Wood, President at K&B says. Therefore, the portfolio includes turnkey manufacturing, premium threading, additive manufacturing as well as storage and inventory services. “This makes us a one-stop-shop, for example, in the oil and gas industry because of our premium thread licenses.” K&B supports customer from the development and construction of parts to machining and assembly.
Macosa’s success is due to the fact that the company is always looking for new ways to manufacture. The best example is the focus on 5-axis technologies from DMG MORI – initially in 2016 with a DMU 50, and more recently with a DMF 180|7 linear and an HSC 30 linear. “Previously, we had already had good experience with a DuraVertical 635 eco and a DMC 1035 V eco,” Arturo Trejo recalls of the first models. “Since DMG MORI had pushed 5-axis machining early on, we were sure to find optimal solutions there.”
Larger component spectrum and minimized throughput times
The investment in 5-axis machines meant that Macosa was able to make its processes more efficient. “We were already very productive with the vertical machining centers, and two NLX turning centers have expanded our range of capabilities, but the 5-axis technology has opened up a completely new field for us,” says Arturo Trejo, assessing the benefits – favored by the broad-based machine park. While the dynamic DMU 50 processes smaller components with absolute reliability, the DMF 180|7 linear impresses with its large work envelope. 1,800 mm in the X axis provide sufficient clearance. The versatility of 5-axis technology also allows significantly more complex geometries in just one setup, says Arturo Trejo. “In other words: We have significantly increased our range of components and at the same time have been able to drastically reduce throughput times.”
"In DMG MORI, we have found the ideal technology partner and opened up a completely new field for 5-axis technology. We have significantly increased our component spectrum and were able to drastically reduce throughput times at the same time."
Arturo Trejo, Managing Director, Manufacturas y Aleaciones de Cobre SA de CV
Reliable precision 24/7
Both the DMF 180|7 linear and the HSC 30 linear have provided a leap in quality at Macosa. “Thanks to the linear drives, both models are precision machines that enable us to meet increasing quality requirements even better,” says Arturo Trejo. Tolerances in the hundredths range are daily business, he says. “5-axis machining in one setup naturally also benefits this accuracy because we have no manual reclamping operations.” Another very decisive factor for Arturo Trejo is the reliability of the DMG MORI models: “We work in three shifts and utilize the machine tools to the maximum. We hardly ever experience unscheduled downtime.” If they do, the problem can usually be solved very quickly thanks to the online service portal my DMG MORI. Utilization of the newer machines has also increased thanks to CELOS, as Arturo Trejo explains: “We also use the PC version of CELOS, which practically eliminates the programming effort on the machines.”
With innovative quality products, Macosa aims to help customers grow and achieve their goals, says Arturo Trejo: “The fact that we have been improving for so many years is thanks to a highly motivated team.” This, he said, is key to staying on the cutting edge of technology. “In DMG MORI, we have found a technology partner that supports us in this as sustainably as we support our customers.” In the future, the company plans to push ahead with expansion both in Mexico and abroad, he said. “New projects are already being planned – and with them we will probably also need new machine tool technology.”
Manufacturas y Aleaciones
de Cobre SA de CV
C. 3 2, Industrial, 76089 Santiago
de Querétaro, Qro., Mexiko
www.macosa.org
Contact us for all issues related to DMG MORI technical press.