Company has also recently purchased a Baty shadow graph, a Trotec laser marking machine, a Matrix tool Management system, two Haas CNC machines and two Takisawa machines.
Contract manufacturer of precision mechanical components for various industries JHPE Precision Engineering has taken delivery of the first Fanuc Robocut α-C400iC in South Africa. The Robocut α-C400iC was launched internationally in May 2021 and is built on the success of its Robocut predecessors but with an updated design and many more powerful features.
“JHPE Precision Engineering specialises in CNC milling, turning and wire eroding for small and large batches in a wide range of materials to produce a variety of components. Wire EDM is an important aspect of the services we offer and with this latest addition we now have three Fanuc wire EDM machines,” explained Eugene Hugo, who is now CEO of the company started by his father Jan.
Contract manufacturer of precision mechanical components for various industries JHPE Precision Engineering has taken delivery of the first Fanuc Robocut α-C400iC in South Africa, supplied by Fanuc South Africa
The Fanuc Robocut C400iC Wire EDM machine features the powerful Fanuc 31i-WB control with new iHMI User Interface, enhanced Automatic Wire Feed System and an advanced all digital power supply. The economy mode is standard and allows for energy and wire usage savings. All CiC-Series machines burn with virtually no re-cast.
Fanuc’s ultra-reliable AWF3 system has been engineered to thread workpieces of up to 250mm thick. All Robocut machines feature the patented twin servo automatic wire tension control ensuring accurate, straight parts. Above all, the Robocut CiC-Series EDMs are built 100% in Japan and offer exceptional reliability that Fanuc is known for worldwide.
The α-C400iC is able to process workpieces of up to 500kg with an X/Y/Z-axis capacity of up to 730mm by 630mm by 250mm, offering significant versatility for a number of applications. The Robocut α-C400iC has a CCR rotary axis that is fully submersible, a micro finish 2 power supply for ultra-fine surface finish, a 45 degree taper kit, a Renishaw touch probe and automatic grease lubrication on the axis.
A special cut for titanium requires a special cutting oil supplied by Flexilube
Established in April 2001, the BSI ISO 9001:2015 accredited company was originally set up specifically to machine and supply titanium medical implants for its client. JHPE Precision Engineering has since diversified its product mix and now includes various stainless steels, aluminium, engineering plastics and other exotic materials. The shop machines these materials into complex components using a variety of CNC milling and turning machines.
“In recent years, titanium has become dramatically more significant as a workpiece material in machine shops. Two industries are driving this. One is aerospace. The latest aircraft designs use considerably more titanium than planes of the past. The other is the medical industry. Titanium is a common material used for implants and devices used within the body. Titanium’s high hardness and low thermal conductivity make it more challenging to machine than other metals that most machine shops are accustomed to facing.”
“We now machine between 80 000 and 100 000 components a month and this could be in one or two offs right up to a full production run of 1 000s. As a result, our equipment inventory has increased incrementally, we have increased our factory space and our staff complement is now 50,” said Hugo.
JHPE Precision Engineering recently purchased a Baty shadow graph, supplied by MTD Tech
A new laser marking system
“We believe that most of the extra work we have acquired recently is for import replacement of components. It is to our benefit but it has also put heaps of pressure on us with respect to quality controls and production processes.”
“As we are a machining company of precision components with fine tolerances we look at these aspects of our manufacturing processes all the time. We focus on the assisting systems of fixtures and plates that allows us to do multiple components with quick turnarounds and changeover systems without any compromise on quality.”
“Minimising downtime and splitting costs over multiple components is key. We have our own design department and one of their daily functions is to look at the fixtures and gauges we use and make them more efficient for the machining operations.”
“When one of your client’s designs, develops and manufactures optical, optronic and precision-engineered products for military, civil and security industries and these optronic products are used globally by armed forces and security personnel for monitoring, identification and classification purposes, as well as for highly precise measurement, evaluation, targeting and self-protection, you make sure you share their vision on the manufacturing side.”
Minimising downtime and splitting costs over multiple components is key at JHPE Precision Engineering
JHPE Precision Engineering have recently installed another Matrix Tooling System
“Aerospace and defence components are always a challenge because they require high precision, but they are also a small volume business. There are certain components we make more frequently than others, but we still have to run at tolerances that push all of our machines to the limit. More sophisticated processes and more complex machines mean more unusual machine problems, including wear and tear, compared with a traditional job shop or high-volume shop.”
“In addition to the Fanuc we have also recently purchased a Baty shadow graph, a Trotec laser marking machine, a Matrix Tool Management system, two Haas CNC machines and two Takisawa machines.”
“The increase in the machining work that we have acquired has ‘forced’ us to get the new equipment but at the same time we are mindful of keeping our equipment and processes modern.”
“On the floor we have a total of 22 Haas CNC machines, a further four Takisawa lathes, a Doosan mill turner and three wire cutters. We have standardised on Haas equipment because it helps us to maintain a close relationship with Haas CNC Machine Tools South Africa. As a result, they are able to handle any ongoing needs, and because each department uses machines of the same brand many parts are interchangeable. This lowers the cost to stock spare parts and helps reduce downtime when repairs or maintenance is necessary.”
One of the more recent CNC machines to arrive is a Haas DM2
“As we are a machining company of precision components with fine tolerances we look at these aspects of our manufacturing processes all the time. We focus on the assisting systems of fixtures and plates that allows us to do multiple components with quick turnarounds and changeover systems without any compromise on quality.”
“We regard ourselves as a contract machine shop and intend to keep it that way. We have grown because of obtaining more contracts from our existing clients. We will also be looking at obtaining some international contracts because the rand is very favourable toward exporters currently.”
“We believe we operate in a very niche space that not many are prepared to venture into. There is definitely a shortage of high precision operators with all the systems in place to make them stand out.”
The company has purchased a further two Takisawa CNC lathes supplied by 600 SA Machine Tools
Bottom line: JHPE Precision Engineering is today one of the most organised manufacturing facilities you’ll find anywhere, and that is credited to their ability to meet demanding customer standards.
JHPE Precision Engineering is a family-owned business and has been in business for 21 years this year. It was founded by Jan Hugo and is currently being managed by Eugene Hugo (CEO) and supported by Michelle Hugo who is responsible for the quality management system and administration of the company.
For further details contact JHPE Precision Engineering on TEL: 012 667 5580 or visit www.jhprecision.co.za
