PRODUCT REVIEWS WILA celebrates 90 years
On 1 October 2022 , tooling specialist , WILA , celebrated its 90th anniversary .
On 1 October 1932 , Mr . J . A . J . Willemsen set up a forge ( WILA ) in Laren . Over the years , the forge developed into a machine factory . Today , WILA B . V . employs 350 people , has two factories in the Netherlands as well as subsidiaries in the United States and China . It has developed into a leading manufacturer of tooling systems for sheet-metal bending applications .
“ Many productivity-improving innovations have been developed at our facility in Lochem and are being used as standard industrial components by modern machine builders as well as users of these machines . For instance , mechanical crowning ; the Safety-Click in New Standard Tooling ; hydraulic or pneumatic clamps ; robotbased tool changes or ‘ smart ’ tool data management ,” it told ISMR .
“ We are a strategic partner that focuses on long-term relationships and partnerships ; a position that is based on knowledge , stability , transparency and trust . It also leads to considerable growth each year and requires major investment . Stakeholders are confident that the future has been taken into account and that the continuity of the company and its clients is given the attention it deserves .
That is why owner , Hans Willemsen , has decided to gradually transfer leadership and ownership to the current Board which , on the one hand , knows the company inside out after many years and , on the other hand , is young and fresh enough to introduce new ideas ,” it added . n
Plasma cartridge consumable
“ Until now , plasma consumables have all worked the same way . You ’ d grab five consumables , put them in the right order and screw them onto your torch . It sounds simple , but in real life it isn ’ t . You had to find the right consumables ; double check part numbers ; assemble your stack and then carefully install onto the torch . Not too loose , not too tight . Everything needed to be just right ,” Dutch cutting specialist , Hypertherm , explained .
Now , this is no longer necessary as Hypertherm recently introduced its cartridge consumable . Instead of five parts , there is now just one colour-coded part . Instead of spending several minutes changing out consumables , it can now done in a few seconds ( according to the manufacturer ).
“ Our new cartridge combines a traditional five-piece stack-up into a single-piece
cartridge , making change-outs faster , ordering easier and inventory tracking simpler . It replaces small part numbers with easy-to-see colours so consumable mix-ups don ’ t occur . It also lasts longer than standard , handheld cutting consumables and , when paired with our new SmartSYNC™ torch , lets you know when a new cartridge is needed . There is no more guessing ,” explained Hypertherm .
In addition , cartridges used with the
SmartSYNC torch feature RFID technology . The system will automatically choose the right amperage and process based on the cartridge type just installed . If a gouging cartridge is installed , the system will automatically go into gouging mode .
“ Another first is that the torches have controls on them . You can adjust the amperage without walking back to the power supply . You can turn everything off and change your cartridge on the spot . Finally , as you ’ re cutting or gouging , the torch is recording and sending information – starts and stops , arc-on time etc . – back to your system ,” concluded the manufacturer . n
. hypertherm . com
Subcontract machining services
Founded in 1966 , Partheniou S . A . is one of Greece ’ s leading subcontract and precision machine shops , specialising in CNC and manual machining services . It is based close to Athens International Airport , not far from the port of Piraeus .
“ We pride ourself on offering a wide range of services from one-off , custom-machined part projects through to large subcontracting projects for a diverse range of industries such as defence and metallurgy to renewables ; aerospace and marine . We supply custom parts ; new components ; precision parts and steel structures ,” it explained .
“ The company is managed , compliant and operational to ISO-9001:2015 standards . Our manufacturing team includes experienced professionals , providing high-quality , on-time projects at competitive prices ,” it added .
The family-run business has grown from a small workshop in Piraeus to a modern 2000m ² engineering facility in Mandra-Attica . It offers complete solutions from concept and design to product development and production ( mainly in steel , stainless steel and aluminium ). n