MACHINING & MACHINERY
MOUNTING MAINTENANCE COSTS
KMT
KMT REBUILD FOR CNC WIRE BENDING MACHINE
When a well-used CNC wire bending machine
became the source of mounting maintenance
costs the end user turned to KM Tools (KMT)
for a frame-up rebuild. The aim was to update
what was originally a quality machine to
modern performance and reliability standards
at a much lower cost than a replacement.
As experts in rebuilding and refurbishing
machine tools for original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs), KMT was also able
to deliver the repair on a lead time far
shorter than the potential wait for a new
replacement.
A detailed assessment of the machine
established that it was at the end of its service
life due to normal use. Most major mechanical
components required rebuilding or replacing,
while the control system was obsolete with
no current manufacturer support.
The machine frame itself was found to be
in good order, so with the causes for failure
clear, KMT was able to quote accurately for
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a complete refurbishment project, with the
confidence that the result would be the
return of a quality, reliable machine.
Constant use had taken a toll on the
machine’s wire feed mechanism, with
the wheels and shafts comprising the
two straightening rolls in urgent need of
replacement. KMT refreshed the system
with brand new components, bringing this
integral part of the machine up to its peak
efficiency. The slew rings were also found to
be in a poor state of repair after 20 years of
constant service, so KMT sourced high quality
replacements to specification.
Replacement of the outdated control system
was another priority. Therefore, KMT installed
a 4 axis Omron CNC system, so the machine
could reach the latest electronic control
standards. The replacement also served to
simplify the wiring process, ensuring that
maintenance conducted in future could be
carried with ease and in a reduced time frame.
Adrian Degg, Engineering Director at KM
Tools commented on the project: ‘This is
typical of the kind of rebuild projects we take
on at KMT. The customer was losing money
due to the high levels of maintenance needed
to keep the machine operational, so we were
called in to offer a solution. Generally, we
build new machines, or update machines that
are well built but worn, so with some expert
attention they can be brought right up to
current mechanical and electrical standards.’
An equivalent new CNC wire bending
machine would typically cost £350,000 with
an expected 4 month wait before delivery.
However, through a policy of ‘rebuild and
refurbish’, KMT can offer the same solution
for a fraction of the cost, with a lead time of
generally between 8-10 weeks.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1538 752 561
Fax: +44 (0) 1538 751 915
Web: www.kmt.tools
Email: [email protected]