Growing Contract Manufacturer Adds New Machine to Its Laser Lineup
WILKE ENGINUITY- HANOVER, PA
A 26-person contract manufacturer that uses four laser machines may seem uncommon to those working in the laser machining industry. But for Fred Wilke of Wilke Enginuity, it's just another day at the office-providing unparalleled quality and product turnaround for which his long-time customers are accustomed. Located in Hanover, PA, the 23-year-old company, Wilke Enginuity, Inc., has been using Mitsubishi Lasers from its inception.
The company's most recent purchase is the latest Mitsubishi Laser 3015 LVPlusII-40CF-R, joining the company roster with two 3015LVPLUS-40CFX machines, and the 3015HC-3016D. Wilke traded in two older machines via Mitsubishi's pre-owned program, Encore, allowing the shop to grow with technology by purchasing both LVPLUS-40CFX machines.
All three machines have been installed in the last three years, which is significant for a manufacturer of this size. When asked about his most-recent purchase, the 3015LVPlusII-40CF-R, Wilke says its performance lives up to its top-of-the-class reputation.
"It's an awesome machine," says Wilke. "We use it for everything and anything. Today, it's a combination of railroad parts and government parts. Some parts are ½-inch stainless steel, and others are ½-inch aluminum." "Recently, we used it on a job cutting large, ¼-inch steel panels; each part was 600-plus holes," says Wilke. "The cutting time was literally cut in half, and the quality was maintained, compared to other machines at half the speed. That's a huge advantage, and allows us to be competitive.
"The machines we have are already reliable, but the LVPlusII has all the bells and whistles," says Wilke. "They're all reliable machines that you don't have to be afraid to walk away from; it's nice to run them unattended."
Wilke notes that the piercing time of the LVPlusII is faster than any other machine, due to its newest innovation, Jet Pierce. He made the purchase to accommodate the company's job volume.
"Our workload definitely justified another machine," says Wilke. "We were so pleased with the productivity the LVPlusII was capable of that we upgraded. If we get that busy again, we will probably add another."
Lasers Used Daily
The LVPlusII suits Wilke Enginuity well, given that the majority of jobs require fast turnaround.
"Our accounts are across the spectrum: signs, decorative items, OEM parts-you name it, we've done it-from wood to stainless steel. And, we've cut a fair amount of plastics. It doesn't get boring around here because we do such a wide variety of things."
Another notable machine at Wilke Enginuity is the 3015HC-3016D Mitsubishi Laser, purchased and installed in 1992. The company still uses this machine daily, not only for metal goods but also for wood, plastics, rubber gaskets, and exotic materials.
Company Information:
Name: Wilke Enginuity, Inc.
Address: 250 O'Brien Lane
City: Hanover
State: PA
ZIP: 17331
Country: USA
Phone: 717-632-5937
FAX: 717-632-6677
http://www.wilkeenginuity.com
wilkefred@earthlink.net
