Methods Announces Installation of Three Kiwa Horizontal Machining Centers at Sturm, Ruger & Company
SUDBURY, MA. U.S.A. - Methods Machine Tools Inc., a leading supplier of innovative precision machine tools, today announced that they recently delivered and installed three KIWA-Japan KH-41 Horizontal Machining Centers (HMCs) at the Prescott, Arizona Manufacturing Facility for Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Each of the KIWA systems includes a 40-tool ATC and a full 4th axis.
Sturm, Ruger & Company is using the KIWA Machining Centers to machine the slide for their Ruger® SR-9® striker-fired pistols. "The new KIWA HMCs replaced older twin spindle VMCs," said Mr. Mike Scoggins, Chief Manufacturing Engineer at Sturm, Ruger & Company. "We have received multiple benefits since putting the HMCs in production including the ability to combine operations, improve part quality, reduce cycle time by 20% and minimize part change over time from 1 day to under 5 minutes."
Mr. Mark Lang, Group Vice President at Sturm, Ruger & Company, added, "Due to the compact size of the KIWA KH-41, we have been able to increase our manufacturing efficiency by allowing us to have one operator run three machines because the distance the operator has to walk between machines is minimal, as well as this equipment supports our Lean Manufacturing initiatives."
The KH-41 has a simple, compact, efficient design that's only 60.2" [1,530 mm] wide. Despite its small size it can handle a wide variety of work pieces, providing an ideal entry-level factory automation solution. The high performance KH-41 has a full rotary B-axis and can be installed in the same space as a vertical machine. With a 400mm pallet machine, this HMC can accommodate large work pieces up to 21.7" x 33.5".
The KIWA KH-41 offers unparalleled performance-to-value in horizontal machining. The machine design emphasizes maximum space utilization, rigidity, and speed, all for an affordable price. The simple, fast ATC technology with drum style design provides speed, accuracy, rigidity, and reduced cycle time. In addition, 1G+ acceleration is standard on all axes.
KIWA, an established high quality machine tool builder headquartered in Nabari, Japan, has been in business since 1869 and began exporting their products to Europe and North America in 1981.
Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc. was founded in 1949 and is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market. Sturm, Ruger & Company is headquartered in Southport, CT, with manufacturing facilities located in Newport, NH and Prescott, AZ.
Methods Machine Tools Inc. has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools and accessories for 50 years, providing installation, parts, service, and training through a network of dealers throughout North America. Methods Machine Tools is the exclusive importer of KIWA- Japan Horizontal and Vertical Machining Centers for North America.
For more information about Methods Machine Tools Inc. and KIWA, please contact:
Mr. Scott McIver, Chairman & Vice President of Product Development,
65 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776,
TEL: (978) 443-5388 x506,
FAX: (978) 440-9405,
Email: sales@methodsmachine.com
or visit their website at www.methodsmachine.com.
Company Contact:
Mr. Scott McIver
Methods Machine Tools, Inc.
978-443-5388
smciver@methodsmachine.com
