Black River Falls, Wis. — Michael Dougherty, President of D&S Manufacturing, announced the acquisition of four new machining centers. The new equipment will increase machining capacity and allow for the retirement of well used equipment, thus preserving the company's commitment to expanding its capabilities and maintaining the most up to date equipment.

According to John Gulso, Operations Manager, the new Toyoda FH630SX Horizontal Machining Center offers superior quality and accuracy. It is an excellent match to the requirements of the manufacturing cell where it is paired with an ABB Six Axis Robot. To enhance efficiency, the unit is equipped with a 630mm pallet changer. Gulso further explained that "by moving the previously underutilized HMC out of this cell and replacing it with the FH630SX we are better able to utilize the floor space and increase our cell capabilities".

Gulso went on to explain that in considering changes to the machining area, it was an easy choice to replace retired HAAS equipment with 2 new VF-5/50 VMCs and to add a new VF-6/50 VMC. "We had an excellent experience with the retired units and by staying with HAAS we have a seamless change over, as operators are familiar with the HAAS controls and prefer them to other equipment we have used in the past".

To further enhance machining capabilities, D&S has also added an additional HRT-310 4th Axis Positioner. This unit offers true 4th axis machining capabilities, increasing throughput by eliminating the need for the machinist to reposition parts manually. D&S has the flexibility of adding their 4th axis units to any HAAS VMC.

Additionally, a new Midaco 50SD Series Automatic Pallet Changer, with a load capacity of 4,000 lbs. has been matched to one of the new VF5s to greatly enhance capacity on that unit.

For more than 45 years, ISO 9001:2008 certified D&S Manufacturing has served as a custom manufacturer of exceptional quality large scale components, assemblies and complete weldments for a broad cross section of well-respected corporations that include Caterpillar, Oshkosh Corporation, Parkson, The Trane Company and CNH. The company's extensive capabilities include technologically superior machining, laser, high definition plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, as well as manual and robotic welding. These resources are complemented by diverse value-added services ranging from liquid spray painting, powder coating and shot blasting to assembly and testing. A dedicated and highly skilled workforce lives a commitment to superior project management, exceptional quality, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement, which empowers the company to live its slogan, D&S …. Solid™.

For more information, please contact John Barkley, General Manager, D&S Manufacturing, P. O. Box 279, Black River Falls, WI, 54615, 715-284-5376, ext. 307 or fax 715-284-4084. Send e-mail to jbarkley@dsmfg.com, and visit D&S Manufacturing's Web site at www.dsmfg.com.