Bendon Gear & Machine recently installed a used Koepfer K173 gear hobbing machine with support from Helios Gear Products, achieving faster throughput and greater production flexibility for high-volume spur and helical gear manufacturing.
The installation process was quick and efficient. "We had Helios do a turn-key run at their shop on two important jobs before machine delivery," said Peter Belezos, President at Bendon Gear & Machine. "Installation took just one day, and by the second and third day, we had a specific job set up and were cutting parts right away. Training happened alongside the installation and first run-off. No issues. Dennis was awesome."
Helios service engineer Dennis Hillary provided responsive support throughout the process. "He gave us his contact info and always gets back to us in a reasonable time," Belezos added. "I have also reached out to Troy, who has helped us in the past and is currently supporting us with set-up on an upcoming job. The Helios team is available and helpful whenever we need them."
Since bringing the K173 online, Bendon has seen significant improvements in output. "The machine is so much faster than anything else we have, even our other CNC, in terms of daily production," said Belezos. "While cut time is fixed, the automated load and unload time is where the machine really shines. We now review every high-volume job to see if it can run on this machine."
One standout application is a 32 DP industrial gear that Bendon produces in large volumes under tight pricing pressure. "Our other CNC was cutting four per load and averaged 200-250 parts per shift. The Koepfer 173 is averaging over 350 per shift. That increase in output is making us more competitive and giving us some margin back on the job," said Belezos.
The machine's build quality and reliability have also stood out to the Bendon team. "It is a rugged, well-built machine. It holds size all day after warm-up and is very productive once it is running. The autoloader is reliable, as long as we tailor the load channel to the part."
Bendon is currently using the K173 to run a small 96 DP, 44-tooth, 0.479" diameter stainless spur gear. Reflecting on the job, Belezos said, "It is a very small, very light part-and the machine autoloads and cuts it without issue. It is impressive. Sure, it is 30 years old and needs some TLC now and then, but the performance is solid. Bob Poulin, who leads set-up and operation, is doing a great job with it. We have even considered adding another one."
For more information contact:
Helios Gear Products, LLC
635 Schneider Dr.
South Elgin, IL 60177
847-931-4121
sales@heliosgearproducts.com
Bendon Gear & Machine
100 Weymouth St., Unit A
Rockland, MA 02370
781-878-8100
rfq@bendongear.com