Published 4/27/2017

Highlights from Hyundai Wia’s Technology Center

This builder’s machine tool offerings are remarkably diverse. Its technology center has a sample of these machines, ranging from a “commodity” VMC to a five-axis contouring machine, with models for multitasking, hard turning, mold making and production applications in between.

Mark Albert

Editor Emeritus, Modern Machine Shop

This shoe mold was produced on the Hyundai Wia KF5600, a vertical machining center (VMC) that the builder characterizes as a general purpose or commodity machine. However, the shoe mold is intended to show that, with a 20,000-rpm spindle and other optional enhancements, this model has the inherent rigidity and precision for mirror-like surface finishes on mold components.

The XF6300 is a five-axis VMC configured with a two-sided trunnion with built-in rotary table. The builder touts its all-in-one bed and column structure for strength, and its X-axis box-in-box structure for precision.

Five-axis machining of this aluminum drill bit body on the XF6300 demonstrates the maneuverability of the rotary axes in conjunction with the HSK-A63 spindle in the vertical orientation.

The i-Cut400 is essentially a drilling/tapping center for high-volume production of components for the electronics industry and other applications in which rapid feed rates, fast tool changes and high acceleration/deceleration rates are critical. However, because the machine takes advantage of structural element analysis for rigidity, the builder also promotes it for milling applications.

This mold for a head lamp was produced on the iCut400M, a machine configuration not typically associated with such an application.

Turning centers were represented by rather distinctive models in the technology center. For example, this LV800AW-TT vertical turning center features twin turrets and an automatic chuck changer.

A video presentation demonstrated the suitability of this machine for automation.

For heavy-duty production turning, there is the HD2200, a 45-degree slant-bed CNC lathe with a 4,000-rpm spindle and 12-station turret. The machine is designed for compactness without compromising access to the chuck and tool turret.

The builder’s offerings for multitasking turn-mill machines are represented by the L2100SY, a model with a wedge-type Y axis (the turret slide is set at a steeper angle then the carriage on the lathe’s slant bed for greater turning accuracy). Synchronized control of the 10-inch main spindle and 6-inch subspindle adds to the machine’s productivity.

A quick visit to Hyundai Wia’s technology center in the Chicago area during a recent open house refreshed my positive impression of this builder’s machine tool offerings. The lineup is remarkably diverse, ranging from a “commodity” vertical machining center to a five-axis contouring machine, with models for multitasking, hard turning, mold making and production applications in between. This builder’s heritage includes the design and construction of machines for one of its original parent companies, the automotive giant in South Korea that produces cars for the global auto market. Clearly though, the variety and capability of its current machine lineup extends well beyond the parts-machining needs of an automaker, yet this legacy of building machines to meet the reliability and productivity demands of this industry are apparent.

The photos above cover some of the machines and demos that were particularly eye-catching. Of course, Hyundai Wia’s technology center is a representative selection of the company’s catalog, and the machines in the center are an even smaller sampling. Yet the message is still valid: This manufacturing technology is to be evaluated carefully and with an open mind to its extensive possibilities.