​​​​SMRT Accelerates Manufacturing with Hurco 5-Axis Machine Technologies

In the demanding and fast evolving precision engineering industry, most people tend to overlook how this industry and its metal cutting capabilities contribute to our daily lives. One company, Power Motor Design and Development Co., Ltd. (SMRT), located in Sanchong District in Taipei City, Taiwan, helps to showcase how CNC machine technology is connected to the end-user through their production of after-market motorcycle kits.

Company Founder and Owner Mr. Liang Yulin, has been developing and producing aftermarket motorcycle kits for end users. His unique experience as a motorcycle racer has allowed him to incorporate new designs to improve the performance of the motorcycle kits. Hurco SEA is honored to interview Mr Liang as a user of Hurco CNC Machine Tools.

• When did you started using your Hurco CNC machine and which model?
  Liang: We bought our first Hurco CNC machine, a 5-axis VM10Ui, in 2015.


• Why did you choose the Hurco VM10Ui instead of another CNC machine brand?
  Liang: Space was a key consideration when I was shortlisting my first 5-axis machine. The VM10Ui was a perfect fit due to its small footprint and a work envelope that could machine a cylinder head. Hurco engineers also helped with the CAM porting program and test-cut the cylinder head on the VM10Ui before I took delivery of the machine. I have recently purchased a new Hurco VMX42SRTi to machine larger parts being developed for new vehicle types.
• Do you have other CNC machines besides Hurco?
  Liang: Our company is not using any other CNC Machines other than Hurco. We currently have two units of VM10Ui 5-axis machining centre, a VM10i machining centre with 4th axis, and our recent addition, a VMX42SRTi Swivelhead with Rotary torque table 5-axis machining centre. I foresee that we will need more CNC machines in the coming year to increase our capacity and Hurco will no doubt be our first choice.​
• Can you share with us your experience in using Hurco machines in your production line?
  Liang: The Hurco CNC controller is very simple to operate and understand. The touchscreen interface coupled with the new 19” LCD screen enhances the user experience. It’s not complicated at all, even for new users. The Verification Graphics feature shows the tool path before and during machining so that we are more confident working on our 1st articles.
• What are the challenges or difficulties that you faced incorporating the CNC machine to your production process?​
  Liang: Before we could start machining, we had to work on the CAM programming, including testing and fine-tuning the post processor and designing an appropriate fixture for clamping of the part. The integration of these processes takes time but it is necessary before we could kick-start our production of the parts.
• Can you elaborate on how Hurco has helped maintain your position as a market leader for production and technology?
  Liang: The Hurco team played a big part in getting us started on 5-axis machining, from introducing 5-axis machining techniques, CAM Programming, to fixture design. We continue to involve the Hurco engineers during the design stage of any new parts, so that they can provide their perspective to improve the machining process: such as reviewing tool interference, reducing the cycle time, and improving surface finish quality.

Mr Liang Yulin purchased his first Hurco machine: VM10Ui in 2015. In a span of four years since upgrading from conventional milling machines, he has successfully incorporated three units of Hurco 5-axis machining centre and one unit of 4-axis machining centre onto his production floor. Mr. Liang’s foresight in adopting new technology and advanced machining techniques have further strengthened SMRT’s position as a leader in the aftermarket motorcycle kits industry.

The user friendly and powerful Hurco MAX5 controller aims to help customers such as SMRT upgrade their technical capabilities and adopt 5-axis technology, thereby improving customers’ productivity and maximizing their profits.