Supreme precision and impeccable surfaces

Supreme precision and impeccable surfaces

When the engineer Petr Petrik set up MEPAC CZ with two employees in 2004, he laid the foundations for a company that produces machine components and moulds with extreme precision. Today, MEPAC has a 49-strong workforce and, from its workshops in Třinec, Vsetín and Vrbno, supplies parts to precision mechanical engineering firms and moulds and tools to the automotive industry. Indispensable for its work is a wire-cut EDM machine from Mitsubishi Electric – the FA20-S Advance.

“Precision in our production operations has top priority because it is essential for satisfying our customers’ high expectations,” says Petr Petrik, describing the MEPAC approach. His customers can be found in precision mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and even in aerospace – all of them sectors that demand top quality. The company founder continues: “These requirements dictate the standard of technology in our production and call for manpower with the requisite skills.”

The level of quality is particularly visible in those areas where extreme surface precision is expected. “This even extends to high-gloss surfaces,” Petrik explains, “while the geometry has to be absolutely spot-on at the same time.” Such factors are the reason why wire-cut EDM is of such central importance in the MEPAC production pro-cess. Petr Petrik therefore bolstered this activ­i­ty in 2010 by purchasing a FA20-S Advance wire EDM machine from Mitsubishi Electric.

The ideal machine for high aspirations

MEPAC has been working with an EA12-D sinker EDM machine from the Japa­nese manufacturer since 2009. What has started with a die-sinking machine is now being successfully continued in the field of wire erosion, Petrik feels: “With the FA20-S Advance we have given a major boost to our tech­-no­log­i­cal capability and significant­ly improved the quality of product.” The engineer had no misgivings about buying another machine from Mitsubishi Electric. “The accuracy and surface qual­-ity are outstanding, even at high machining speeds, and this makes production much easier for us.” On top of this, there’s the machine’s reliability and rapid after-sales service, if it’s ever needed.

Petr Petrik attributes his success in optimizing the production process with the FA20-S Advance to the ingeniously conceived and innovative equipment of the wire-cut EDM machine. “Without the super-slim wire with diameters of 0.1 to 0.3 mm, fine cuts and narrow ra-diuses would be impossible,” says Petr Petrik, citing examples. Furthermore, the working range of 1,050 x 800 x 295 mm permits the machining of a wide range of parts.

One of the most persuasive arguments in favour of purchasing the FA20-S Advance was, in Petr Petrik’s opinion, the high-power generator. “It’s responsible for the speed, runs absolutely dependably and is economical when it comes to energy consumption.” The Power Master function is a big help in this respect – particularly during unmanned operation, as the FA20-S Advance is in operation around the clock. Another big selling point is the control of the wire-cut EDM machine from Mitsubishi Electric. “We wanted a re-liable industrial standard with straight-forward operator control – and we got this as an all-inclusive package from the FA20-S Advance” is the ambitious user’s verdict.

A cut above the rest

This all-inclusive package has brought about a whole series of improvements throughout MEPAC’s overall production process. “The FA20-S Advance is often the first link in the production chain and, with its rapid machining and immaculately cut surfaces, creates ideal conditions for downstream processing,” Petr Petrik explains. Superior results during wire erosion simplify and speed up subsequent polishing, he adds.

The purchase of the FA20-S Advance was part of a relatively large-scale pro-gramme of investment at MEPAC from 2008 to 2010. During the investigation of the various offers and the purchasing phase, cooperation with Mitsubishi and its Czech agent EDM TRADE went very smoothly, Petrik recalls. “Mr Valenta from EDM TRADE introduced us to nothing but high-grade products and gave us expert advice.” The only thing lacking in the engineer’s view is a demonstration centre in the Czech Republic. “This would undoubtedly accelerate the purchasing process.” This notwithstanding, the second EA12-D sinker EDM machine has already been ordered.

The investments of the last few years have paid off for MEPAC. The company is growing at a healthy rate and is creating more and more new jobs. The good order situation and satisfied customers confirm this trend. Petr Petrik wishes, of course, to sustain this momentum. “If we continue to consistently uphold our quality standard, we will also succeed in satisfying existing and new customers with our work.”

 

Interview