Hennig reverse engineers way covers for the BLM EM80 CNC tube cutting machine
June 17, 2019
Service
By the spring of 2018, Polaris Industries Inc.’s Roseau tube fabrication department had already replaced three sets of way covers on their BLM EM80 machines throughout the previous year and noticed those currently in the machines were showing signs of wear and in need of repair or replacement. The team reached out to their supplier, Machine Accessories Corp., who put them in contact with Hennig Inc.
With approval from BLM. the process was started to reverse engineer the covers with Hennig’s cover locking system, which was not on the original machine way cover design. The new Hennig covers have saved Polaris about $700 in material costs per cover and reduced machine downtime by eight hours per week. Time is no longer being spent on realigning the covers and is less concern about chips getting under the covers to the ball screws. The new covers have been running for nine months and have required some wiper replacement. Overall this has been a great project to work on and everyone is pleased with the outcome.
Photo credit: Jeremy Karnowski,Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Tube Fabrication
Polaris Industries Inc., Roseau, MN
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2018 sales of $6.1 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER®, RZR®, and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and pontoon, deck and cruiser boats. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments, and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.