Husky Corp. utilized hydraulic clamping components from ROEMHELD North America to create fixtures with significantly compact sizes, finding that they last reliably for decades.

Workholding tools and equipment tested through time allow manufacturers to focus on other areas for improvement. 30 years ago, Husky Corp. held an extensive search for a solution to optimize and refixture their dial machine while needing space-saving hydraulic components.

According to Husky Corp. senior manufacturing engineer, Darrell Vilmer, “size was a major consideration. I coined the phrase, ‘I’m trying to jam a nickel in the dime slot.’ I began looking for components that would allow the most fixture locations in a limited machining envelope.”

Thus, the Vilmer’s search lead the Pacific, Missouri, manufacturer of fuel dispensing equipment to hydraulic fixturing components from ROEMHELD North America manufacturing in Fenton, Missouri.

With Vilmer’s first application yielding promising results, prompting further integration of hydraulic components into column fixturing in a horizontal machining center. This strategic shift increased the number of machining part locations from six to nine, a significant enhancement for productivity.

Realizing Extreme Durability

Vilmer expressed his appreciation towards the remarkable durability of the fixtures. “I have 30-year-old working systems with original ROEMHELD North America hydraulic components,” he said.

Noted by Vilmer, this longevity and reliability not only minimizes the cost of replacing components, but also mitigates the challenges of component replacement in confined spaces.

Should the need arise, if a hydraulic component does fail, Vilmer reassures securing replacements is hassle-free. “It’s nice to know that if I needed to replace my ROEMHELD North American hydraulic components in systems that are 30 years old, they are available and will fit as built.”

Key Decision Makers and Endorsement of ROEMHELD North America

The primary decision makers of Husky Corp. who led the search were Darrell Vilmer and the machine/fixture designer, Alan Siedhoff, VP of Manufacturing and project approver. These key decision makers found ROEMHELD North America components to be compact and efficient. The two primarily worked with David Vilcek, ROEMHELD North America’s Manager of Workholding and Assembly.

“I insist on systems I can control,” said Vilmer, “and recommend to anyone who asks, to use Carr Lane Roemheld hydraulic components in the machines or fixtures they are building.” Their partnership has yielded impressive results, with 24 to 36 parts accommodated on a machining column and minimal replacement costs.  “With the longevity I have experienced using Carr Lane Roemheld hydraulic components; I would be hesitant to use any others,” said Vilmer. “I started thirty years ago using Carr Lane Roemheld hydraulic products exclusively in manufacturing machining and assembly components, and will still be using them tomorrow.”