IRON Pump

Case: Iron Pump

DN Solutions is high quality and Duroc Machine Tool is excellent service

IRON Pump has invested in a Doosan NHP 8000 with a pallet system to increase capacity and streamline production processes. DN Solutions (former Doosan) and Duroc Machine Tool were chosen on the basis of good dialogue, good references and the impression of a service organisation that puts the customer first.

When IRON Pump supplies pumps to the marine and energy sectors across the globe, both production capacity and operational processes must be top-notch.

That is why the company, based in Søborg near Copenhagen, took a hard look at its new production equipment, choosing a DN Solutions NHP 8000 horizontal machining center with a two-level pallet system.

The machining center will be used for castings and pump parts and will be capable of unmanned operation outside normal working hours via the pallet system. It replaces two existing machines in IRON Pump's production, but the unmanned operation and efficiency gains are just one of several benefits, says Andreas Fischer, Machine Shop Manager at IRON Pump.

"The dimensions of the machine fit really well into production with the pallet system, and we have found that having the same supplier delivering both the machine and pallet system is an advantage for us. At the same time, we are completely confident in the DN Solutions, which is a robust and stable machine that oozes quality."

Andreas Fischer, Machine Shop Manager, IRON Pump

People - just as important as machines

In a manufacturing environment, having the right equipment is crucial to getting the most out of it, but at IRON Pump, it's also been important to make sure the people behind the machinery are the right ones. The project was put out to tender, and the process has been long, with continuous screening of possible suppliers, and it was Duroc Machine Tool's handling of the process that was the deciding factor.

"We chose Duroc Machine Tool to supply our horizontal centre because they presented us with the best job solution in terms of specification requirements, machining proposals and part handling. Of course, price is not immaterial, but what mattered was that we had the experience of a partner who was very solution-oriented, based on what best suited our setup.

Throughout the process, the sales advisors have been excellent at understanding our needs and wishes, and the questions we've had along the way have been answered quickly," says Andreas Fischer.

CUFOS controller ensures satisfied operators

IRON Pump has chosen a CUFOS controller, which is an app-based control system built on FANUC software.

"We could choose several different controllers for the DN Solutions machine, but we chose CUFOS since it is built on FANUC, which is where we can get the widest support. We need to be able to control all axes very precisely via the turn-cut function, and the CUFOS controller can meet this need. It's a choice that our operators are delighted with," Andreas Fischer says.

Only positive references

One thing is the right recommendations, specifications, and choice of control – another thing is the day-to-day work when the honeymoon phase is over, and you find yourself in need of technical support or a visit from a service technician. In a modern business, downtime is extremely critical, so IRON Pump, like all manufacturing companies, relies on the service being in place when challenges occur.

Andreas Fischer has, therefore, been in contact with several current Duroc Machine Tool customers, and the feedback is overwhelming.

"I have received nothing but positive feedback regarding the service department and the service level. It is my clear impression that, at Duroc Machine Tool, you get an extremely strong service organisation behind the machine sales, combined with the capacity to handle the day-to-day service going forward. It really gives you great peace of mind," concludes Andreas Fischer.