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Unlocking the multi-function mystique  Universal Machine started in 2001 by Steve Trubenbach. He has been in manufacturing most of his life, working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth for a couple of years and then many years for Valenite. Universal Machine is in the small town of Muenster, Texas, located in North Central Texas. Muenster was founded in 1889 by people of German heritage and Catholic faith. This unique German community located in North Texas, of approximately 1,500 residents, is a close-knit family in both kinship and kindred spirit. Muenster is a German community, located on U.S. Highway 82, 14 miles west of I-35, about 70 miles north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This location is ideal to service manufacturers from Dallas, Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. Steve employees about 65 people and has over 30 pieces of CNC machine tools and inspection equipment. His company is ISO 9001:2000 certified.
Universal Machine is constantly being challenged to reduce costs to compete in a global economy. They were coming across more and more small turned parts with many secondary operations. Set-up times for several machines were costly and hampered throughput. Each time a part is moved from machine to machine the costs grow as well as scrap. Labor is also costly when running parts across several machines and Universal Machine was running out of space.
Steve looked at several brands of multi-function lathes. After several months of deliberation he decided on a Miyano ABX 51 TH2. Steve felt that the Miyano was better suited for his type of work. In making a decision to purchase the Miyano for Universal Machine, brand name, local support, and Hartwig's reputation played a major role in influencing Steve's decision.
The ABX is the heaviest of the Miyano line, with 2" bar capacity, twin spindle, twin turret, live tools Y axis, parts catcher, and high pressure coolant. The Miyano has met Steve's expectations. He has reduced his set up times on parts with multiple operations. This has helped him to schedule parts now that he only needs one piece of equipment to finish them.
Steve says, "Doing business with Hartwig was a smooth transaction and provided good support. Since Hartwig came to Texas, the support has improved. Hartwig has more service men and a better philosophy." Steve knew there would be a learning curve when it came to a complex machine of this nature. At the same time as purchased the Miyano, Steve upgraded his programming capability. Training was provided by the local Hartwig Application Engineer, Bill Stain. Bill provided the entry level to medium level training Universal Machine needed to get off the ground running. Once it was running for a couple of months, Miyano Application engineers came in to provide some advanced training and help Steve optimize the capability.
Lucas Bayer, operator of the ABX and pictured with the Miyano, says that the ABX has significantly cut cycle times and operations. He loves the challenges of running a complex machine such as the Miyano.
Overall, the Miyano ABX 51 TH2 has been a positive influence on Universal Machines. ROI is helping Steve compete in an always growing and changing economy. Universal Machine can be contacted at:
Steve Trubenbach
Universal Machining Industries, Inc.
810 E Division
Muenster, TX 76252
Phone 940-759-2430
stevet@universalmachiningind.com
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