CREDIT: MURATEC
Murata Machinery USA, Inc. (Muratec), manufacturer of fabrication machinery and automated turning centers, continues celebrating 50 years of automation innovation in North America by marking a 35-year sheet metal fabrication milestone at FABTECH 2024. Muratec will highlight its fabrication legacy by showcasing the MF30510HL combination punch press and fiber laser.
The MF30510HL, a multifunction machine that combines turret punch press and fiber laser processes, is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern manufacturers. Developed in response to customer requests for a machine to process larger sheet sizes than the popular MF3048HL, the MF30510HL features an expanded work size of 5ft x 10ft (1219mm × 2438mm) and a punching capacity of 30 metric tons, offering versatility in processing larger material.
“We’re proud to showcase the MF30510HL at FABTECH 2024. This machine embodies our decades of innovation, combining multiple sheet metal processes into one compact system to tackle the toughest challenges manufacturers face today,” says Jeff Kalmbach, general manager of Muratec USA’s Machine Tools Division. “In today’s competitive market, speed alone isn’t enough—job shops need reliable flexibility to seize every opportunity, and this multifunction powerhouse delivers. The MF30510HL is a true reflection of the Muratec/Wiedemann legacy and our vision for the future of fabrication technology.”
Muratec’s legacy of sheet metal fabrication is rooted in the Wiedemann Machine Company, a pioneer in the industry since 1916. Wiedemann revolutionized sheet metal processing after introducing the first punch press in 1934 and the world’s first NC turret punch press in 1955.
In 1970, Murata Machinery Ltd. became an official partner of the Wiedemann division of the Warner & Swasey Company, forming the Murata Warner Swasey Co. and strengthening its position in the industry. This partnership deepened in 1989 when Murata acquired the Wiedemann brand, merging their expertise to create Murata Wiedemann.
Murata Machinery Ltd., founded in 1935, established a permanent U.S. presence in 1974 with the founding of Murata of America Inc. By 1991, the unified “Muratec” brand was launched. In 2002, Murata Wiedemann and Murata of America were consolidated into Murata Machinery USA, Inc.
Today, Muratec continues to produce fabrication technology including turret punch presses, combination punch presses with fiber lasers, and automation systems.
The MF30510HL streamlines operations by merging punching, laser cutting, forming, tapping, deburring, and more into one cohesive machine. Its 4.0kW fiber laser output enables the efficient processing of a wide range of sheet materials and thicknesses. Integrating with Muratec’s automation systems, including the FG series parts-sorting system, further enhances production efficiencies.
Key features of the Muratec Combination Punch Laser (MF30510HL):
- Integrated four-station rigid tapping unit: A four-station rigid tapping unit that enhances operational versatility, efficiency, and high-speed tapping operations.
- Vibration-free laser operation: The fiber laser remains securely mounted on its dedicated frame, eliminating potential vibration interference during cutting and punching operations. This deliberate design ensures precision and consistency in processing results.
- Retractable bottom dies: This function retracts forming dies when not in use. This allows the machine to perform laser cutting and punching operations to reduce the chance of scratching and catching while making adjacent punch stations available.
- Process net monitoring: Accelerates real-time monitoring and control for fiber laser operations and provides operators and manufacturing managers valuable insights. Operators can make informed decisions, optimize settings, and ensure optimal performance, productivity, and quality.
To further enhance the MF series, Muratec made the tooling styles of Wiedemann 114 and Thick Spring Style turrets able to accommodate your present machine’s tooling inventory. This combination machine can also be seamlessly paired with unmanned automation for loading and unloading, and with the FG series, Muratec’s next-level parts sorting system to enhance production efficiency.
“The MF30510HL continues the Wiedemann legacy under the Muratec brand, advancing the innovation that has driven our success,” says Kalmbach. “Combining laser cutting and punching in one machine offers manufacturers unmatched flexibility. Integrating multiple operations and automation in a single system boosts productivity and efficiency, ultimately delivering significant benefits to the bottom line.”
Visitors to FABTECH 2024 will experience the MF30510HL in action and explore Muratec’s full suite of solutions designed to optimize manufacturing operations, solve labor challenges, and maximize shop floor space. Attendees are invited to visit the company at booth S11073.