Highlights from Hyundai Wia’s Technology Center

This builder’s machine tool offerings are remarkably diverse. Its technology center has a sample of these machines, ranging from a “commodity” VMC to a five-axis contouring machine, with models for multitasking, hard turning, mold making and production applications in between.

A quick visit to Hyundai Wia’s technology center in the Chicago area during a recent open house refreshed my positive impression of this builder’s machine tool offerings. The lineup is remarkably diverse, ranging from a “commodity” vertical machining center to a five-axis contouring machine, with models for multitasking, hard turning, mold making and production applications in between. This builder’s heritage includes the design and construction of machines for one of its original parent companies, the automotive giant in South Korea that produces cars for the global auto market. Clearly though, the variety and capability of its current machine lineup extends well beyond the parts-machining needs of an automaker, yet this legacy of building machines to meet the reliability and productivity demands of this industry are apparent.

The photos above cover some of the machines and demos that were particularly eye-catching. Of course, Hyundai Wia’s technology center is a representative selection of the company’s catalog, and the machines in the center are an even smaller sampling. Yet the message is still valid: This manufacturing technology is to be evaluated carefully and with an open mind to its extensive possibilities.