Halesowen-based HLP Engineering Solutions, a specialist in press tools for the automotive industry, has invested in another Sodick wire erosion machine from Sodi-Tech EDM. The large Sodick AQ750L Premium not only provides more size and time capacity, but greater precision and around 25-30% more speed than the machine it replaced.

“We started with no premises, machines or money, and would simply cold-call to get work,” explains co-director Luke Hobbs. “A friend offered us some space in his unit and we bought a few pre-owned Sodick wire EDMs from auction. We were familiar with Sodick machines from previous employment and they are tried and tested as far as we’re concerned. We also know the guys at Sodi-Tech and the level of support they provide.”
Progress at HLP soon accelerated. After a brief stint in a rented unit the company acquired its own premises in Halesowen, with three pre-owned Sodick wire EDMs in place. However, faced with yet more demand for its services, the company recently sought to expand its capacity even further.
“Along with the size, the AQ750L Premium has introduced us to new-generation technologies such as linear drives, which compare favourably against our other machines that feature ballscrews,” says Hobbs. “It means that surface quality is enhanced and energy consumption is reduced.
“The Jumbo feeder on the AQ750L Premium means we can load large spools of wire and run some of our longer jobs unmanned, out of normal working hours, which we are insured to do,” adds Hobbs. “This is one example where the new machine has moved us on to the next level, along with precision and speed. I would estimate the new Sodick is 25-30% faster than the machine it replaced.”
For further information www.sodi-techedm.co.uk