With over 100 years of experience, Gardner Denver is a global leader in providing high-quality, engineered solutions for the transport industry. Known for their expertise in manufacturing components for compressors, vacuum pumps, blowers, and cargo pumps, they prioritise time efficiency and quality throughout their production processes.

The Challenge

In their pursuit of enhanced productivity and precision, Gardner Denver faced the challenge of reducing manufacturing times on complex components like manifold blocks used in hydraulic coolers. As they had previously invested in NIKKEN's rotary tables due to their durability and performance, Gardner Denver sought a new solution to further optimise their machining operations, particularly to meet increasing demands for both quality and speed.

The Solution

Building on their previous successful partnership with NIKKEN, Gardner Denver recently introduced the NIKKEN Elbo E46CX Presetter to their machine shop. This advanced tool presetting and calibration system was implemented to reduce setup times and improve machining accuracy. With its user-friendly interface and cutting-edge smart features, the E46CX delivers higher efficiency and precision, directly enhancing Gardner Denver’s machining processes. By reducing setup times, the company has been able to maintain the highest quality standards while significantly improving overall productivity.

This new technology complements their earlier investment in NIKKEN's CNC260 Rotary Table, combined with the Modular TRIAG work-holding system and the Alpha 21 portable programmable pendant. This versatile setup enabled six-sided machining through just two setups in one continuous operation, streamlining the manufacturing of manifold blocks. The ability to handle multiple components without manual intervention has allowed Gardner Denver’s operators to focus on other tasks, maximising productivity, and optimising working hours.

Additionally, the modular solution has provided Gardner Denver with the flexibility to shift the setup between machining centres when production demands fluctuate, ensuring minimal downtime. Crucially, this system has also enabled Gardner Denver to bring more of their production in-house, guaranteeing quality and reducing dependency on external subcontractors.

Results

With the combined investments in the Elbo Controlli NIKKEN E46CX Presetter and our CNC260 Rotary Table, Gardner Denver has not only improved its machining accuracy but also reduced lead times and operational costs. The enhanced precision, ease of use, and versatility of NIKKEN’s solutions have ensured that Gardner Denver continues to meet the highest standards for their global customer base while improving the efficiency of their operations.

Gardner Denver’s continuous investment in NIKKEN’s innovative technology demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of manufacturing excellence.