Large-format, heavy-steel fabrication has been a Schaffer Manufacturing core competency since Barry Schaffer started the company in 1993. Since then, we’ve made it a priority to continually “up our game” for customers needing a single-source supplier with the versatility to fabricate large parts and weldments and machine the projects post-welding.

Our latest advance at that level is the addition of a SF-4120 vertical machining center (VMC) from Vision Wide Tech (VTEC).  With 161 inches of X-travel and 79 inches on the Y-axis, the new VMC definitely is on the “very large” end of the work-envelope range. The capacity makes the new high-speed, high-efficiency and high-precision machine another Schaffer production floor system that is uncommon around the region.

The new VMC comes into play for customers in multiple industries, including products using large “framework” structures. OEMs requiring large frames with post-welding machined surfaces, for example, can ask Schaffer to fabricate the frame and then put the large-size weldment in the VMC for the precise and accurate machining that application requires.

The same machine versatility is important for another Schaffer specialty – processing Hardox® wear plate. The VMC’s large work area enables us to reduce the number of set-ups required when machining large-feed bed liners, oversize perforated plates, screens and other large mining plates. Customers benefit from production cost savings and high-end accuracy, even when processing large components or weldments.