Atlas Metal Parts: one of the heaviest stampers in the Midwest
In the heart of Waukesha, Wisconsin, a transformative project has reached its pinnacle – the assembly of two colossal 1,500-ton stamping presses, each with a story to tell. This journey begins in Windsor, Ontario, where the presses were once the workhorses of an automotive stamping facility, shaping metal into the iconic Chevy Volt battery box.
Embarking on an 18-truck odyssey, these behemoths crossed borders and time zones to find their new home in Waukesha. Each special permitted semi truckload, a testament to the enormity of the task, carried not just machinery, but the legacy of precision and craftsmanship.
Upon arrival, the presses found refuge at Wisconsin Industrial Machine Service, a sanctuary for the meticulous art of restoration. The skilled hands at WIMS undertook the task of repairing and re-machining worn surfaces, breathing new life into the weathered giants. It was a meticulous process ensuring every cog and gear was revitalized to perfection
But the journey didn’t end there. Beyond the mechanical resurrection, these presses underwent a technological rebirth. New controls were seamlessly integrated, transforming the presses into paragons of efficiency and versatility. The retrofit marked a transition from the past to the future, as cutting-edge technology married the robust mechanical foundations.
What sets these presses apart is not just their size but their versatility. Both presses boast variable drives and have the capability to run coil, offering a flexible solution for diverse manufacturing needs. One of the presses goes a step further, equipped with hydraulic cushions designed specifically for handling the intricate demands of deep draw work – a testament to the commitment to excellence in every detail.
A project of this magnitude is not a sprint but a marathon, and it took approximately 24 months for this symphony of engineering and craftsmanship to come to fruition.
As the final pieces fall into place, these presses are poised to become the crown jewels of the Midwest. Among the largest in the region, they stand as towering symbols of expansion and capability, ready to shape the future of stamping and manufacturing.
The countdown has begun, and the estimated completion date, March 31, 2024, is marked on the calendar. Soon, these presses will roar to life, forging a new era of possibilities in the heart of Waukesha. Stay tuned as we unveil the power and precision that these 1,500-ton stamping presses bring to the world of manufacturing.
If you’re around the area and you feel the earth shake, you’ll know where it comes from.
