Cutting Assembly Time by 75% at 1/3 the Cost

For decades, HFW Industries has partnered with chemical processing, power generation, and turbomachinery operators to solve complex reliability challenges. In one case, we helped a customer turn what looked like scrap parts into a long-term solution that improved both cost and uptime.

The customer faced replacing high-value alloy housings that had become worn beyond spec. Instead of absorbing the cost of new parts, we engineered a machining and welding repair strategy:

• Cut out the damaged portion of the housing
• Fabricate and weld a custom insert in place
• Re-machine the housing to exact specifications

The result? The repair cost only 1/3 the price of replacement.

Then, we went further. By redesigning the housing with replaceable wear inserts, we reduced assembly time from 8 hours to just 2 hours — a 75% improvement.

This case shows what’s possible when machining isn’t just about cutting metal, but about engineering smarter solutions.

Precision Machining Integrated with Surface Technology

Unlike single-service shops, HFW combines machining, thermal spraying, hardfacing, precision finishing, and assembly under one roof. This integration gives engineers confidence that complex repairs and new parts will meet specifications and perform reliably in demanding environments.

Typical projects include:

• Turbomachinery components: shafts and housings requiring both precision machining and wear-resistant coatings.
• Power generation equipment: pump housings, valve bodies, and gearboxes restored with HVOF or weld overlays.
• Chemical processing components: centrifuge bowls, agitator shafts, and rolls rebuilt or manufactured complete.

Machining Capabilities: Built for Large, Complex Components

HFW’s machining department combines CNC and conventional equipment to handle everything from turbine shafts to centrifuge bowls. Our equipment includes:

• CNC Lathes – Up to 37” diameter swing x 200” length
• CNC Mills
  • Horizontal boring mill – Table 55” x 63”
  • Horizontal machining center – Table 36” x 64”
  • Vertical machining center – Table 51” x 20”
  • 5-axis vertical machining center – 19.5” diagonal table
• CNC Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) – 31.5” swing, 29.5” length, 24” chuck
• Conventional Lathes – From 14” swing x 40” length up to 50” swing x 312” length and 54” swing x 160” length
• Conventional Horizontal Boring Mills – Table 62” x 68”
• Miscellaneous Machining – Planers (36” x 96”), radial drills, and drill presses

These capabilities allow us to handle both new OEM component manufacturing and precision repair work, ensuring reliability in critical applications.

One-Source Service for Reliability Engineers

By integrating machining with coatings, finishing, and assembly, HFW provides:

• Reduced lead times through in-house process control
• Lower cost of ownership by extending component life
• Consistent quality assurance with tolerances to .0002”
• A proven partner trusted across industries since 1950

Whether you’re operating a turbine, pump, or process line, HFW delivers the machining expertise and one-source service model needed to keep critical equipment running reliably.

Need to Solve a Tough Machining Challenge?

Connect with our team for a customized solution to your toughest machining challenge.

📞 Call us at (716) 875-3380
📧 Email: RFQ@hfwindustries.com

Want more content like this?

Sign up for our newsletter and explore these resources from our Knowledge Base:

• How HFW Extends Equipment Life — Real-world example of innovation in action: 30x increase in service life for a chemical client
• Overview of Thermal Spray Coatings: HVOF & Tungsten Carbide — Why these materials are key to high-performance surface protection
• Precision Grinding at HFW — A look inside our plant, detailing HFW's precision finishing capabilities and CNC grinding
• How Does HFW Serve the Turbomachinery Industry? — Learn about HFW's one-source repair and manufacturing strategy for turbines, rotors, and other turbomachinery equipment
• What are HFW's Hardfacing Capabilities? — Explore how HFW’s hardfacing expertise restores industrial equipment with proven weld procedures and precision inspection