The engineering and manufacturing landscape has undergone profound changes since HMG was founded in 1959, driven by technological advancements and innovative techniques.
Throughout its 65-year history, HMG has embraced new technologies with the goal of improving service delivery.
Surface Coating
HMG chrome plating has been a hallmark surface coating technique since its inception. For hydraulic cylinder components, electroplating provides corrosion resistance and durability.
While new technologies such as polishers and CNC grinders have enhanced the process and reduced lead times, this process continues to be used to this day.
In the early 2000s, HMG embraced HVOF coating technology due to increased demands for enhanced performance. This thermal spray process offers excellent adhesion and wear resistance, catering to mining, oil and gas, and industrial applications. HVOF brought about a shift towards speed and efficiency in surface coating methodologies when it was introduced.
Laser Cladding: Fast forward to 2020s, HMG stands at the forefront of innovation with the adoption of laser cladding technology. This precise method involves the deposition of metallic coatings onto a parent metal using a laser beam, faster coating, minimal material wastage, and exceptional bond strength.
Laser cladding has unlocked new possibilities in performance optimisation across diverse sectors, symbolising HMG’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
Drafting and Manual Machining to CNC Machining
Drafting and Manual Machining: In the early days of HMG, drafting boards and manual machining tools were the backbone of production processes. Skilled machinists meticulously crafted components, relying on manual precision and expertise.
Drafting and Manual Machining: In the early days of HMG, drafting boards and manual machining tools were the backbone of production processes. Skilled machinists meticulously crafted components, relying on manual precision and expertise.
While this approach was executed to the highest standards at the time, it meant longer lead times and limited scalability compared to modern methods.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining: The late 20th century marked a revolutionary shift with the advent of CNC machining at HMG. Automated control systems empowered by computers revolutionised drafting and manufacturing, offering unparalleled accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency.
CNC machining catapulted HMG into an era of faster turnaround times and greater flexibility and scope in design iterations.
Advanced CNC Machining: As we move through 2024, HMG’s CNC machining capabilities have reached unprecedented heights. Equipped with a fleet of more advanced CNC machines; HMG’s machinists constantly use their capabilities to optimise manufacturing output and minimise downtime for their customers.
Commitment to Innovation
HMG’s commitment to innovation ensures that its CNC machining facilities remain at the forefront of technological advancement, driving excellence across industries.
Through embracing cutting-edge technologies and refining age-old techniques, HMG continues to push the boundaries of possibility, shaping industry’s future one innovation at a time.
About HMG
HMG started life as a small surface finishing shop in 1959. Today, we are a global leader in the design, manufacture and refurbishment of components and assemblies used in heavy industries. With 9,700m2 of undercover workshop floor space, our capabilities span engineering and manufacturing, blasting, stripping and inspection, surface finishing, assembly and testing, and painting and packing.
HMG makes things to last. We rely on business practices and work methods honed over more than 65 years to deliver products and services of superior quality. We increase the productivity, performance, and profits of leaders across mining, oil and gas, energy, defence, construction, shipping, lift and shift, transport, and agriculture by reducing their downtime and maintenance costs.