Today's rigorous bicycle production imposes precise engineering and technology demands on manufacturers. Waterford Precision Cycles, Inc. relies on Heinrich Company's pneumatic production vises to keep their bicycle lines running at peak efficiency.
A leading manufacturer of custom bicycles, Waterford Precision Cycles offers world-class craftsmanship, numerous option combinations, a high level of customer service, and the ability to handle small batch sizes, along with color flexibility. In-house design takes roughly two hours to convert custom information to tubing geometry, frame dimensions, and correct tubing type. Bicycle tubing is then mitered using Heinrich's double-acting, self-centering vises.
Jeff James, plant manager, credits Heinrich's DA-2200-SC pneumatic double-acting self-centering vise with enabling his machinists to quickly change tube size and cutting tool with little effort and virtually no downtime. The vise automatically centers the tubing and holds it in place for precise mitering. A cylinder on each end of the vise activates both jaws; the jaws are tied together by a rack and pinion gear system that allows the vise to be self-centering with an accuracy of 0.001 in. It is mounted on a movable table with a spindle situated above, which descends to provide a clean curved cut. A four-way treadle valve activates the vise.
James recalled that when the Heinrich vise they inherited from Schwinn Bicycle Co broke down several years ago, production ground to a halt and he frantically phoned Heinrich to see what could be done. After learning firsthand the ease with which these vises could be rebuilt, and recognizing their value to the company, he quickly bought another one. Now, the two self-centering Heinrich vises are heavily used and are an integral part of the custom bike production process, according to machinist Brian Blank.
Blank points out that another vise, Heinrich's double-acting DA-3301 is used exclusively to crimp the end of one particular frameset. Piston-type air cylinders provide up to 1500 lb of clamping force to collapse and flatten tube ends. "It's fondly referred to in the shop as 'The Cashius Cruncher' after the Cashius BMX model it's used for," he added.
The Waterford, WI-based company manufactures the frame, fork, and handlebar stem of high-end, custom-built Waterford and Gunnar brand bicycles. It builds just about any bike configuration, including downhill racers, touring and mountain bikes, bikes that fold up and fit in the trunk of a car, and even an Iditabike (named after the Iditarod), with 3 ½ in. tires used for cycling in the snow.
Waterford also builds bikes and other cycling-related components as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Standard Byke Company, Heron Cycles, and numerous other companies. Constantly striving for perfection, Waterford staff depend on Heinrich's production vises to help them measure up to the precise engineering and technology demanded in today's rigorous cycling circles. Heinrich has been instrumental in helping Waterford Precision Cycles stay ahead of the competition and set the standard for custom-built, American-made bicycles.
Located in Racine, WI, Heinrich has been making special workholding tools for over 75 years, including quick-acting screwless vises, single- and double-acting air vises, self-centering vises, cross-hole drill jigs, 5C air collet fixtures, and special metal-cutting hand tools.
