Preguntas Frecuentes

Many small volume production projects are requested for special Helices; therefore, it is of vital importance to process these orders quickly but effectively and as efficiently as practicable. This means being able to predict the blank cut for a perfect fit to the shaft at the outset so there are no trial and error requirements, this means being able to get the machine set-up and into production quickly.

We have replaced other modern machines that were sold with pre-programmed settings, which have in the longer-term proved to be little more than a gimmick with time wasted dialling in the exact settings for production.

Helix Flight's machines allow the operators to set-up for a job in under 5 minutes. This includes swapping-out the tooling (if required), and dialling in any adjustments due to the choice of the material's spring back. This is the case even when a job is being completed for the very first time.

Helix Flight supply a set of forming plates to meet our client's Helix forming requirements. This depends upon the choice of a right or left-hand flight requirement, and also the pitch range that a client requires. We have supplied some clients with a requirement for only 2 Forming Plates, whereas most other clients have the work demands that requires the supply of over six sets of left and right-hand Forming Plates, to meet the diverse range of work on their books. The amounts supplied do vary subject to needs, and the type of materials being formed. For hard material like Hardox 500 or other Abrasive Resistant materials Forming Plates are supplied that may be the same size as the Standard material Forming Plates but are used for jobs that require increased hardness to make the Helix in the harder materials.

The Helix Flight HF1 SD VX small outer diameter machine is typically provided with x6 sets of Forming Plates for both left, and right-hand applications, giving x12 sets in total.
The HF1 MD VX and HF1 MD HD medium diameter machines are typically supplied with x6 forming plates for left and right-hand applications, giving x12 sets in total.

The largest machine HF1 ID HD machines may have up to 12 left and right-hand Forming Plates, although always assessed as relative to the precise needs of the machine owner.

These quantities vary and are flexible, being subject to each individual client's needs and purpose for the manufacture of the Flights. The advantage of Helix Flight's system is that it provides the most practical number of Forming Plates for the proposed machines usage, as described by the client. Each Forming Plate has a range of pitch capabilities and a wide range of diameter capacities. Often, the next job can be completed without the need for changing the tooling, this makes the production of small Flight orders highly-efficient due to the saved time and associated cost savings.

One of our primary goals in building highly-durable machines is that in the rare event of a breakdown we can give support remotely, and globally from our base in New Zealand. This is particularly important for companies that work within strict time constraints during production.

Fortunately, we've gained in excess of 20 years of experience in building long-lasting machines well-before we advanced into manufacturing the latest, innovative and reliable HF1 Series of machines. All Helix Flight's machines are registered online using our advanced diagnostics system, this convenience gives direct access to assist with any diagnostics when required, or when a problem arises in an emergency production situation. In support of this statement, we only use world-leading branded parts which are easily accessible in most locations worldwide, and should be available within your nearest city. Additionally, in the rare event that a problem does occur, we keep in stock a wide-range of manufactured parts for overnight airfreight too.

Our machines are designed to comply with UL and CE marked safety requirements. Helix Forming speeds are controlled for the movement of the jaws of the machine which helps to avoid operator injuries which were common in other, older machines.

When we started our design process, we examined 30 years of global safety incidents and with our machines have eliminated the causes of these incidents through our considered design and functional machine operations.

We have removed the use of dangerous foot pedal controls which continue as on of the main causes of serious harm injuries due to loss of balance of the operator.

All machines are designed for a single operator and the hydraulic oil runs at a safe temperature to avoid burns. The list of safety features of a Helix Flight machine are extensive, and we are constantly developing improvements where we can. We have a growing number of owners who recognise the safety benefits of a Helix Flight Machine compared to our competitors older and even modern machines and are actively investing in our machines in preference because of the greater safety features featured for the benefit of their operators.

We can arrange a full demonstration of our technology at any time. Please contact Helix Flight through our contact page.

The ROI on a machine is complex and subject to numerous variables and so careful evaluation is recommended. It often involves considerations for the costs of the blanks, and the costs incurred to form the helices in their different sizes, versus the cost to buy-in formed helices. When following the simple equation above, we often see justification for a machine pay-back within 1-3 years.

Nevertheless, other considerations are equally important for making a shrewd investment in a Helix Flight Manufacturing Machine, including:

1. Savings are made in the stock of formed helices to meet quick delivery times.
2. Savings made in having to rent stock is not required.
   
3. Improved margins with the ability to provide an overnight turnaround for
   R&M work.
4. A rain-making effect, with in-house sectional helices helping to attract larger projects.
5. Diversification into new, niche markets that had not previously been considered an option.
6. The cost-savings achieved by having an in-house sectional helix forming service, which  avoids third party down-time for repairs, or extended supply times, as they randomly occur.
   
7. Having exclusive technology that adds to increased business value and in turn,
   any potential opportunity for a future sale of the business.
   

All of the above are important and are relevant to the ROI for your machine, not to mention the basic costs of production, versus the market pricing per helix formed.

Helix Flight has several grades of tooling which is dependent upon the client's needs. We have STANDARD grade forming plates which are very quick to refurbish; and 600HBW which are our most robust and durable forming plates. These forming plates will also naturally wear out over time, relative to the frequency of work cycles, and helix manufacturing volumes.

We have manufactured machines which are now 8 years old and still have all the original tooling, and also others that have transferred to 600HBW to minimise refurbishing needs.

Helix Flight is always pleased to work with clients to provide the most suitable tooling for their immediate needs, and by careful selection to ensure future-proofing we are keen to provide the lowest whole-of-life cost per helix manufactured.

The maintenance costs for Helix Flight Machines are genuinely minimal.

Typically there is a cost for replacing oil filters subject to work cycles and machine hours. Every few years the replacement of hydraulic oil and amortisation of the forming plates is required. On a recent ROI analysis for clients, we have shown that these costs are on average less than <1% of the capital cost of the machine per year.

Helix Flight machines are designed to have an expected service life of 1 Million Helices in mild carbon steel (250 MPa yield strength), or 25 years.

Machine parts such as the PLC have been specifically selected to ensure a 25 year life. One of the key benefits of our advanced online diagnostics system is our ability to upgrade the machine operating systems as new developments go live. Most machines that we have supplied over the years have had at least one operating system upgrade, which has added new features and a range of future-proofing capabilities.

This question is really at the heart of our original goal for Helix Flight's technology. We now have numerous examples of leading companies through commissioning, training, and actively up to and including production usually well within 2-3 days. Especially when we consider that not all companies have gained any previous experience in the process of forming helices.

We are now achieving the same time-frames with our new commissioning, safety induction, and training video modules. We support this with Zoom call assistance too. We have achieved this even when several of the companies we have installed machines with have limited, or no, English language abilities spoken in-house.

The huge advantage of our new video modules is that if a staff member changes, we are easily able to ensure new staff are swiftly up and running with the correct training from day one.

Another advantage is that we are frequently adding new video modules, as new techniques are developed for technical challenges. Operators then have the the ability to watch videos as repeat refreshers which we have seen is very much appreciated before they commence a new or highly technical project in forming a Helix.

The Helix Flight BCDM software is in continuous development and improvement; however, the vital function of predicting the amount of stretch during forming from accurate blanks is absolutely assured. Users are predicting blanks from 50mm (2") in diameter to 6,000mm (236") diameter, from 25mm (1") in pitch to 7,200mm (283") in pitch, and in thicknesses from 1mm to 50mm. These accurate predictions are also across a range of material grades.

We work interactively with our machine owners to investigate, develop and trial new features. All of our existing machine owners have direct access to the latest BCDM software programme.

The HS or NCM number for Helix Flight Forming machines is 8462.2900

Helix Flight machines are exported from NZ which has a multitude of free trade agreements around the world. This can mean little or no government tariffs or duties between these countries. Although it is important that our clients check with either our company for the specific details for a particular machine, or their own customs brokers to ensure that they have the current information on inbound duties or tariffs for their country of operation.

The main requirements include an Ethernet connection, three phase power supply, a clean concrete floor of adequate strength related to the weight of the machine.

We build our machines to meet your local power supply requirements.

Medium diameter and larger machines will need a dedicated lifting aid, such as a pivot arm gantry and a two speed electric hoist.

Intermediate diameter and large diameter machines may need a special recess in the floor for the most efficient and practical set-up for ease of operation.

A testimony to this is when our clients need an additional Helix Flight machine to continue their growth and manage increased orders. A reflection of our greatest success happens when we are able to enjoy the swift growth of a client company after the adoption of our technology.

We are honestly delighted to be able to confirm that we have a growing number of companies with multiple machines on their premises; with a growing number of owners looking to invest in their second and third machines in the near future.

Helix Flight is now the global leader in cold-forming Helices from these types of Abrasion Resistant materials.

Yes. This is a key advantage of our technology. The Helix Flight technology used to make tapered perimeter helices in a final cut form avoids the need for the multiple processes of other systems that use cut-away false pieces; and also makes substantial cost savings incurred by extended time delays that happen with other less efficient systems.

We are constantly building machines to be held in stock; however, these are most often sold before they are fully completed, this is due to the heavy and increasing demand for Helix Flight technology.

Please contact us (see options below) to discuss the availability and timely supply of any specific model of machine that you are considering for your specific needs.

Call Daniel direct: +64 21 999 099
E-Mail: [email protected]

or: [email protected] +64 21 341 166

Main Office: +64 9 232 7805
Or, complete the form on the page of this website which shows the machine you're interested in: https://www.helixflight.com/machines

Yes, we do.

We always aim to keep a full range of forming plates in stock and ready for despatch by air or sea subject to freight and shipping schedules. Although, this is related to the immediate work demands of other orders that we have underway; or machines that are in the complex completion stages of being despatched, which will usually take priority.