Hurco empowers manufacturing success at RPH

In the fast-paced world of precision manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. For Richard Haim, the owner of RPH Manufacturing Ltd, this realisation came early in his career, leading him to make a strategic investment in Hurco machine tools.
RPH, a company based in Bournemouth, has been a stalwart in the industry, delivering over 45,000 parts annually to its diverse customer base. At the heart of this impressive output lies Richard’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the latest manufacturing technologies, with Hurco machines.
Richard’s journey with Hurco began in 1999 when he acquired his first Hurco machine tool. Attracted by the brand’s reputation, he saw an opportunity to enhance his company’s capabilities. “I like Hurco because many of Hurco’s customers are Formula One teams. I am very interested in Formula One, so what better endorsement than purchasing a Hurco machine tool?” Richard explains.
One standout feature that has made Hurco machines invaluable for RPH is the seamless integration of the control system. Rather than programming directly on the machine, Richard uses Hurco’s desktop software, which allows him to create and refine programmes.
“I’ve got Hurco desktop software installed in my programming hub, and I program from there, then I import the programme into the control. I do very subtle editing, so as soon as it leaves the programming hub, it’s ready to go in the control.”
The versatility of Hurco has also been a significant factor in RPH’s success. Richard has invested in a range of Hurco models, including the VM10, VM20, and VM30, each offering unique capabilities for various manufacturing tasks. “I may have one operation on a VM30, and then I put a reverse operation on a VM10,” he explains, highlighting the benefits of having access to different machine sizes.
One of the key advantages of Hurco’s control system is its ability to facilitate seamless programme transfers between machines. This has been particularly beneficial for RPH, as the company often needs to move parts between different machines. “I can network all the machines by importing the programme into whatever machine I wish to use,” Richard explains. “Sometimes, I use one part on the same machine, and then I’ll move it around. With all that tooling, the Hurco machines are familiar and will recognise that tooling.”
Another crucial aspect is the control system’s graphics capabilities. “The first thing to consider when programming anything new is your stock geometry. You must have that perfect,” Richard explains. “Then, when you’re doing your animation, you can flip and ensure that you’ve got the machine correctly positioned around the stock geometry.”
The ability to dry-run programmes on the Hurco control system has also been a game-changer for RPH, particularly for fixture-based work. “I place a 50mm block on top of the work surface, and then I run the entire programme with a 50mm Z offset,” Richard explains. “This allows me to ensure that I won’t hit any clamps or bolts during the machining process.” As Richard looks to the future, his commitment to Hurco remains steadfast. “My mission is that I’ve been in business for 44 years now. Fifty years will be my milestone. That’s 2031. I will still be running Hurco CNC machines.”
Richard’s investment in Hurco machine tools has been a strategic decision that has yielded results for RPH. From the seamless integration of the control system to the versatility of the machine lineup and advanced graphics capabilities, Hurco’s technology has empowered RPH to maintain its competitive edge and consistently deliver high-quality parts to its customers. As Richard looks to the future, his unwavering commitment to Hurco underscores the value these machines have brought to his business and his confidence in the brand’s ability to support his continued success.