Do not wait to automate

One of the repercussions of COVID-19 has been a widespread discussion about bringing more manufacturing back to the UK, and rightly so in the view of work-holding and automation specialist 1st Machine Tool Accessories. But is reshoring large amounts of production realistic in the short term, or is industry unprepared to cope with higher demand and make parts more cost-effectively?

1st MTA is a keen advocate of automating machine tools to achieve savings and regards some level of unattended operation to be crucial for cost-efficient production and generating a healthy profit. However, the company stresses that big investment in expensive robotics is not a prerequisite for success or justifiable in smaller factories. The correct equipment for an application could be as simple as employing hydraulic rather than manual clamping to actuate jaw closure; using a rotary table to add a fourth and perhaps a fifth CNC axis to a three-axis machining centre so that parts can be made in fewer operations or maybe in one hit; or choosing a full-length bar magazine rather than a short barfeed to automate a lathe.

Once there is commitment to invest, is it best to opt for the latest top-level technology or upgrade existing production plant? The former would be the ideal, as it offers not only the most productive and accurate machine-tool technology, but invaluable support from the manufacturer and accessories supplier. Although it requires higher initial investment, this strategy can often lead to a quicker ROI.

For a lower investment, upgrading existing machines is achievable to suit particular applications and sectors, using equipment and accessories readily available. Among the most useful items are those that provide automated and improved work holding, additional CNC axes for deploying the cutting tool more efficiently, and more production capacity through extended periods of autonomous running.

All types of work-holding solutions are available to manufacturers in the UK and Ireland from 1st MTA, mostly under sole agency agreements. The company can offer either off-the-shelf equipment or bespoke solutions to address challenging applications. 1st MTA operates a consultancy service to identify the optimum product for securing prismatic and round components during production.

For further information www.1mta.com

Work smarter with MILL P

With fast material removal capabilities and high-rigidity characteristics, GF Machining Solutions says that its Mikron MILL P 500U simultaneous five-axis machining centres deliver accuracy and cutting performance when machining high-precision, complex components made from difficult-to-machine materials. Notably, the thermal stability characteristics of the machines ensures reliable precision over long runs, aided by the integration and availability of smart technology modules.

As well as featuring 1.7 g acceleration/deceleration rates and 45 m/min rapids, the machines are equipped with 36 kW Step-Tec spindles (20,000 rpm) and rotary tilting tables that can accommodate workpieces up to 707 mm in diameter and up to 600 kg in weight. The rotary tilting table (+91/-121° and n x 360°) is available with several options, including T-slot and pallet tables accommodating a payload of 200, 400 or 600 kg.

Incremental, direct-angle measuring systems on the tilting and rotating axes guarantee high positional and repeatable accuracies. Both axes are driven via water-cooled torque motors: one for T-slot tables, and two for pallet tables on the A axis and one on the C axis. For heavy-duty machining, it is possible to clamp the rotary and tilting axes and, for improved machining stability, the titling axis features clamping on both side supports.

As well as the 20,000 rpm Step-Tec HPC190 spindle (with HSK-A63 interface), customers can select Step-Tec’s 36,000 rpm HVC150 motor spindle with HSK-E50 interface. This spindle solution is suitable for mould makers using small cutting tools in conjunction with the aforementioned 1.7 g acceleration to achieve best-in-class surface finishes.

For further information
www.gfms.com

Vulcan fits the bill for Micron

To support continued growth ambitions, work-holding specialist Micron Workholding has recently installed a new three-axis machining centre from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG). The Vulcan VMC610L machining centre was the machine of choice due to its spacious work envelope in a compact floor area.

Jon Mannion, regional sales manager at ETG, says: “When I first spoke to Micron, one of their key criteria was a small footprint. To demonstrate the work envelope of the machine at our facility, we loaded it with a really large block of material. We cut around the outside of the part to show the working envelope and then machined a very deep pocket in the middle.”

What impressed at the demonstration was not just the large working area for such a small footprint machine, but its performance, cutting capability and surface finish. Alluding to the size of the Vulcan VMC610L, Mannion says: “The machine has an X axis of 610 mm, but the table is 650 mm, so it suited the needs of Micron. We also offer 850 and 1000 mm models.”

Acknowledged to be an entry-level machining centre, the standard Vulcan VMC610L has a 10,000 rpm spindle (options up to 30,000 rpm), 20 bar through-spindle coolant, 24-station tool changer and swarf management. The BT40 machine also offers 36 m/min rapids, while all axes use an extra-wide 45 mm roller-type linear guideway, which further contributes to the VMC’s ability to accommodate heavy loads with fast acceleration rates and low friction.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com

New global HQ

The Gordon Murray Group has revealed plans for new global headquarters at Windlesham in Surrey. The company will build the new technology campus on a 54-acre site, providing facilities for automotive design, engineering and manufacturing. In addition, the 130,000 sq ft development, encompassing three buildings, will see the Gordon Murray Group create more than 100 skilled jobs within the next three years. Phase one will house a vehicle manufacturing centre, customer sales and the Gordon Murray Group heritage collection. The whole site is due for completion by the end of 2024 at a total investment of £50m.

For further information
www.gordonmurraydesign.com

Winds of change

Sheffield Forgemasters is now working with the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP). The company has secured expert consultancy support via the OWGP WEST programme, providing market assessments, feedback, recommendations of next steps and action plans for further support to help accelerate growth within the offshore wind sector supply chain.

Sheffield Forgemasters has also successfully bid for £40,000 of funding via the OWGP Cross-Sector Support Competition, which aims to increase the breadth of the UK offshore wind supply chain by attracting cross-sector engagement and enabling UK companies to join the industry.

For further information
www.sheffieldforgemasters.com