Two Starrag Heckert machining centres are enabling an aluminium foundry in Italy to finish-machine cast components for the automotive industry. The two machines – a five-axis Heckert X40 and a four-axis Heckert H40 – are also helping Lombardy-based Industria Metalli to effectively become a system supplier of components that, because of the reliability and speed of the Heckerts, are now significantly more cost-competitive than those offered by companies without in-house machining.

Industria Metalli specialises in vehicle components, from supports and brackets through to housings, generating 40% of turnover from the automotive sector. Each year it produces over five million cast aluminium parts using 8000 tonnes of secondary aluminium for 160 customers around the world.

Until the installation of the Heckert machines, the company outsourced all of its machining. However, subcontracting was increasingly causing logistical concerns, as well as cost and quality issues. The turning point came with the arrival of a new project manager who had worked as a machining specialist in the automotive industry. He recommended purchasing Heckert machines to assist the establishment of an in-house machining facility.

Following installation, Industria Metalli began its in-house machining by processing simple housings for oil filters. “I’m optimistic that we’ll soon be able to finish more products using the Heckert machining centres and that we’ll also receive orders for new components,” states managing director Fausto Becchetti.

“By establishing a mechanical manufacturing facility, our opportunities to progress to tier one, to become a system supplier, have increased significantly,” he continues. “Our products are now significantly more competitive in comparison to those from many of our competitors which do not have in-house machining. The two Heckert machining centres represent the first milestone in our journey.”

For further information
www.starrag.com

Yamazaki Mazak has helped the McLaren Formula One team by supplying and commissioning a new fully-simultaneous five-axis machining centre in just four weeks. The new machine, an Integrex i-100S multi-tasking machining centre is now fully operational at McLaren’s Technology Centre in Surrey. McLaren Racing’s partnership with Mazak, which now stands at in excess of 20 years, takes the total number of Mazak machines currently in use by the team, to 28.

The i-100S benefits from a compact, ergonomic design complete with a large machining envelope. McLaren Racing’s new machine is capable of machining both round and square workpieces up to 500 mm diameter and 854 mm in length, in just one set-up.

Malcolm Jones, manager – machining and fabrication at McLaren Racing, says: “As part of our longer-term investment strategy in manufacturing technologies, we plan for regular machine upgrades to ensure we operate with the fastest, most efficient technology available.”

He adds: “The team at Mazak was able to source a machine and arrange for it to be shipped, installed and commissioned in just four weeks. Not only does it complement our existing machine portfolio, but it underpins our need for more flexible and capable machines. What’s more, features such as the SmoothX CNC and the second spindle will enable us produce components to a higher degree of accuracy – and faster – than our older generation machines.

“The i-100S is the next step forward in our wider plans to refresh our machine shop and invest in the latest simultaneous five-axis machine-tool technology,” he concludes. “We value our close working relationship with Mazak, who help us to make parts faster and more accurately.”

For further information
www.mazakeu.co.uk