Automated and flexible turn-milling

Delden-based Bredel, a manufacturer of industrial hose pumps, has invested in a M65-G MillTurn centre from WFL, which is has UK representation from Kyal Machine Tools. In order to make the best use of the productivity and capabilities of the turn-mill centre, the WFL machine is equipped with a large tool magazine, an automation solution from Promot and a quick-change jaw system from Schunk. With the complete installation, Bredel can produce various parts for hose pumps unmanned and with short throughput times.

At peak, Bredel wishes to use the new machine for 120 hours per week, with staff required for just one day shift. In order to achieve this level of utilisation, Bredel has opted for an automated production process.

Bertus Groteboer, senior manufacturing engineer at Bredel, says: “The decision to opt for a new turn-mill centre was already on the cards. Although these types of machine are much more expensive, the ROI is significantly better because you can combine machining processes, which means two separate machines are no longer necessary. We can therefore fully machine pump parts with both turning and milling operations in one set-up.”

The new WFL M65 G has a nominal centre distance of 2000 mm. Both spindles have an output of 56 kW: the two spindles and milling spindle allow for the complete machining of workpieces.

Thanks to the new automated turn-mill centre that can machine small batches flexibly, Bredel has reduced the throughput time for a set of pump parts from three days to just one. In addition, the manufacturer can respond much more quickly to urgent orders. Bredel is aiming ultimately to achieve 5500 spindle hours per year with its new M65-G MillTurn.

For further information
www.kyalmachinetools.co.uk

Filtermist moves Kerstar production to Telford

A UK manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaners has relocated production to Filtermist International’s headquarters in Telford. Kerstar, which sells its Type H and ATEX-rated models, was purchased by the oil mist and filtration specialist in 2019 and, following an extensive lean manufacturing project, has taken the decision to centralise operations in Shropshire in a bid to deliver increased customer efficiencies. The company has also appointed a dedicated product manager to help it maximise the brand refresh and make the most of opportunities with its network of approved resellers and distributors.

For further information www.kerstar.com