Subcontractor on a roll with Nakamura machines

As a subcontractor with a distinct niche in thread rolling, Dobson & Beaumont has been in business for more than 100 years. As well as machining nuts, the company cold-forms bolts and special fittings to work harden the thread, thus improving overall thread strength by more than 25% when compared to typical thread-cutting operations. Before rolling, the Blackburn-based company machines some of the most daunting materials known to the industry, which is why the company purchased a Nakamura-Tome AS200LMSY, followed by a Nakamura SC100X2, from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Installed and running at the end of 2022, the SC100X2 is already reducing cycle times by upward of 30%. This is credit to several factors. Firstly, the new SC100X2 offers superimposed machining.

“Superimposed machining is a game-changer for our business, as we can now hit parts with two tools simultaneously by overlapping operations between main and sub-spindles,” explains Richard Guest, managing director of Dobson & Beaumont.“This has reduced cycle times noticeably already. On high-value motorsport studs, we have cut the cycle time from 3 minutes to 1minute 30 seconds.”

The sub-spindle can move not only toward the main spindle for component pick-up, but also in synchronicity with the lower turret for machining operations that can take place while the upper turret is machining on the main spindle.

“We machine hard materials such as MP35N and AERMET 100, which has a tensile strength of 1900 Pa,” says Guest.“Before the arrival of the SC100X2, we had to sub many of these parts out, which added 2-3 weeks to our lead time. Now, we can machine in-house and keep lead times to just days while eliminating additional subcontract costs.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Mazak lauds recruitment open house

Yamazaki Mazak has declared its recent recruitment open house a major success.The event, which took place in April, attracted 22 attendees with 16 subsequently offered positions as trainee machine tool builders. It was open to all ages from education leavers through to career changers.

Christopher Bills, production manager -assembly at Mazak’s European manufacturing plant in Worcester, says: “We selected people mainly on attitude as these are trainee vacancies. With a good attitude we can train all the skills required to be a successful machine tool builder. I am delighted that all 16 who were offered a position accepted. The new recruits are now working in a variety of roles including electrical assembly, mechanical assembly and fitting roles.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Discover the complete manufacturing ecosystem

Subcon returns to the Birmingham NEC next week (7-8 June), bringing together the full manufacturing ecosystem for the UK’s longest-established subcontract manufacturing supply chain show. Over 200 UK and international suppliers will be present at the 46th edition of the exhibition, covering assembly work, CNC machining, metal fabrication, electronics, component parts and more. The exhibition organiser anticipates more than 4000 visitors, all of whom will benefit from free access.

Alongside the exhibition, two conference theatres will provide topical content on the challenges, pain points and opportunities for the manufacturing industry, including supply chain optimisation, AI and automation, agility and resilience, additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, sustainability, and digitalisation. These free conference sessions will showcase over 50 industry leaders revealing stories behind some of the UK’s most interesting engineering and manufacturing projects.
For further information www.subconshow.co.uk

Technoset upgrades with new Tornos Gamma 20

Technoset continually invests in its operations to ensure the company always has the latest equipment to improve operations, an ethos exemplified by its recent investment in a new Tornos Gamma 20. The company says that this Swiss-type lathe delivers precision and speed for complex machining and is ideal for high-volume production.

The main benefits of the Tornos machine are that it can perform many operations simultaneously, enabling high-volume throughput with no drop in the quality of finish. Notably, the liquid-cooled spindle can run up to 10,000rpm, delivering high levels ofprecision. According to Technoset, the Tornos is also built to last, delivering the same consistent results time after time – an essential trait for a companythat insists on a consistently high level of quality for its customers.

Technoset’s newTornos machine is capable of performing many different operations, supporting the fast production of complex components. Combined with Technoset’s other machines, the investment will allow the company to reduce lead times and offer an even better service.

While the machine is highly advanced and delivers elevated levels of performance, the Tornos Gamma 20 is also energy-efficient and low maintenance. These attributes bring down overall production costs for customers and enables Technoset to offer a wider range of services, at excellent value.

Technoset says it is always investing in its facilities with the addition of new technology. As a case in point, another recent arrival is a new Miyano ABX51/64 fixed-head turning centre.
For further information ww.techno-group.co.uk

Chancellor supports MTC Business Connect programme

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt,recently visited the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre as part of the Government’s national “Business Connect” programme.Accompanied by more than 50 captains of British industry, he highlighted the importance of advanced manufacturing to the UK economy:”Advanced manufacturing is one of our most successful sectors and key to driving UK growth, which is why I want to make sure we’re removing any barriers that might be holding business back.”

The visit agenda included presentations from the Chancellor, ministers and the MTC chief executive Graham Hoare, and a visit to the MTC training centre and apprentice workshop. Hunt was joined by: the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade; the Rt Hon Chloe Smith MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology; George Freeman MP, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation; and Nusrat Ghani MP, Minister for Industry and Economic Security.
For further information www.the-mtc.org