UK subcontract machining companies do not get much bigger than Metaltech Precision in Somerset. As part of the Expromet Technologies Group, Metaltech’s 50,000 sq ft facility is home to more than 40 CNC turning centres, over 15 machining centres and a wide variety of conventional machines, fabrication equipment and metrology technology. The latest machine to arrive is a Nakamura-Tome WT-300 with an automated robot loading facility from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Operations manager Steven Ward says: “A customer approached us with a substantial contract that required machining a significant number of different parts in volume. Although we have existing fixed-head and sliding-head turning centres, we’re conscious of how we utilise our personnel and the hours available to us in a normal working week. Our Nakamura solution allows us to operate well outside of the normal operating window. The cell works on the basis that the Nakamura, with its performance monitoring and Hydrafeed Robojob system, allows us to palletise either billets or we can bar-feed the machine.”

With through-spindle bar capacity options for bar feeding of 65, 71, 80 or 102 mm diameter material and a maximum turning diameter of 270 mm, the twin-spindle, twin-turret Nakamura-Tome WT-300 accommodates the bar-turning and billet-loading demands of Metaltech. Available with an option of the 15/11 kW or 18.5/15 kW spindle motor on the main and sub-spindle, and a maximum turning length of up to 780 mm, the heavy-duty Nakamura-Tome WT-300 is an all-round performer.

Discussing if the automation route is the only way to remain competitive, Ward says: “You have two expensive assets in your business, one is machinery and the other is personnel. You have to consider how you best utilise both of those assets.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com