Harrison Lathe Bolsters Offshore Maintenance Operations

LTS Maskin, the exclusive Norwegian distributor for Colchester Machine Tool Solutions, has overseen the installation of a Harrison V460 variable-speed centre lathe on the Oseberg C offshore platform in the North Sea, supporting critical maintenance operations in one of the world’s most demanding engineering environments.

Operated by Equinor, the Oseberg C Platform required a robust and accurate machine tool capable of delivering reliable machining performance under challenging offshore conditions. LTS Maskin recommended the Harrison V460, recognising its combination of precision, durability and compact design as ideally suited to the application.

The Harrison V460 features a variable-speed drive for smooth, accurate cutting across a wide range of materials commonly encountered in offshore engineering. Its heavy-duty construction provides the rigidity and reliability needed for long-term operation in harsh marine environments, while high levels of machining accuracy and repeatability ensure critical maintenance work can be completed to demanding tolerances.

Ease of operation was another important consideration. The machine’s intuitive controls enable engineers to carry out machining tasks efficiently, while its compact footprint makes it well suited to offshore installations where workshop space is often limited.

The project demonstrates the close working relationship between Colchester Machine Tool Solutions and LTS Maskin, combining proven machine tool technology with local engineering expertise and customer support. Together, the companies continue to supply machining solutions tailored to the needs of Norwegian industry.

The successful installation on the Oseberg C Platform further strengthens Harrison’s reputation in demanding industrial applications and underlines LTS Maskin’s commitment to supporting customers across the offshore, manufacturing and precision engineering sectors with reliable, high-performance machine tools.

More information www.colchester.co.uk

Reaping The Rewards From New Multi-Tasking CNC Lathe

Since installing a new DN Solutions Puma 3100LSY multi-tasking lathe from Mills CNC, Chesterfield Special Cylinders (CSC) has increased productivity, improved process efficiency, reduced subcontracting costs and strengthened machining capability at its Sheffield manufacturing facility.

Supplied by Mills CNC, the Puma 3100LSY was installed in February 2026. Featuring a 10-inch chuck, 102 mm bar capacity, sub spindle, Y axis and driven tooling, the machine enables complete machining of complex components in a single set up.

CSC, a manufacturer of high-pressure gas containment solutions for safety-critical aerospace and defence applications, is using the machine to produce industrial gas cylinders and high-pressure adaptor components. The lathe’s rigid box guideway construction has proved particularly effective when removing mill scale from forged cylinders, a demanding operation essential for achieving high-quality surface finishes before coating.

The investment followed a review of CSC’s turning capabilities, which identified production bottlenecks and an over-reliance on subcontract machining.

“We wanted to bring this work back in-house to reduce costs and regain greater control over quality and lead times,” explains production engineer Adam Mellor.

Project manager Jason Langton says the company required a compact, multi-tasking lathe capable of completing complex parts in one operation while retaining the familiar FANUC control platform used elsewhere in the factory. Following discussions with several machine tool suppliers, CSC selected the Puma 3100LSY based on its technical capability, productivity and support package.

Configured with an automatic tool setter, LNS mist extraction and BobCAD-CAM software, the machine was production-ready from installation. It has also been prepared for future expansion with a programmable steady rest for machining longer components.

Within months of commissioning, the Puma 3100LSY has enabled CSC to increase machining efficiency, reduce subcontracting and strengthen its long-term manufacturing capability.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

Okuma Introduces Two Machines In The Multus U Series

Okuma has expanded its Multus U series with the launch of the new Multus U1000 and Multus U2000, two compact multi-tasking turn-mill centres designed to deliver high-precision five-axis simultaneous machining while maximising productivity and floor space efficiency.

Developed to meet growing demand for increasingly complex components in sectors such as medical technology, robotics and electric vehicles, the new machines combine turning and milling in a single platform, helping manufacturers reduce set ups, improve accuracy and streamline production.

The Multus U1000 and Multus U2000 feature X/Y/Z travels of 550/220/880 mm, together with B and C axes offering 240° and 360° movement. The U1000 is equipped with a 6-inch chuck and a main spindle speed of up to 6000 rpm, while the U2000 features an 8-inch chuck and spindle speeds up to 5000 rpm. Both machines come as standard with an automatic tool changer for up to 80 tools, with optional magazines accommodating up to 180 tools for high-mix production.

Automation options include integrated loading robots, bar feeders and parts unloaders, enabling manufacturers to increase productivity while minimising manual intervention. A flat-front machine design allows robots to be positioned closer to the machine, reducing the footprint of automated machining cells.

To maintain long-term accuracy, both machines incorporate Okuma’s ‘5-Axis Auto Tuning System’, which compensates automatically for wear and geometric deviations. Additional technologies include the Thermo-Friendly Concept for thermal stability, the Collision Avoidance System for enhanced process security and optional AI-based machine condition monitoring.

Despite their capability, both machines occupy just 8.2 m² of floor space, making them the most compact models in the Multus U range and well suited to manufacturers where production space is at a premium.

More information www.okuma.eu

Latest Miyano Becomes Subcontractor’s Go-To CNC Lathe

Established in 2001 as a sliding-head turned parts subcontractor, Yorkshire Precision Engineering Ltd (YPEL) expanded into fixed-head machining in 2007 with its first Japanese-built Miyano lathe. More than two decades later, the Keighley-based manufacturer has strengthened its machining capability again by investing in a new Miyano BNE-65MYY from Citizen Machinery UK.

Now led by second-generation directors Sam and Jack Laybourne, YPEL supplies precision components to sectors including oil and gas, medical, agriculture, marine and electronics. The new 65 mm capacity twin-spindle, twin Y-axis turning centre has quickly become the company’s preferred machine thanks to significant gains in productivity, accuracy and flexibility.

“Parts come off the BNE twice as quickly as one of our older Miyano machines,” says managing director Sam Laybourne. “The twin Y-axis turrets allow us to complete more complex components in a single operation, while the machine’s rigidity and thermal stability deliver higher quality parts with less tool wear.”

The BNE’s hand-scraped box guideways provide exceptional rigidity, enabling higher cutting parameters, reduced vibration and improved surface finish. Together with faster feeds and speeds, these features have helped YPEL reduce cycle times while maintaining tolerances as tight as ±10 µm when required.

Technical director Jack Laybourne says investment in modern machine tools forms part of a wider strategy to improve efficiency and profitability: “Repairing older machines was becoming increasingly costly. Investing in new technology allows us to reduce operations, increase throughput and improve reliability.”

Citizen Machinery UK also provided operator training and Alkart Wizard conversational programming software, simplifying the programming of complex multi-path machining operations.

So successful has the BNE-65MYY proved that YPEL has already ordered a further Miyano turning centre, a BNJ-51SY7 LFV, to expand capacity and support reliable lights-out production of difficult-to-machine materials.

More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Innovative CNC Turning Solutions Manufactured Locally

DMG Mori Bergamo showcased its latest production turning technologies at its in-house exhibition last month under the theme ‘Excellence Made in Italy’. The event highlighted machine tools manufactured in Italy alongside digitalisation concepts and efficient production solutions.

Visitors explored 18 machines in the company’s 1300 m² showroom, including 12 models produced at the Brembate di Sopra and Tortona plants. Exhibits ranged from Sprint and MultiSprint automatic turning machines to the NZ series, NLX 2500|700 1st Generation and CTX 550.

Making their Italian debut were the NTX 2500 3rd Generation turn-mill centre and the DMU 60 eVo 2nd Generation equipped with the compact PH Cell 300 pallet handling system. Designed for flexible, scalable automation, the PH Cell 300 accommodates pallets with transfer weights of up to 300 kg.

Also on display was the NZ TRE horizontal production turning centre integrated with the Robo2Go Turning 2nd Generation automation solution. The exhibition was complemented by technologies from DMQP partners Haimer, Horn, Tungaloy, Algra and FCS System, together with technical seminars and factory tours.

Recognised as a European centre of excellence for automated turning, DMG Mori Bergamo has benefited from major investment since 2014, creating advanced production facilities and a technology centre dedicated to developing innovative machining solutions.

More than 5000 Sprint, MultiSprint and NZ production turning machines have now been installed worldwide, supporting manufacturers in sectors such as medical, automotive, oil and gas, and energy, where demanding applications require high levels of process reliability, machining performance and component quality.

More information www.dmgmori.com