A recently installed CNC rotary table from PL Lehmann is enabling a Bostomatic high-speed milling machine belonging to Billingshurst-based Thomas Keating Toolmaking, a specialist in scientific ground and satellite-based THZ instruments, to perform highly efficient five-axis machining.

“When judged against the alternatives that we considered, the Lehmann TF 507510 rotary table best met our exacting technical criteria and represented excellent value for money,” says managing director Dr Richard Wylde. “Now installed on our rebuilt Bostomatic machine, it is in daily use.

“In addition to the advantages that the rotary table provides to our tool-making activities, it proves extremely useful when we manufacture high-precision scientific instruments,” continues Wylde. “For example, we’re currently involved in the production of next-generation, satellite-based weather prediction instruments. The precision 3+2 axis capabilities provided by our Lehmann rotary table are invaluable when undertaking this challenging work.”

He adds: “Equally, when recently manufacturing thin, metal film coated dielectric mirrors for use in dynamic nuclear polarisation instruments, the rotary table enabled our complex five-axis machining tasks to be performed with ease. In addition to delivering five-axis capabilities, our new Lehmann rotary table has considerably increased our manufacturing speeds. So successful has it been that we are currently in the process of purchasing another Bostomatic that will be fitted with a second Lehmann rotary table.”

Estimates suggest that 90% of machining procedures carried out by five-axis machining centres are basic five-sided processes. Therefore, the fitting of a CNC rotary table (which costs a fraction of the price of a five-axis machining centre) to an existing three-axis VMC, represents an cost-effective way of achieving five-axis capabilities.

For further information
www.lehmann-rotary-tables.com