In September 2020, Banbury-based precision subcontract specialist MRN Engineering, invested in a new Doosan DNM 5700 vertical machining centre from Mills CNC. Virtually 12 months later, the company acquired its second Doosan machine: a 6-inch chuck Lynx 2100LYA multi-tasking lathe equipped with a 15 kW/6000 rpm spindle, driven tooling capability (6000 rpm), integrated Y axis (±52.5mm), 12-station turret and programmable tailstock, and Fanuc 0iTP control with a 15-inch touchscreen.

“To ensure high-productivity, machining flexibility and overall competitiveness I decided to explore multi-tasking, multi-axis lathes rather than going for an entry-level two-axis machine,” explains managing director Matt North.

The fact that a Lynx 2100LYA lathe was in stock at Mills CNC’s campus facility in Leamington and ready for immediate delivery, made the decision to invest a relatively straightforward one.

Since installation, the Lynx 2100LY has significantly strengthened MRN Engineering’s machining capabilities. The company can quote machining work that involves both turning and milling operations more accurately, quickly and successfully. No longer having to outsource turning work to third parties has also resulted in MRN Engineering being more competitive, better able to achieve tight customer deadlines, and more in control of its machining operations and business performance.

Says North: “We’re now in a win-win position. Being able to handle milling and turning work in-house makes life easier for us and our customers.”

To help increase its turning capabilities further still, MRN Engineering has recently invested in a new Hydrafeed Multifeed 65 electro-pneumatic bar feeder, which is now integrated with the Lynx 2100LY.

“Automating the Lynx means that we can now machine larger batch sizes and run the machine unattended,” concludes North. “As a result, I’m able to improve operational efficiencies, and reduce job set-up times and component costs.”

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk