Factory 33 was established in 2016 at Carterton, Oxfordshire, as a subcontract manufacturer of medium-to-large batches of components to fine tolerances in short leadtimes. The company processes an extensive variety of materials principally on machining centres and a CNC lathe from Hurco Europe.
Factory 33 invested initially in a Hurco VMX30Ti three-axis vertical machining centre with a 4th-axis rotary table and a Hurco TM8i lathe, since when additional three- and five-axis VMCs have arrived on the shop floor.The most recent purchase is a Hurco VMX30UDi five-axis machining centre supplied with linear scales and through-spindle coolant as standard, as well as a 40-station magazine with swing-arm toolchanger. The direct-drive SK40, 15,000 rpm spindle can deliver 15 kW of power and travels are 763 x 508 x 520 mm. Control is via the proprietary WinMax 5 twin-screen CNC system.
Managing director Martin Krzywina says: “We love the Hurco control and especially its graphics. You can show not only solid models but also the toolpaths. It gives so much confidence when running five-axis programs.You can follow the actual cutting cycle in real time on the screen, so you always know where a tool is in the machining area, even if you cannot see it through the coolant.”
He is impressed by the coolant delivery system, which he says is one of the best he has ever seen, particularly as there is no loss in pressure irrespective of the coolant level in the tank. He also sings the praises of the direct-drive spindle on the five-axis machine, which produces surface finishes that he describes as “impeccable”.
More information www.hurco.co.uk
