Northampton-based ABG Rubber & Plastics has improved productivity and increased machining capacity by replacing a BT40 vertical machining centre with a compact BT30 Brother Speedio S700Xd2, supplied by Whitehouse Machine Tools. 

The machine is producing precision plastic components for customers across sectors including water, food, rail, automotive and pharmaceuticals. Installed in a single afternoon, it entered full production after just two days of operator training. 

The Speedio’s rapid traverse rates, high acceleration and 1.4-second chip-to-chip tool-change time reduce non-cutting times. Moreover, the machine’s 16,000 rpm spindle also runs at twice the speed of nearly all other machines on ABG’s shop floor, enabling higher material removal rates. As a result, the tool spends around 30% more time cutting than on the previous BT40 machine. 

Early production runs have demonstrated substantial cycle-time reductions on both new and repeat orders, with further improvements expected as program are optimised. 

“The S700Xd2 is not only fast, but also accurate and holds tolerance well, which is primarily down to its rigidity and excellent coolant delivery to the cutting area,” says production manager Anthony Morbey. 

Machining plastics presents particular challenges because their coefficient of thermal expansion is typically around 10 times that of metals, making temperature control essential for maintaining dimensional accuracy. 

Despite its compact footprint, the machine offers a working envelope of 700 x 450 x 380 mm, fitting easily into the space vacated by its predecessor. It also consumes around one-third of the power required by a typical BT40 machining centre, while using less compressed air. 

ABG specialises in precision machining engineering plastics including nylon, acetal, PET, PEEK and PTFE. Its investment in the Speedio supports continued growth as the company prepares to move into a new 23,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. 

More information www.wmtcnc.com