Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has supplied precision subcontract specialist RPS Precision Engineering with a new multi-tasking, twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre. The machine, a Puma TT1800SY, is now operational at the company’s new 674 sq m facility in Rawtenstall, Lancashire.

As part of the investment package, Mills also supplied the TT1800SY turning centre with a servo-driven Hydrafeed MSV 110 bar feed, as well as a number of different-sized collet chucks and adaptors. In just a few short weeks the investment is already paying off with the TT1800SY having a positive impact on the company’s productivity and performance.

Says Michael Sirrell, owner and managing director: “The TT1800SY is a productivity powerhouse. It might appear small from the outside, but its twin-spindle, twin-turret configuration is helping us machine high-precision components quickly and accurately – in one hit. Furthermore, by integrating the machine with a servo-driven bar feeder, we’ve created an automated manufacturing cell that is both efficient and reliable, which we can run unattended during the day. It’s a real win-win situation for us.”

He adds: “In the near future, when we fully embrace lights-out operations and run the machine unattended overnight and over the weekends, the productivity benefits will be even more impressive.”

A significant percentage of parts at RPS are small and have short cycle times. Materials include hardened and mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass and plastics, while geometric tolerances are often in the realm of 0.002 mm.

The Fanuc controlled 65 mm bar capacity TT1800SY is equipped with a left and right spindle (both 26 kW/5000 rpm) and features a Y axis (±50 mm), driven tools (5.5 kW/5000 rpm) and an upper and a lower turret (12/24 position).

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk