Essex-based MKB Precision Engineering has installed a large XYZ 1100 HD (Heavy Duty) machining centre.

When creating their company, Ken Barnard and his son Matt had just a second-hand manual lathe, a grinding machine and an XYZ ProtoTrak mill. Within a couple of years, business had developed and the company’s first XYZ 710 vertical machining centre arrived, quickly followed by a second. These two machines, with their Siemens Shopmill controls, enabled MKB to fulfil orders that would have not been viable previously, leading to good business growth.
As demand for larger components grew, the pair recognised that a machine was needed with greater capacity, and the larger XYZ 1100 HD was the obvious model of choice.
“While we had our XYZ SMX 5000 ProtoTrak bed mill, part exchanging that for the XYZ 1100 HD was a natural progression, and the addition of tool-changing capacity and fully enclosed guarding allowed us to maximise productivity,” says Ken Barnard. “When we saw the carcass of the XYZ 1100 HD at the MACH exhibition, it gave us the confidence that this larger machine would perform in much the same way. And, with the XYZ 1100 HD having the same Siemens 828D control featuring Shopmill conversational software, it makes it straightforward to transfer work from one machine to another.”
MKB Precision Engineering bought the XYZ 1100 HD specifically for its machining envelope, particularly the large Z axis, which allows the company to easily machine workpieces over 620 mm tall. The large table, at 1100 x 600 mm, can also be utilised to machine smaller parts or, indeed, components in multiple set-up configuration.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, last month attended the Southern Manufacturing exhibition for the first time in the company’s history. To mark the occasion, Mills CNC showcased the latest Doosan simultaneous five-axis machining centre on its stand.

The machine, a DVF 5000, made its UK debut at MACH 2018, where it proved to be popular with show visitors. Under power at Southern Manufacturing, the DVF 5000 demonstrated the five-axis machining of a complex, high-precision aerospace component.
The Doosan DVF 5000 is a compact, rigidly built machine that provides precision component manufacturers with full simultaneous five-axis machining capability. At Southern Manufacturing, the machine was exhibited with a 17.5 kW/12,000 rpm directly-coupled spindle, although a 22 kW/18,000 rpm built-in spindle option is also available.
While the DVF 5000 machine on Mills’ stand was equipped with a Heidenhain iTNC640 control, models can also be specified with either the latest Fanuc or Siemens CNC. The DVF 5000 offers rapid rates of 40 m/min in its X, Y and Z axes. At the show, the machine was equipped with integrated automation provided by a six-position automatic pallet changer and a servo-driven ATC that can hold up to 120 tools and offers a 1.3 second tool-to-tool change-over time.
The DVF 5000 features linear guides and an integrated thermal compensation system that mitigates against the effects of thermal drift. A 500 x 450 mm table with a maximum table load of 400 kg featured at Southern Manufacturing, but the machine can be supplied with a larger table as an option (630 x 450 mm) if required.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

As part of Accuturn’s growth strategy, the company is expanding its capabilities with the addition of a further Haas Mini Mill to its range of CNC milling and turning machines. Director Nicola Stokes says: “This will enable us to increase capacity for our existing customer base, as well as allow us to expand into new sectors.”

The new Haas Super Mini Mill has a machine table capacity of 914 x 305 mm, and axis travels of 406 x 305 x 254 mm in X, Y and Z. Accuturn’s Super Mini Mill is enhanced with a faster tool changer, faster spindle and higher rapids for improved production and part finish.
In other news at Accuturn, which is based in Norfolk, the company has taken its first apprentice as part of the company’s continued growth and commitment to encouraging young people into careers in engineering and manufacturing.
Joshua Mallett, 16, from Swannington in Norfolk, originally came on work experience from Reepham High School for two weeks. He stayed in touch with the business and, after finishing school, joined as Accuturn’s first engineering apprentice. Mallett is attending City College Norwich for the next two years, on day release, studying for his Mechanical Engineering Level 2. On completion, it is planned he will go on to a third year to complete Level 3.
For further information https://accuturn.co.uk/