An Eastleigh-based precision manufacturer recently turned to Yamazaki Mazak for the installation of new machinery in a challenging four-week timeframe following a project win.

The swift installation and commissioning of a Mazak HQR-200MSY CNC turning centre has enabled GW Martin & Co to expand its machining capacity and fulfil the company’s strong order book.

The machine’s two-turret, two-spindle set-up enables reduced cycle times and, when combined with the long Y-axis stroke, high-accuracy milling. Bar feeders, workpieces unloaders and robots can be integrated if required.

“Having worked with Mazak in the past, we were aware of their reputation for supplying quality turning centres,” says Richard Blake, business development manager at GW Martin. “So, when we required an automation-capable solution at short notice that could machine high-quality components in large volumes, we knew where to turn.

“Our previous experience with a Multiplex W-200Y meant we were fully confident that Mazak could adapt the HQR-200MSY to suit our existing processes,” he continues. “Bearing in mind the time pressures of the project, this was absolutely vital. Yet as we expected, even in such a short timeframe, the installation was completely seamless and risk-free.

“While this all sounds very simple, it really isn’t – Mazak’s adaptability and applications engineering proficiency was already known to us. We really appreciate how they were able to help us react quickly to our project win and, following this success, we have ordered another Multiplex W-200Y.”
Alan Mucklow, managing director UK and Ireland sales and service division at Yamazaki Mazak, adds: “The installation of GW Martin’s HQR-200MSY is a perfect example of how Mazak can assist organisations working in the fast-moving general subcontract sector.”

For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Motor racing is in the blood for Jeremy Welch.

His great grandfather built the first six-cylinder engine ever made in the UK (in 1906) and went on to build Brook Marine racing engines with notable success (world champion in 1921). Jeremy’s father founded Denis Welch Motorsport over 40 years ago and the company has had notable success in the UK, Europe, Australia and the Far East.

While building cars it became obvious that older models needed new components, as the originals were no longer available. The company supplies replacement performance parts for classic cars, restores and prepares ex-works cars, and specialises in Jaguar E-type and Austin Healey models.
Three Haas lathes, a UMC-750 five-axis universal machining centre and a VF-4SS super speed vertical machine have been added in the last few years.
“Having our manufacturing in-house has made a massive difference,” says Welch. “We’ve expanded our range considerably and can now control our own processes and quality.

“The training has been tremendous,” he continues. “I’d never written a program, but with Haas’ help I jumped straight on the five-axis machine. We do mainly 3+2 machining, which enables us to use fewer fixtures, and most programming is completed manually at the control using the Haas G254 dynamic work offset function. One of our operators had never used a CNC, but after training with Haas he now writes programs on our Haas ST-25Y lathe using Y axis and live tooling.”

The latest acquisition is a Haas ST40 turning centre, which is currently machining period magnesium wheels and uprights for race Jaguars.
“We bought the machine especially for this job and it’s been fantastic,” concludes Welch.

For further information www.haas.co.uk