New five-axis Mazak at McLaren Racing

Yamazaki Mazak has helped the McLaren Formula One team by supplying and commissioning a new fully-simultaneous five-axis machining centre in just four weeks. The new machine, an Integrex i-100S multi-tasking machining centre is now fully operational at McLaren’s Technology Centre in Surrey. McLaren Racing’s partnership with Mazak, which now stands at in excess of 20 years, takes the total number of Mazak machines currently in use by the team, to 28.

The i-100S benefits from a compact, ergonomic design complete with a large machining envelope. McLaren Racing’s new machine is capable of machining both round and square workpieces up to 500 mm diameter and 854 mm in length, in just one set-up.

Malcolm Jones, manager – machining and fabrication at McLaren Racing, says: “As part of our longer-term investment strategy in manufacturing technologies, we plan for regular machine upgrades to ensure we operate with the fastest, most efficient technology available.”

He adds: “The team at Mazak was able to source a machine and arrange for it to be shipped, installed and commissioned in just four weeks. Not only does it complement our existing machine portfolio, but it underpins our need for more flexible and capable machines. What’s more, features such as the SmoothX CNC and the second spindle will enable us produce components to a higher degree of accuracy – and faster – than our older generation machines.

“The i-100S is the next step forward in our wider plans to refresh our machine shop and invest in the latest simultaneous five-axis machine-tool technology,” he concludes. “We value our close working relationship with Mazak, who help us to make parts faster and more accurately.”

For further information
www.mazakeu.co.uk

Mitutoyo aids FeTu

Mitutoyo UK supports its customer base not only with the supply of metrology products, but with a subcontract measuring service. Among the latest takers of this service is Elland-based FeTu Ltd. “The high-precision CMM inspection work undertaken by Mitutoyo and the comprehensive inspection reports supplied to us, relating to the accuracy of our moving parts and other critical design aspects, has been invaluable,” says FeTu founder and CEO, Jon Fenton. “In addition, the speed and in-depth nature of the feedback we’ve received from Mitutoyo has helped to truncate our developments times.”

For further information
www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Comau partners Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation and Comau are joining forces to give businesses worldwide tools that maximise manufacturing efficiencies through unified robot control solutions. Engineers will now be able to program their entire machine in one environment, including Comau robot arms directly controlled through Rockwell Automation’s Logix-based controllers. Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 automation system design software provides relief from the time-consuming and often difficult task of trying to coordinate traditionally separate machine control and robot systems so they work together using different software tools.

For further information

www.comau.com
www.rockwellautomation.com

Pioneering robot assistance

Sheffield Forgemasters has adopted collaborative robotic (cobot) assistance for foundry operatives, reducing exposure to vibration, improving safety and increasing productivity within its fettling operations. The company is one of the first foundries in the world to employ the 6A10 grinding cobot from French firm RB3D, which works with operators of heavy grinders to stabilise and take the weight of the grinder. The 6A10 is a robotic, electric-motor driven arm which is guided by the operator and does not require any programming.

For further information
www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Investment secures future growth

Supplying predominantly to the aerospace industry, the Bowmill Group has invested in three machine tools from Matsuura in the past three years.

The company’s journey with Matsuura started in 2019 after securing a prime contract that required a high accuracy yet flexible machine. As part of its research, Bowmill reviewed the MX-330 PC10 from Matsuura. The MX-330 PC10 offers full five-axis capability and probing, which is critical for the company’s required positional tolerances (3-4 µm). Notably, the MX-330 PC10 also has 10 pallets, allowing Bowmill to run several component variations through the same machine and utilising unmanned/lights out operations. Having seen the machine in real-time operation, and after rigorous evaluation, the company chose to invest in this machine for its main site in Poole.

After six months of running the machine, improving cycle-times and implementing flexible manufacturing sequencing, Bowmill decided to purchase a second Matsuura MX-330 PC10 (for its Tewkesbury site) in March 2020. The MX-330 PC10 features 10 pallets and 90 tools.

Some months later, the company needed a larger five-axis machine (500 mm cube) for Tewkesbury and, due to increasing customer demand, once again looked to Matsuura. Following the success of the first two MX-330 PC10, Bowmill decided to purchase a Matsuura MX-520.

MD Nick Epps says: “Despite the global situation, investing in the MX-330 PC10 and MX-520 machines has been key to the future success of our business. We’ve already seen significant improvement to cycle times and OEE data on numerous components, and this has been equally supported by the service and technical support from the Matsuura team, which has been exceptional.”

For further information
www.matsuura.co.uk