Located in Chard, Somerset, subcontract machining firm Metaltech Precision has increased the number of sliding-head turning centres on its shop floor from 6 to 13, of which 10 are Cincom models from Citizen Machinery UK. It follows the purchase by the company’s owner, Expromet Technologies Group, of another subcontractor nearby, NC Precision, which specialised in this area of production.

The latest sliding-head lathe arrived in September 2022 having originally been ordered by NC Precision. It is a Cincom L32XIILFV capable of turning parts from bar up to 35 mm diameter. Notably, the machine features LFV (low-frequency vibration) functionality, which automatically breaks swarf into chips of manageable size that fall away from the machining area for easy extraction.

Steven Ward, operations manager at Metaltech, says: “We were already familiar with and impressed by LFV, having installed a smaller CincomL20XIILFV four years ago to simplify the production of a particularly difficult component.The ongoing job involves machining a tough, malleable iron that has a high tendency to cause bird’s-nesting when turned, but LFV completely solves the problem by allowing the control of chipping.

“It means that we are able to leave the lathe running unattended for long periods, whereas before an operator needed to be in attendance virtually all the time to constantly clear away the swarf,” he adds. “This labour cost element, which has now been removed, was contrary to the whole concept of bar turning, yet was necessary to maintain consistency of production and minimise scrap.”

The purchase of the second LFV lathe last autumn, with its chip-breaking function, facilitates more options for fulfilling contracts that may come along involving titanium, nickel alloys or other metals that tend to result in stringy swarf.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

As a subcontractor with a distinct niche in thread rolling, Dobson & Beaumont has been in business for more than 100 years. As well as machining nuts, the company cold-forms bolts and special fittings to work harden the thread, thus improving overall thread strength by more than 25% when compared to typical thread-cutting operations. Before rolling, the Blackburn-based company machines some of the most daunting materials known to the industry, which is why the company purchased a Nakamura-Tome AS200LMSY, followed by a Nakamura SC100X2, from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Installed and running at the end of 2022, the SC100X2 is already reducing cycle times by upward of 30%. This is credit to several factors. Firstly, the new SC100X2 offers superimposed machining.

“Superimposed machining is a game-changer for our business, as we can now hit parts with two tools simultaneously by overlapping operations between main and sub-spindles,” explains Richard Guest, managing director of Dobson & Beaumont.“This has reduced cycle times noticeably already. On high-value motorsport studs, we have cut the cycle time from 3 minutes to 1minute 30 seconds.”

The sub-spindle can move not only toward the main spindle for component pick-up, but also in synchronicity with the lower turret for machining operations that can take place while the upper turret is machining on the main spindle.

“We machine hard materials such as MP35N and AERMET 100, which has a tensile strength of 1900 Pa,” says Guest.“Before the arrival of the SC100X2, we had to sub many of these parts out, which added 2-3 weeks to our lead time. Now, we can machine in-house and keep lead times to just days while eliminating additional subcontract costs.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Technoset continually invests in its operations to ensure the company always has the latest equipment to improve operations, an ethos exemplified by its recent investment in a new Tornos Gamma 20. The company says that this Swiss-type lathe delivers precision and speed for complex machining and is ideal for high-volume production.

The main benefits of the Tornos machine are that it can perform many operations simultaneously, enabling high-volume throughput with no drop in the quality of finish. Notably, the liquid-cooled spindle can run up to 10,000rpm, delivering high levels ofprecision. According to Technoset, the Tornos is also built to last, delivering the same consistent results time after time – an essential trait for a companythat insists on a consistently high level of quality for its customers.

Technoset’s newTornos machine is capable of performing many different operations, supporting the fast production of complex components. Combined with Technoset’s other machines, the investment will allow the company to reduce lead times and offer an even better service.

While the machine is highly advanced and delivers elevated levels of performance, the Tornos Gamma 20 is also energy-efficient and low maintenance. These attributes bring down overall production costs for customers and enables Technoset to offer a wider range of services, at excellent value.

Technoset says it is always investing in its facilities with the addition of new technology. As a case in point, another recent arrival is a new Miyano ABX51/64 fixed-head turning centre.
For further information ww.techno-group.co.uk