Middlesex Aerospace has made a significant investment in its multi-tasking machining capabilities following the installation of a Yamazaki Mazak INTEGREX i-250H.

Established in Middlesex in 1945 and now based in Hampshire, the organisation is a tier-one supplier of critical components and assemblies to aerospace OEMs all around the world. It employs more than 100 people and has established itself in the production of Class 1 safety-critical parts and assemblies used in landing gear, actuation systems and helicopter transmissions.

By investing in an INTEGREX i-250H multi-tasking turn-mill centre, Middlesex Aerospace aims to boost production capacity for its existing customers, both in the UK and overseas.

“With demand surging for complex, small components across the aerospace sector, we knew we had to enhance our capabilities in this area,” explains chief executive Laurence Foulds. “As this was our first new Mazak machine investment in six years, it was important we upgraded to a machine capable of meeting customer requirements. Considering we’ve worked with Mazak as our principal machinery partner for more than 25 years, it was only natural we chose the INTEGREX i-250H as the latest addition to our factory floor.”

The INTEGREX i-250H is the high-speed, high-torque option from Mazak’s flagship range. It features an eight-inch chuck and is equipped with a 5000 rpm, 22kW main spindle and 12,000 rpm milling spindle.

“Thanks to the precision of its multiple cutting processes, the INTEGREX i-250H will play a critical role in our high-mix, low-volume production of complex components for the aerospace industry,” adds Foulds. “We expect to follow this with further investments in larger Mazak machines over the coming years, as manufacturing demands within the sector continue to grow.”

More information www.mazak.com/uk-en

Cogsdill Nuneaton Ltd has strengthened its turning operations following investment in a
DNX 2100SB multi-tasking mill-turn machine supplied by Mills CNC. Installed in December
2025, the machine is playing a central role in the company’s drive to improve efficiency,
increase capacity and move towards lights-out production.
The DNX 2100SB, one of the first installed in the UK, supports the machining of complex,
high-precision parts in a single set up. Equipped with twin spindles, a B-axis milling head, 60-
tool ATC and FANUC control, the machine also incorporates a Hydrafeed bar feeder, rotary
parts accumulator and Renishaw probing and tool-setting systems to support automated,
unattended operation.
The investment follows an internal audit of Cogsdill Nuneaton’s turning section, which
identified bottlenecks caused by ageing CNC lathes and labour-intensive processes.
According to managing director Lee Donaldson, the decision to invest in a multi-tasking
machine from Mills CNC was influenced by previous positive experience of Doosan machines
supplied by the company, as well as its strong pre- and after-sales support. Training
provided by Mills CNC ensured a smooth transition to the new FANUC-controlled platform,
helping operators and programmers quickly become productive.
Since installation, the DNX 2100SB has been busy machining small batches of precision
components for the company’s standard tooling products in a single hit, achieving tight
tolerances, excellent roundness and high surface finishes.

Ultimately, the investment marks a significant step forward in productivity, flexibility and
overall machining capability. Looking ahead, Cogsdill Nuneaton plans to expand the
machine’s role to include more complex and custom parts, while introducing overnight
unattended running.
More information www.millscnc.co.uk