FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

WFL machines make parts at ArianeGroup

The ArianeGroup site in Vernon, France, designs, develops, manufactures and tests liquid hydrogen propulsion systems. Much of its activity revolves around propulsion for launch vehicles. The site encompasses three test benches for cryotechnic thrusters and component testing benches. In total, six WFL machines are present on the site: four M60 MillTurn and two M35 MillTurn models, all for machining rotating engine parts.

“Machines from WFL are particularly crucial as we use them to manufacture high-value parts,” states Dominique Delor, head of industrial maintenance at ArianeGroup. “We primarily require precision and good rigidity in our machines because we process hard materials that will undergo significant stress during use. Furthermore, process standardisation is part of our business strategy.”

In production, this entails working with the same machines and the same numerical control.

For Delor, this is undeniable: “It saves us time and allows all our operators to work on these machines. Our satisfaction has increased as we gained experience with machines from WFL. We have realised that they are good, sturdy and reliable machine tools. Therefore, if we were to need a new machine, we would undoubtedly opt for a MillTurn. Our colleagues in Ottobrunn, Germany, are also convinced by MillTurn machines. After visiting our production site in Vernon and the subsequent purchase of an M80, they were able to significantly reduce their production time.”

He adds: “For 20 years we’ve maintained excellent relationships with WFL. For us, in a new project, it’s always important to have assurance of functioning production. And that’s the case with WFL. Their service doesn’t stop at simply selling a machine. Implementation is also impeccable. By purchasing a WFL machine, we know everything will go smoothly.”

More information www.wfl.at/en

MTT invests in Nakamura-Tome WT150

When an ex-employee of the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) had the ambition of setting up his own business, the company provided both its blessing and support with a Nakamura-Tome machine tool. While working as an applications engineer at ETG, Mike Jerdin’s personal circumstances changed and he needed to be close to his family, not on the road as the role required. Jerdin subsequently launched MTT Engineering and bought a Nakamura-Tome WT150 multi-tasking turn-mill centre. The results are nothing short of phenomenal.

“Most start-ups begin with a second-hand machine or two, but working with Nakamura users during my 10 years at ETG meant I knew that these machines deliver a competitive edge,” says Jerdin. “I spoke with the team at ETG and they helped me with a finance and support package that you wouldn’t get from any other machine tool supplier.”

Initially having challenges acquiring a local industrial unit, MTT Engineering co-located with a fabrication business in Macclesfield – a partnership that is proving beneficial for both parties. As part of the start-up strategy, the company is offering a fast-turnaround service to the subcontract and tier-one supply chain in the local area. MTT’s early customer base is reaping the rewards of the twin-spindle, twin-turret Nakamura-Tome WT150.

“I started the business with customers that would give me their overspill work when they are running at capacity,” explains Jerdin. “However, with its twin-spindle and twin-turret capabilities, I can manufacture the parts faster, with higher precision and more cost-effectively than my clients. They recognise the benefits and profitability they are yielding from my service, so they continually provide us with more work. This service is enabling my clients to reduce their lead times and, in turn, win kudos from their customers.”

More information www.engtechgroup.com

Citizen helps subcontractor raise efficiency

Subcontract machining firm Apel, which specialises in the manufacture of precision components for the aerospace industry, began investing in Citizen CNC turning centres in the 1980s to help raise efficiency. Over time, the company has continued re-investing in modern, productive lathes purchased exclusively from Citizen Machinery UK.


At its Wilmslow facility, Apel today operates nine Cincom sliding-head lathes and one Miyano fixed head model. Together they produce around 50,000 components per month across more than 3000 part numbers. Utilisation of these Citizen CNC lathes and related technologies has led to higher levels of productivity and profitability.

The technology providing the biggest contribution to raising production efficiency at Apel is Citizen’s proprietary LFV (low-frequency vibration) chip-breaking software, which is part of the operating system in the control of three of the six 20 mm capacity Cincom L20s on site. Upon activation, the function breaks what would otherwise be long, stringy swarf into short, manageable chips. Around 50% of material processed by Apel is aerospace-grade stainless steel bar and LFV is especially effective when processing this alloy.

Paul Bowker, Apel’s quality director, says: “We were an early adopter of LFV in 2018 following a visit to Citizen Machinery’s technical centre in Bushey to witness demonstrations. LFV reduces the metal removal rate slightly, so we don’t use it all the time, but it’s really useful to be able to pick and choose when we activate this function.”

Apel also uses Citizen Machinery’s adaptive guide bush (AGB) system, which automatically compensates for variation in bar diameter, preventing stock seizing in the bush. In addition, AGB constantly maintains concentricity to prevent run-out. The user is able to avoid downtime and maintain tight machining tolerances.

More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Colchester inspires next-generation engineers

Colchester Machine Tool Solutions supports training facilities, universities and colleges
across the UK and Europe with its manual and CNC machine tools. In today’s rapidly evolving
technological landscape, integrating machine tools into educational curricula is essential.
Machine tools serve as a gateway to hands-on learning, fostering a deeper understanding of
engineering principles and preparing students for the challenges of the modern workplace.
Recently, Colchester Machine Tool Solutions had the pleasure of hosting a group of student
engineers from Leeds City College at its European Technology Centre in West Yorkshire.
During their visit, the students engaged in an in-depth learning session on machine tool
maintenance, specifically on a Harrison M300 lathe. They gained hands-on experience with

changing headstock oil, replacing and tensioning spindle drive belts, maintaining coolant
pump shaft seals, and maintaining main bearing lubrication systems. This comprehensive
session provided invaluable practical knowledge that will serve them well in their future
careers.
Colchester Machine Tool Solutions has a long-standing commitment to educational
excellent. The company says its machine tools bridge the gap between theory and practice,
giving students a real understanding of engineering concepts. Students also develop critical
thinking and problem-solving skills as they tackle genuine manufacturing challenges using
the latest machine tools.
All of the company’s CNC machine tools feature industry-standard FANUC or Siemens CNC
systems, complete with integrated conversational programming capability, also available in
offline format. In addition, the dedicated support team at Colchester Machine Tool
Solutions offers full telephone support from its applications training engineers and
specialised training programmes for tutors.
More information www.colchester.co.uk

Driven-tool CNC turning centre launched

Hurco introduced a new range of four driven-tool CNC turning centres at the MACH 2022 exhibition, during which the 8-inch chuck version was exhibited. At the 2024 show last month it was the turn of the 10-inch chuck variant to appear: the TMX10MYSi. All models include a programmable Waxis to position the tailstock or sub-spindle.

The turning centres offer higher specification and performance than the established TMi and TMMi models. Among the major differences are higher power and speed plus a larger, heavier machine frame and the addition of a Yaxis to allow more versatile machining.

Notably, the servo-driven turret carries 12 VDI 40 radial tools rather than axial tools (as on the/TM Mi range). Each station offers a maximum rotational speed of 5000 rpm and a peak output of 6.3 kW at 2190 rpm. Hurco’s control software allows users to take advantage of the manufacturer’s proprietary conversational routines for milling operations, making the package attractive for small-volume production requirements.

Two smaller capacity Hurco CNC lathes with 8-inch chuck capacity were also on show, the TM8i and the TM8Mi with axial driven tools. These latest models have a larger spindle bore than their predecessors, as well as roller guideways and a more compact footprint. As a further point of note, the improved control features concurrent programming, estimated runtime, error check and recovery restart, and enhanced performance during rigid tapping.

For further information www.hurco.co.uk