In its 20,000 sq ft, purpose-built factory in Hayes, near London Heathrow airport, subcontractor Wellington Engineering uses 45 CNC machine tools to produce parts for sectors as diverse as aerospace, medical, semiconductors and cryogenics. The latest machine to arrive on the shop floor isa Hurco VC500i machining centre.

Owner and managing director Daimon Wellington says: “We recently adopted a strategy of looking to take on more complex prismatic machining work and had already identified a number of contracts. It was just a question of finding a suitable machining centre.Full five-axis capability was the next step up for us in terms of technology and, as we use a lot of Hurcos, we decided to source our first true five-axis machining centre from them.”

The cantilever-type VC500i is ergonomic for easy operator access, has a 520 x 450 x 400 mm working volume and a ±100° swivelling trunnion carrying a rotary table, suitable for machining five faces of a component in a single set-up. It reduces the number of separate operations needed compared with using the subcontractor’s three- axis machines, including those fitted with single- or two-axis dividing heads.

Wellington says: “Our other machining centres were taking too long to produce the increasingly complex components. Productivity drives profits and we’ve had excellent results in this respect since the five-axis Hurco arrived. Parts come off much quicker and we’re not tying up the capacity of our other machines and their operators. Also there are far fewer issues with workholding and there is less deburring and hand fettling, all of which saves time.With five-axis strategies, jobs are coming off more economically in shorter cycle times.”
For further information www.hurco.co.uk

MACH Machine Tools has supplied PMR Developments & Engineering, a precision subcontract specialist start-up, with a new tool-room mill. Now in situ at the company’s Hereford facility,the three-axis MACH MDS 845-8T features theDynaPath WinDelta CNC.
The MDS 845-8T is the most recent machine tool investment made by PMR in its three-year history and has taken its place alongside a new mini mill and a pre-owned two-axis lathe.

PMR’s new MDS 845-8T machines a range of precision components, including injection mould tool inserts and associated parts for a number of customers in the automotive and medical sectors, as well as new and replacement industrial equipment parts.These parts, typically machined in small volumes from a range of different materials, are characterised by their tight geometric and dimensional tolerances, and their high surface finishes.

To meet lead times and ensure that PMR achieves its machining contract requirements on time and in budget, the company regularly pushes the MDS 845-8T’s capabilities to the limit in order to reduce part cycle times.Where feasible, PMR deploys high material removal rates involving extended depths of cut and optimised speeds and feeds.

Says William Homes, PMR’s owner and director:“Our investment in the new MDS 845-8T has significantly increased our machining capacity and capabilities. The machine is powerful, fast, accurate and flexible and, although classified as a ‘tool-room mill’, such is its technical specification and processing capabilities that it’s much more production-oriented.”

He adds: “The versatility and flexibility of the DynaPath control system are also impressive. “Straight-off-the-bat, we liked the control’s large 15.6” LED touchscreen, its clear and logical navigation, and its simple-to-use and understand menus and operation screens, which all help reduce set-up times and prevent input errors.”
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

Many prismatic machining contracts ideally take place on a five-axis machining centre, which enables components to be produced cost effectively. A problem arises, however, if the parts do not command a high selling price.

Subcontractor G&J (CNC) Services in Paddock Wood has apparently found a solution: the Leadwell V-30iT 3+2-axis BT40 machining centre from WH-Lead, which says the entry-level price of less than six figures belies the five-axis machine’s extensive capabilities. According to G&J (CNC) Services, the hourly rate that the subcontractor charges based on the investment allows the efficient production of less complex prismatic components at prices which compare favourably with those quoted by competitors in low-wage countries.

The company’s owner Charlie Naismith says: “Depending on the value of the parts being machined, which is normally down to their complexity and the material used, you have to make sure the figures add up. Much of our throughput is fairly simple 3+2-axis work in mild steel and aluminium that customers will not pay a premium for, so the Leadwell machine is perfect.

Continues Naismith: “We actually use it in three-axis mode for much of the time, but the five-axis functionality is there for when we need it, saving costs associated with workholding, handling and work-in-progress. At the same time, it helps with accuracy by being able to access parts with shorter tools and by cutting down on manual re-fixturing.”

He also appreciates the ergonomics of the V-30iT, pointing out that the rotary table when flat is at the same level as the fixed table, so there are no clearance issues. Control is provided by a Fanuc 0i-MF Plus, although Siemens, Fagor and Heidenhain are optional, as is the specification of 4+1 or full five-axis interpolation.
For further information www.wh-lead.co.uk