Precision sheet-metal firm KMF has invested £1.2m in two new laser-profiling machines.
The Trumpf TruLaser 3030 (L95) new-generation machines will increase cutting speeds, reduce operating costs and allow the processing of a greater range of materials. The company has replaced two existing lasers, comprising an early technology fibre machine and a traditional CO2 laser, both of which have been operational in a 24/7 capacity since early 2012.

With more capacity to cut through heavier gauge and a larger range of sheet-based materials, both new lasers allow a cutting thickness of 25 mm in mild steel, 20 mm in stainless steel and 20 mm in aluminium. The machines also cut up to 8 mm thick copper and brass.

Commercial director Keith Nicholl says: “The new lasers mean our machines are operating much faster, and we can continue to offer competitive solutions at a time when resource costs are rising. Not only are the machines faster, they’re also more accurate and allow us to build on our reputation for producing consistent-quality products in large numbers. After an incredibly productive start to the year – and in line with our continued growth – the new lasers are certainly helping us to accommodate our customers and their ambitions.’’

The machines join a full array of high-end Trumpf sheet-metal processing equipment at KMF. Laser profiling is the first stage in the processing of sheet metal-based products, so any gains are felt throughout the manufacturing process.

“We’re delighted that the new lasers have been installed,” says Nicholl. “With these now in place, we hope to continue offering our customers competitive solutions.”
For further information www.kmf.co.uk

GF Machining Solutions has recently supplied two high-performance Mikron machining centres with Heidenhain controls to Mechlam Precision Tooling, a precision mould tool, fixturing and subcontract manufacturing specialist based in Haydock.

The new MILL E 700U simultaneous five-axis machine, equipped with an integrated seven-station APC, and the new, large-capacity VCE 1200 Pro three-axis machining centre are major additions to Mechlam’s 8000 sq ft facility.

The machines are now being put through their paces producing a range of complex, high-precision parts that include intricate components for mould tools. Materials machined include aluminium alloys, tool steels, stainless steels, Inconel and plastics.

A hallmark of Mechlam, and one that helps explain the company’s continuing success and the strong position it occupies, is the quality of the parts it is able to machine: exacting tolerances of ±5 µm and surface finishes down to Ra 0.2 µm are the rule not the exception.

Explains Martin Atherton, Mechlam Precision Tooling’s owner and director: “We’ve always invested in GF Machining Solutions’ technology. The machines are reliable, represent great value and deliver the accuracy, repeatability and surface finish we require, and our customers demand.

“The MILL E 700U gives us simultaneous five-axis machining capabilities which enables us to machine complex and intricate features and details on mould tool parts and precision components that cannot be achieved, quickly or easily, using 3+2 operations,” he adds.
“Furthermore, because we can machine parts to completion in a single set up on the MILL E 700U, processing times are reduced, production bottlenecks are avoided, accuracy is maintained and customer lead times are more easily met.”

The productivity and efficiency gains delivered by the MILL E 700U have been amplified with the integration of the workpiece pallet changer.
For further information www.gfms.com/uk

A major supplier of aerospace parts in Italy is counting on a Starrag-developed flexible manufacturing system (FMS) to deliver exceptional machining rewards and reduced piece-part costs. Once commissioned, the four-machine, minimally-manned automated solution will operate around-the-clock to meet rising demand for aero-engine components.

Based on a quartet of Heckert HEC 500 X5 multi-axis machining centres, each featuring a five-axis trunnion-type table, the FMS will be served by an integrated pallet system and a centralised tool storage facility that will house 2000 tools to cover all eventualities in the single set-up, multi-task machining of the family of parts.

In addition to highly efficient cutting and cycle times, the Heckert machining centres will also ensure high-accuracy cutting – to within 2-3 µm – of the titanium and high-alloy steel workpieces which range in size up to 500 x 500 mm.

These systems may contain varying Starrag Group machines plus the integrated technologies of, for example, workpiece handling/holding and transport, cell control and tool storage systems, as well as complementary processes such as grinding, deburring, component cleaning and finish inspection.

In this case, the HEC 500 X5 machining centre was the optimum choice in terms of specification and performance. Not only does the machine’s XYZ envelope of 1000 x 800 x 1000 mm (and 800 kg capacity 500 x 500 mm pallets) meet all workpiece size demands, but the up to 82 kW/1500 Nm/15,000 rpm/65 m/min (rapid traverse rate) spindle also provides the required power and cycle time capabilities. Additionally, the machine’s B axis can rotate 360° at 80 rpm, while the A (swivel) axis operates at -45° to +91° at 15 rpm to enhance the machine’s multi-axis capabilities.
For further information www.starrag.com

Founded in 2016, subcontract machine shop HSM Components in Deeside has recently invested in CADCAM software from Open Mind Technologies. Specialising in the manufacture of bespoke components for customers across a multitude of sectors, the company recently reached the capability limits of its previous software – and that is where the hyperMILL CAM system has stepped in.

“I had pretty much reached the limits of my old software, so I needed to get something more advanced,” says Steve Rigby, managing director at HSM Components. “hyperMILL was the perfect choice for my business.”

The previous CAM system was creating a level of frustration at HSM, especially on more challenging components.

“In comparison to our previous system, it’s like comparing a Ferrari to a pushbike,” says Rigby. “The old software was more geometry-based, so if you had a complex part it really did become an exercise in CAD skills. Now, with hyperMILL, it works off surfaces and surface edges, so it’s all model-based. There’s also a lot more functionality to the system. Initially, I found hyperMILL a learning curve as it is more advanced, but the more time I invested in the system, the more I got to grips with it. The possibilities for our business are incredible.”

The Flintshire-based manufacturer recently won an order to manufacture big-bore billet engine blocks on Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engines for a motorsport customer – a project the company would not have been able to undertake without hyperMILL. The challenging project also required specialist tooling to machine the engine blocks from aluminium 6082 billets.

“I wouldn’t have been able to take this part on with the old software,” states Rigby. “hyperMILL has helped immensely and made this project possible. One of the biggest positives is the hyperCAD-S system from Open Mind. When you come to doing offline programming, not everything is straightforward. Very often you have to do quite a bit of CAD work, such as creating surfaces and containment boundaries. With the hyperCAD-S system within hyperMILL it’s very easy to use and has excellent surfacing tools.”

Recalling the implementation of hyperMILL and integrating it into the business, Rigby says: “As I don’t have five-axis capabilities, Open Mind can give you the exact modules that you need. This makes it more cost-effective for me as a small business owner. Despite the high-quality reputation of the brand, the purchase price was on par with other systems. Furthermore, the Open Mind team were extremely helpful and said that they could strip out any particular modules that we may not need. Having to learn a new CAM system is a challenge, especially with a suite like hyperMILL that has so much to it. Our initial strategy was to re-program existing legacy parts that we were already running with our old software.

“I noticed a huge reduction in cycle times straightaway and surface finishes are much better with hyperMILL,” continues Rigby. “Additionally, the cycles are more efficient and we are cutting less ‘thin air’ than we were with the previous system. hyperMILL is just better all round, which is something we would expect from a more advanced system. It really has hit the mark and given us what we needed.”

HSM Components encountered several challenges with the motorcycle engine block, such as machining water jacket slots around the cylinder bores as well as the machining of a pocket at the end of the cylinder head for the cam chain. The water jacket slot is 6 mm wide and 50 mm deep. Notably, the pocket for the cam chain goes all the way through the engine block and has tapered walls. Both required specialist tooling and creative machining strategies that according to HSM were a breeze with hyperMILL.

Commenting upon the project, Rigby says: “This customer is a specialist race engine builder for whom we already manufacture several products. They brought a new project to us to manufacture small batches of 5-off cylinder blocks to meet the requirements of its global customer base. Previously the company had been using overseas manufacturers with a minimum batch quantity of 10 off and a longer lead time. By working with HSM Components, this customer can reduce their order volume, inventory and lead times.

“With regard to the aluminium engine blocks, each block requires 10 hours of machining with four individual set ups,” he adds. “To support this project, we had to manufacture special fixtures, acquire bespoke tooling from Quickgrind and adopt a leading CAM system from Open Mind, but the benefits for the customer have been significant.”

Machined on a three-axis Hurco VMX42, programmed with hyperMILL and subsequently adding specialist cutting tools – this combination has helped HSM Components to minimise the cycle time for these challenging engine blocks.

Concluding on the project, Rigby says: “We initially completed three engine blocks as a trial for this new customer and, by improving the quality and lead time of these parts, we are now working on another batch of five engine blocks. The tool paths with hyperMILL are also improving our surface finishes. The opportunity for HSM Components is to now manufacture additional components for this customer, which sells spare parts and builds bespoke motorsport engines for everything from grass track racing and hill-climbing to performance vehicles that are exported worldwide. By utilising our high-end hyperMILL CAM system in conjunction with the specialist cutting tools from Quickgrind, we have little doubt that we can facilitate all the needs of this client.”
For further information www.openmind-tech.com