UK NEWS

Citizen machine helps TAS rebalance business

Around 20 years ago, Gareth Davies started Burton-on-Trent company TAS Engineering as a steel, stainless steel and aluminium fabrication shop.In 2014, he established a machine shop to add extra value to the products the company was forming and welding. Today, there is a pair of three-axis vertical machining centres on-site and a trio CNC lathes, the latest of which is a pre-owned Cincom L20 sliding-head turning centre from Citizen Machinery.

What prompted the purchase in October 2023 of this 20-year-old lathe, the company’s first sliding-head model, was a desire for more efficient turningof components in various materials from bar up to 20 mm in diameter. A case in point is the ongoing production of a 16 mm diameter, 316 stainless steel magnet holder, which is welded to a small, laser-cut and bent plate to form part of a safety unit for industrial switchgear. The turned component, of which 200 are required per month, was previously produced complete on one of two fixed-head, twin-spindle lathesin a 2.5-minute cycle.

It was apparent that the steel magnet holder could be produced more quickly on a modern Citizen L20 twin-spindle sliding-head turning centre due to the faster axis motions of the gang tool carriers on the former compared with the turret movements of fixed-head lathes. However, Davies was surprised to find it was possible to machine the part more than three times faster on the Cincom: the cycle now takes just 48 seconds.

He says that although the purchase price of the lathe was only about 24% of the investment needed for a modern 20 mm capacity L-series Cincom, he was treated by all Citizen Machinery UK staff as though he were purchasing a new L20.

For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Numachine makes gains with Hyundai-Wia VTL

Numachine, a thriving Hereford-based business specialising in CNC machining and subcontract manufacturing, is embracing the advantages of its new Hyundai-Wia LV800RM vertical turning lathe (VTL) supplied by TW Ward CNC Machinery Ltd (Ward CNC). The quality and performance of the machine are contributing to the optimisation of the company’s manufacturing processes.

Renowned for its robust and heavy-duty cutting platform, the Hyundai-Wia LV800RM VTL boasts a one-piece, square-type column and a stable shaft structure. Noteworthy features of the machine include a two-step chuck pressure mechanism designed to minimise workpiece deformation and ensure optimal chip evacuation. Within the LV series, a dedicated protection device prevents chips and other foreign materials from entering the main spindle.

The Hyundai-Wia LV800RM offers a maximum turning diameter and turning length of 800mm, coupled with a maximum spindle speed of 2000 rpm. This addition to Numachine’s workshop enhances its machining capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to precision and efficiency in manufacturing processes.

Speaking on the experience of working with Ward CNC, managing director Brandon Davies says: “It was an entirely smooth experience. Ward CNC took care of processes such as specifying the machine based on our application, placing the order, delivery, installation and operator training.”

He continues:“We’re pleased with the quality and performance of the Hyundai-Wia vertical lathe; it’s a good addition to our range of machines. There was only one small issue a few months ago which was solved rapidly by Ward CNC and we’re completely satisfied with the performance of the company’s service.”

Davies concludes: “Looking ahead, we plan to enter the bespoke motorbike and mountain bike manufacturing segment, with Ward CNC likely to play a crucial role in these projects.”

For further information www.wardcnc.com

Mazak showcases next-generation Integrex

Taking centre stage on the stand of Yamazaki Mazak at the recent Southern Manufacturing exhibition was its Integrex i-200H S multi-tasking machining centre. The machine forms part of Mazak’s i-H series, which culminates 40 years of multi-tasking innovation and learnings.

As with all models in the i-H series, the i-200H S features a flat-fronted design with rear-mounted tool magazine to accommodate the growing requirement for automation while maintaining accessibility for the operator. The i-200H S can adopt a variety of automation solutions, including bar feeders, articulated arm robots and gantry loading systems.

The 5000 rpm main spindle receives support from a compact 12,000 rpm milling spindle with a versatile B-axis range of -30 to +120° for the complete machining of complex components. An equal 65 mm diameter bar capacity across both spindles allows for balanced cutting while maximising component rigidity.

Mazak’s i-200H S offers control via the company’s SmoothAi CNC, which incorporates a suite of software packages to deliver the practical application of AI, digital twinning and automation. The model on display at Southern Manufacturing featured the new smooth oscillation cutting program, which is built into the SmoothAi CNC. Smooth oscillation cutting provides chip control for further process stability, even when machining challenging materials.

Alan Mucklow, Managing director UK, Ireland and national distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, says: “Manufacturers need their machines to work harder than ever in order to remain competitive and drive productivity. The Integrex i-200H S is ideally suited to servicing subcontract demand across a wide variety of sectors, while its compatibility with diverse range of automation systems can help manufacturers maximise machining output.”For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

GM CNC launches Victor VMT turn-mill

When it comes to one-hit machining, the new VMT series of multi-tasking turn-mill centres from Victor has a lot to offer. Available in the UK from GM CNC, the VMT range features 15kW twin built-in turning spindles and a 22kW swivelling B-axis milling spindle. Available in four variants – the VMT-X200, VMT-X260, VMT-X360 and VMT-X400 – the series is suitable for everything from the unmanned machining of small complex parts to the heavy-duty machining of large components.

As standard, the VMT range features a FANUC 0i-TF CNC, hydraulic chuck with soft jaws, chip conveyor, a Renishaw automatic tool presetter, through-spindle coolant and a hybrid lubrication system. Optionsincludes a steady rest, bar-feed interface, part catcher, automatic doors, sub-spindle and more. A Meehanite cast base provides a platform for elevated cutting parameters and improved tool life.

From a specification perspective, the VMT-X200 and VMT-X260 are 8 and 10-inch chuck machines with a 660mm swing-over-bed and a maximum turning length and turning diameter of 1376and 1075mm respectively. Serving the spacious work envelope are two 15kW/4200rpm turning spindles on the VMT-X200 and a 22kW/3500rpm main spindle and 15kW sub-spindle on the 75mm bar capacity VMT-X260.

For larger components, GM CNC offers the 12-inch chuck, 3000rpm VMT-X360 and the colossal 15-inch chuck VMT-X400.Both provide 30kW spindle power and a bar capacity of 91mm (106mm optional). The largest machines in the range provide an 1120mm swing-over-bed and a maximum turning length and turning diameter of 2148and 2100mm. All machines demonstrate flexibility through the 12,000rpm 15/18.5/22kW high-winding B-axis milling spindle that can rotate through -30/+210° with an indexing resolution of just 0.001°.

For further information www.gm-cnc.com

OUT WITH THE OLD; IN WITH THE NEW

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of machine tools from DN Solutionsand Zayer in the UK and Ireland, recently supplied Surrey-based mechanical and fluid power transmission specialist JBJ Techniques with a new FANUC-controlled vertical turning lathe.The machine, a DN Solutions 24” chuck Puma V8300M was installed at the company’s 669 sq m facility in Redhill in January 2024, replacing an older Doosan VT750M vertical lathe acquired by the company back in 2012.

JBJ’s new machine, with its compact footprint and box guideway construction, features a powerful, high-torque spindle (30 kW/2000 rpm/3153 Nm) making it suitable for machining hard and difficult-to-machine materials and for heavy-duty turning operations.The V8300M also has driven tooling (18.5 kW/4000 rpm) to increase the machine’s flexibility, enabling the production of complex parts in one set-up without the need for component transfer between machines.Furthermore, the integration of a 12-tool position, side-mounted ATC, in addition to its existing 12-tool station turret, increases the machine’s productivity potential by reducing downtime caused by tool-change operations.

Says Ben Stubberfield, JBJ Techniques’ works director:“Our new V8300M is a fast and flexible machine andhas significantly increased and improved our in-house vertical turning capacity and capabilities.The new machine has replaced a previously-acquired VT750M vertical lathe which, although serving us well over the past 12 years, didn’t have a big enough turning diameter to produce some of our larger components.This resulted in us having to use an older and much slower lathe for these applications which, on occasion, affected our process efficiencies and lead-time fulfilment.”

With its reputation built on quality, service and speed of response JBJ Techniques, as part of its company-wide continuous improvement programme, decided back in 2023 to replace the VT750M with a new vertical turning lathe offering a larger turning diameter.

“We approached Mills CNC with our requirements and were introduced to the new DN Solutions V8300 series which, as well as having a bigger working envelope than the VT750M, also featured the additional side-mounted ATC and the advanced FANUC 0iTP control,” explains Stubberfield.

As a consequence, the company invested in a compact Puma V8300M, a machine with live tooling, an 830mm turning diameter and 690mm turning height. Since its arrival, the V8300M has been put through its paces machining a diverse range of components made from an equally varied range of materials that include stainless steel (304 and 316 grades), super duplex stainless steel, carbon and alloy steels (EN8, EN24), and cast iron.Parts machined on the V8300M are typically largeand heavy. Machined in small batches, component cycle times can often be long, depending on the specific application.

JBJ Techniques has come a long way since its formation in 1974. The family-owned business currently employs 25 members of staff and is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of high-quality products for the mechanical power transmission and fluid power sectors.Originally located in Carshalton, some 15 miles from its current location, the company first started life as a stocking distributor for a range of other manufacturers’ mechanical and hydraulic power products.

Over the years, following the move in 1984 to its current site, the company has significantly developed and augmented the products and services it provides to a growing number of customers located primarily in the UK.In addition to holding a huge selection of products in stock, JBJ provides customers with a high level of in-house expertise i.e., integrating and combining in-depth product knowledge and specification ability with technical consultancy and parts’ manufacture (through its well-equipped machine shop, which was first established in 1984 when the company moved to Redhill.

Now in its 50th year and celebrating its anniversary in September 2024, everything that JBJ Techniques provides is underpinned by a range of responsive and customer-focused support services delivered centrally at its Redhill facility through a UK-wide team of technical sales engineers.

JBJ Techniques can assist manufacturers in a number of different ways: assistance in the design of new and/or replacement (application-specific) power transmission systems (from simple to complex, and from standard to customised); next-day delivery on hundreds of products from the company’s warehouse; high-quality machined components for bespoke products and systems; and condition monitoring of existing transmission systems via the AIQ DETECT (for elastomeric couplings) and AIQ CORE (gearboxes) sensor systems.

Says JBJ Techniques’ managing directorMike Davis:“Everything we do is geared towards helping customers optimise their production processes.From working in partnership with them to design and develop new mechanical power and/or fluid power solutions, through to supplying replacement stocked or machined parts for existing systems – our focus is on helping manufacturers avoid/reduce downtime, improve safety and sustainability, and maintain productivity levels.”

The company’s customer baseis large and diverse. Its products and solutions are used extensively in the power generation, oil and gas, renewables, motorsport, food and beverage, transport, environmental, materials handling, and marine sectors to name but a few.Indeed wherever mechanical power and fluid power transmission systems are in use, there is a good chance that JBJ Techniques’ products are operational in some capacity.

Seven CNC machine tools adorn the machine shop alongside a range of manual machines and equipment.The latest DN Solutions V8300M vertical turning lathe significantly increases the company’s machine shop capabilities and, by doing so, also improves its ability to respond quickly to customers.

The V8300M arrived at JBJ Techniques’ machine shop in January 2024 and a number of company employees have already undergone an intensive three-day machine and CNC/iHMI control familiarisation training programme delivered on-site by Mills CNC’s Training Academy staff. A further three-day training course took place at the Training Academy’s facility in Leamington last month.

For further information www.millscnc.co.uk