The growing use of composites in the motorsport sector is a marked trend that is seeing a number of notable machine tool installations. For instance, Eynsham-based Lentus Composites, has recently acquired a Sahos Dynamic bridge-type machining centre with a 5 m X axis. Built in the Czech Republic by Blue Ray, the machine was delivered and commissioned by sole UK agent, Asquith Butler.

“We chose the Sahos Dynamic for a number of reasons,” states managing director Simon Odling. “In particular, we felt that the construction of the machine, when compared with its competitors, was an improvement on the industry norm, providing a stiffer, more stable machining environment. What’s more, we specified direct measurement in all axes, including the five-axis head. These provide absolute feedback and minimise the maintenance and downtime associated with aligning axes, as well as providing significantly improved positional repeatability.
“Having tested the market with local machine users, we received positive feedback from other Sahos machine owners in our sector,” he continues. “The consensus was that this Czech manufacturer is not as well known in the UK as other brands but is a rising star in the industry.”
Lentus regularly develops and manufactures new composite products for the motorsport sector, from GT and World Rally to Formula One. The Sahos Dynamic is presently operating a single shift plus 2-3 hours unattended at the end of each day. Furthermore, the addition of a second manned shift will be instigated shortly, while 24-hour operation with a 22:00 to 06:00 ghost shift is also planned.
For further information www.asquithbutler.com