Since installing a new DN Solutions Puma 3100LSY multi-tasking lathe from Mills CNC, Chesterfield Special Cylinders (CSC) has increased productivity, improved process efficiency, reduced subcontracting costs and strengthened machining capability at its Sheffield manufacturing facility.
Supplied by Mills CNC, the Puma 3100LSY was installed in February 2026. Featuring a 10-inch chuck, 102 mm bar capacity, sub spindle, Y axis and driven tooling, the machine enables complete machining of complex components in a single set up.
CSC, a manufacturer of high-pressure gas containment solutions for safety-critical aerospace and defence applications, is using the machine to produce industrial gas cylinders and high-pressure adaptor components. The lathe’s rigid box guideway construction has proved particularly effective when removing mill scale from forged cylinders, a demanding operation essential for achieving high-quality surface finishes before coating.
The investment followed a review of CSC’s turning capabilities, which identified production bottlenecks and an over-reliance on subcontract machining.
“We wanted to bring this work back in-house to reduce costs and regain greater control over quality and lead times,” explains production engineer Adam Mellor.
Project manager Jason Langton says the company required a compact, multi-tasking lathe capable of completing complex parts in one operation while retaining the familiar FANUC control platform used elsewhere in the factory. Following discussions with several machine tool suppliers, CSC selected the Puma 3100LSY based on its technical capability, productivity and support package.
Configured with an automatic tool setter, LNS mist extraction and BobCAD-CAM software, the machine was production-ready from installation. It has also been prepared for future expansion with a programmable steady rest for machining longer components.
Within months of commissioning, the Puma 3100LSY has enabled CSC to increase machining efficiency, reduce subcontracting and strengthen its long-term manufacturing capability.
More information www.millscnc.co.uk
