Located near the major automotive OEMs in Warwickshire, 2G Tooling Ltd has rapidly built a prestigious reputation for manufacturing everything from fly press tooling through to large drawn tools. To expand the scope of its tool-making capabilities, the Southam-based subcontractor has recently purchased a large-bed five-axis Ibarmia machining centre from Dugard. The Ibarmia ZVH45 L3000 Star has a 3 m bed, a travelling column, a ±105° B axis, a rotary table and capacity for up to 6-tonne workpieces on the bed.

Managing director Chris Peters says: “The main reason we bought this machine was to give us extra flexibility, extra capacity and more size. It is a much bigger machine than we had previously, which we part-exchanged for the Ibarmia. What sold this machine to us was a Zoom meeting with the Ibarmia factory in Spain. The difference between Ibarmia and what I have seen before from most mass-produced machine manufacturers is a bespoke set-up and a family-run ethos. You could actually see production with more time and care being spent on each machine.”

When asked why the company specified the Ibarmia ZVH45 L3000 Star model, Peters says: “This machine will not only give us extra capacity but much greater flexibility. Having the rotary table and the B axis will allow us to machine components that were very difficult previously.

“The flexibility and reach of the machine will enable us to reduce the overhang of tools from 100-150 mm to 30 to 50 mm,” he continues. “This will improve the stability of our tooling, the surface finishes and, subsequently, improve tool life.”

For further information
www.dugard.com