Investing to 'work smarter': Twin-pallet five-axis machining centres offer high levels of machine utilisation

摘要

The success of a Heckert HEC 800 X5 five-axis machining centre undertaking titanium machining at the Hyde Group's Hollygate Aircraft Components company led to the installation of a similar machine at a sister company - Victoria Production Engineering - to process stainless-steel parts. Both X5s - supplied by Birmingham-based Starrag UK Ltd (www.starrag.com) - have enabled the companies to 'work smarter' by introducing twin-pallet machining instead of single-station three-axis working; this has led to 'unprecedented utilisation levels'. Furthermore, features such as integrated spindle monitoring, high-pressure coolant and 'excellent' swarf removal support unmanned working, while a high level of tool-holding stability results in improved tool life. Both companies are part of the Aero Products division of the Hyde Group - a North West-based engineering services provider that specialises in design, manufacture, tooling and support for a global 'blue-chip' customer base that includes such companies as Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Embraer, GKN Aerospace, Leonardo, MBDA and Rolls-Royce. Paul Mellor, divisional technical director, says that rising demand for a particular titanium workpiece at Stockport-based Hollygate spurred the search for "an improved way of working that would allow us to replace on a machine-for-machine basis and effectively gain 'more from the same' in terms of floor-space and manpower requirements - hence the installation of the initial Heckert HEC 800 X5. One of my roles is to work with all 10 companies in the Aero Products division on investment plans that will meet both current and forecast demands - and ensure that we are installing fit-for-purpose and value-for-money production machinery."