Horizontal machining centre with integrated facing head provides a step-change advance in valve production

摘要

The installation by Newburgh Engineering of a horizontal machining centre with integrated facing head is forecast to not only slash machining times for oil and gas valve components by at least 30% but also create a step-change in the machining philosophies that have historically surrounded these safety-critical parts. The Rotherham-based precision machinist had traditionally produced the components in stages on 'standard' vertical turning machines and horizontal borers with head-changing capabilities. This process entailed relatively high levels of manual intervention for component unload/reload, as well as and head changing and resetting. The components will now be produced complete in a single set-up on a Dorries Scharmann DBF 630 horizontal machining centre from Birmingham-based Starrag UK Ltd (www. starrag.com).