One-hit production: Sub-contractor's new mill-turning centres provide a round-the-clock machining capability

摘要

Two mill-turning centres installed at the Totnes works of sub-contractor Vire Engineering - for round-the-clock machining of components from bar in one hit - are regularly undertaking work for the defence and security industries, although the majority of production is high-quality hose and pipe fittings for brake, fuel, oil and coolant assemblies used in motor sport, including Formula One. Some 2,500 different fittings are produced in batches of between 50 and 2,000, from materials that include stainless steel, mild steel, titanium and aluminium; most of the fittings have a hose attachment at one end and a coupling or banjo union at the other, Furthermore, large stocks of standard parts are held to provide the next-day delivery that customers demand.