WLR Precision Engineering has increased capacity, precision and consistency with its investment in a 5-axis Kern Micro Vario machining centre with an Erowa Compact 80 automated pallet loading system from Rainford Precision. This gives it extremely precise machining capacity for a range of higher quantity runs of extremely accurate components
Located just south of Nottingham, WLR undertakes everything from prototype work to small and medium batches for manufacturers in the oil exploration, medical and pharmaceutical sectors, among others.
In 2013, WLR installed a Pyramid Nano machining centre and as Managing Director Kevin Callon explained: “One of my regrets was not having some form of automation on the Pyramid Nano when we first bought it, despite having the option. There was no way we would have bought another Kern without some form of automated loading to maximise the running hours of the machine.”
The Micro Vario now enables WLR to run production continuously ‘lights-out’ whilst utilising the existing Pyramid Nano for smaller batch runs and one-offs during daytime working hours.
Kevin explained: “The consistency of the components produced on the new Kern is amazing and repeatable to the micron. The precision is so impeccable that we now channel as much work as possible through the Kern Micro Vario. It’s not only doing the really demanding high-accuracy work that it was purchased for but also undertaking the less demanding work that would normally be done on less precise machining centres.”
The accuracy and repeatability of the machine reduces the need to constantly check that workpieces are within tolerance and conform to requirements.
The Kern Micro Vario precision and repeatability is built upon the foundations of its thermally stable Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) base and internal temperature management system that combine with unrivalled kinematics and sophisticated design to yield precision and repeatability of <1.5µm and <1µm respectively.
The Kern Micro Vario has a compact X, Y, and Z-axis work envelope of 350 by 220 by 250mm, a -110° to +110° swivelling B-axis, and a 360° continuous C-axis.
Kevin Callon says that the accuracy and repeatability of Kern machines distinguishes them from the other machine tools the company uses. He added: “There’s also a significant improvement in surface finishes. The Kern truly excels, particularly with harder materials. This excellence isn’t solely due to spindle concentricity but rather the entire package. It’s a very robust machine engineered to deliver remarkable repeatability.
“Based on cost per part, the machine more than pays for itself. It completes jobs in one hit, faster and easier than other machines, and to tighter tolerances.”
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