In the past two years the Bowmill Group has invested in three 5-axis machining centres and moved to automated lights-out operation.
Supplying predominantly to the aerospace industry, the Bowmill Group encompasses both volume and complex manufacturing disciplines; assembly and test, grinding and material surface processing. It employs 180 staff in four UK facilities.
In 2019, after securing a prime contract that required a high accuracy machine that also offered flexibility Bowmill decided to invest in a Matsuura a MX-330 PC10 for its main site in Poole, Dorset. This offered full 5-axis capability and probing, which was critical for the required positional tolerances (3 – 4 microns). The machine also had the benefit of 10 pallets so Bowmill could run several component variations through the same machine utilising unmanned/lights out operations, which provided a measurable competitive advantage from conventional methods and standard single table machines.
After six months of running the machine and improving cycle-times and implementing flexible manufacturing sequencing on not only the new components but also existing components, Bowmill decided to purchase a second Matsuura MX-330 PC10 for their site in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire in March 2020.
The MX-330 PC10 is configured with 10 pallets and 90 tools, offering Bowmill assured and reliably unmanned 5 axis production, a route to growth and returning real value to customers with efficiencies and productivity gained from this investment.
Some months later, the company needed a larger 5-axis machine (500mm cube) for its Tewkesbury Facility and due to increasing customer demand once again looked to Matsuura to invest. Following the success of the first two MX-330 PC10, it decided to purchase a Matsuura MX-520, adding Bowmill’s production models to the process allowed further logistical flexibility by moving components from one machine to another using existing programs without incurring downtime.
Nick Epps, MD of Bowmill Engineering commented: “Despite the global situation, investing in the MX-330 PC10 and MX-520 has been key to the future success of our business. The machines offer great flexibility, precision accuracy and reliability you would expect from Matsuura. This allows us to remain globally competitive and responsive to increasing customer demand and expectations. We have already seen significant improvement to cycle-times and OEE data on numerous components, this has been equally supported by the service and technical support we have received from the Matsuura team which has been exceptional; we’re extremely pleased with our investments.”
Simon Higgs, South West Area Sales Manager at Matsuura Machinery Ltd commented: “It’s great to see businesses like Bowmill Group investing in Matsuura automation and future-proofing their business. Matsuura’s automation delivers on its promises; running profitably unmanned at night and weekend, whilst reducing operator dependency and the associated labour costs. We believe automation is essential for UK companies to compete and thrive in today’s market.”