Rawtenstall-based RPS Precision Engineering has invested in a new Doosan multi-tasking twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre to enhance productivity and performance.
The machine, a Puma TT1800SY, was supplied by Mills CNC along with a servo-driven Hydrafeed MSV 110 bar feeder as well as a number of different-sized collet chucks and adaptors.
The package allowed the new machine to be ready for full production as soon as its installation, commissioning and training had been completed.
It is now being used to machine a range of complex, high-precision parts, in medium batch sizes, for a number of customers.
Michael Sirrell, owner and managing director, said: “The TT1800SY is a productivity powerhouse of a machine. It might appear small from the outside - but its twin-spindle, twin-turret configuration is helping us machine high-precision components quickly and accurately…in one hit.
“Furthermore, by integrating the machine with a servo-driven bar feeder, we have created a ‘de facto’ automated manufacturing cell that is both efficient and reliable, and that we are able to run, unattended, during the day.
“In the near future, when we fully embrace lights-out operations and run the machine unattended overnight and over the weekends, the productivity benefits will be even more impressive.”
PS Precision Engineering (previously Rochdale Production Services) was established in 1988 by Michael Sirrell and his father Bryan.
The independent, family-owned business specialises in machining complex, high-precision parts from prototypes and one offs through to small, medium and large batch production.
To add value and strengthen its position within customers’ supply chains, RPS has augmented its precision machining services with TIG welding, fabrication and assembly.
RPS also provides a range of ‘Design for Manufacturing’ services that includes consultancy, 3D modelling and rapid prototyping.
Michael Sirrell added: “We are a one-stop solutions provider. We pride ourselves on the quality of our services…on our ability to meet the most stringent of deadlines…and on our high levels of customer care.”
RPS is ISO 9001: 2015 certified and is committed to continuous improvement. As such it regularly invests in its people, and in its plant and equipment, and its processes and systems too.
Over recent years the company has made significant investment in new Doosan lathes and turning centres from Mills CNC.
“The Doosan lathes/turning centres we have invested in are all high-performance, sophisticated machines,” said Mr Sirrell.
“They have similar capacities and share many of the same features such as sub-spindles, live tooling and Y-axes. All have Fanuc controls which means that programs can be transferred easily between them - should that be required.
Despite the impact and effects of the pandemic the company had been busy throughout 2020 and at the start of 2021. So much so in fact that early in 2021 RPS made the decision to again strengthen its turning capabilities.
Mr Sirrell said: “A significant percentage of the parts we turn are small and have short cycle times. They are made from materials that include hardened and mild steel, aluminium, stainless, copper, bronze, brass and plastics. And they are machined to tight geometric tolerances – generally 0.002mm – and high surface finishes, in relatively high volumes.
“The profile and characteristics of parts being machined led us, at the beginning of the year, to consider investing in our first sliding head machine. And, because Mills CNC supply Doosan Swiss-Turn machines, we naturally approached them for advice.”
An audit into what RPS wanted to achieve from the new investment was undertaken and completed. The results caused a change of direction.
“On the advice of Mills CNC engineers we changed our investment plans and opted, instead, for a multi-tasking (fixed head) turning centre as opposed to going down the sliding head route.
“We believed that the multi-tasking turning centre integrated with a bar feeder would provide us with more flexibility and, because we were already familiar with fixed head lathes with Y-axes, driven tools, twin spindles etc., we could hit the ground running quickly,” concluded Mr Sirrell.