Three new vertical machining centres at Hampshire-based SMP (Sheet Metal Precision Ltd) have brought dramatic reductions in cycle times on 500mm diameter 316 stainless workpieces.
General Manager Jim Livermore says: “In one instance, our use of a new Hartford Super HCMC 1892 vertical machining centre has halved cycle times on an aerospace part.
“The faster speeds and feeds of all these new machines – purchased to complement a large-capacity milling machine and an overloaded pair of older vertical machining centres – when coupled with the correct tooling (Dormer indexable drills with replaceable tips), has brought such dramatic reductions in machining times on the 316 stainless steel workpieces.”
Measuring approximately 500 mm diameter by 30 mm thick, the ‘rings’ are produced in batches of 20 to 30 off and are initially turned before being set-up on the VMC.
According to Mr Livermore: “These parts used to take between three to three-and-a-half hours to machine but are now completed in half the time by the Hartford.”
The HCMC 1892 was supplied in 2016 as a two-machine package along with a Hyundai Wia F500 Plus vertical machining centre by T W Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC), which represents both machine ranges as exclusive UK and Ireland agent.
It was the success of these machines – and of Ward CNC’s back-up and service levels – that prompted further investment in a Hyundai Wia 650 Plus vertical machining centre.
Says Mr Livermore, who has been with the company for over ten years: “The need to invest in further machining capacity became obvious when our existing large-capacity milling machine – which accommodates castings up to one metre³ - and the two smaller VMCs, one with a rotary fourth axis, were seriously overloaded in machining components to meet the demands of our customers throughout the aerospace, scientific research and special-purpose machinery industries, for example, as well as agricultural and general commercial industries.”
Operating six days a week with 16 employees, SMP provides machined parts as well as sheet metalwork and welded fabrications of all sizes – from small components through to larger parts and fabrications weighing up to seven tonnes. These range from one-offs and prototypes through to large batches.
In addition to a high-quality milling, turning and machined parts service, including heavy large format machining, the company’s one-stop shop philosophy also embraces TIG and MIG welding and in-house toolmaking.
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