Automation is a natural progression

Forming part of a joint installation, Aspec Precision Engineering has recently invested in a Hardinge RS 200MSY multi-tasking turning centre integrated with a Samsys Multi 3000 bar feeder.

Forming part of a joint installation, Cambridge-based subcontractor, Aspec Precision Engineering has recently invested in a Hardinge RS 200MSY multi-tasking turning centre integrated with a Samsys Multi 3000 bar feeder.

Both are being used to produce high precision, complex components and kits for the medical and scientific instrumentation, microscopy, automotive, aerospace and motorsport sectors.

Aspec Precision, first established in 1989 and today employing 13 staff, makes regular and strategic investment in the latest and most advanced machine tools – which to date averages out at approximately one new machine tool per year.

Whilst this level of sustained investment is vital for a manufacturing company and helps explain Aspec's growth and success – it is the type, advanced functionality and sophistication of the machine tools now being invested in by the company over recent years where the step change has really occurred as Colin Flack, a director at Aspec explains.

“To increase our productivity, improve our competitiveness and secure higher margin work – we have invested in a number of multi-axis, ‘one hit' machine tools comprising multitasking lathes and 5-axis milling machines. The ability to machine complex parts in a single set-up makes us far more productive and in terms of cycle times and machine shop throughput.”

Additional benefits include improved part accuracies and repeatability – due to less work handling and eliminating the need to transfer parts between machines. This in turn leads to a reduction in the cost per part due to minimising manual intervention and eliminating costly fixturing operations.

The willingness to embrace new and different ways of working formed the foundation behind the installation of the new turning centre and bar feeder at the back end of 2009.

“We wanted a multitasking turning centre with excellent chucking and bar work capabilities simply because the nature of our work varies considerably,” Mr Flack elaborates. “We regularly undertake prototypes and one-offs, but also medium quantity batch work.”

He continues: “We also wanted the machine to have driven tooling, a Y-axis and sub-spindle and full C-axis capability on both spindles to give us the ability to perform complex operations such as cross or end milling, thread milling, off-centre milling and drilling and polygon turning. Ultimately, this would enable us to be able to complete work in fewer set-ups.”

The machine also needed to be able to meet part accuracy requirements of ±10µm, deliver excellent surface finishes and be equally at home performing high stock removal or super fine finishing operations. The Hardinge RS 200MSY with its 8 inch chucking and 65mm bar working capabilities; 22kW 4,500rpm main spindle (6,000rpm sub-spindle); 12 station turret; and travels of 189.2mm, 547mm and +50.8mm/-34.9mm (X,Y,Z) – plus the machine's competitive price and Hardinge's technical and service back-up – presented Aspec Precision with the ideal solution.

The decision to invest in a Samsys bar feeder at the same time followed discussions between Aspec Precision and sales and applications engineers at Hardinge in the first instance, and then subsequent discussions with Samsys' UK staff.

“We were being increasingly asked by our customers to manufacture certain parts in larger quantities. Manufacturing these parts – made from a variety of metals and more frequently plastic – in the volumes required of 100-200-off typically, meant that we would need a bar feeder to automate production,” advises Mr Flack.

“The Samsys Multi 3000 unit we selected is an electrically operated, servo-driven unit that enables us to benefit from fast set-ups, smooth load/re-load operations and fast material feed rates,” Mr Flack concludes. “With 65mm bar diameter and 1,240mm bar length capacity, plus accurate bar positioning, the inbuilt versatility of the unit and its low running and maintenance costs complements the Hardinge turning centre perfectly.”

Aspec Precision Engineering
www.aspec.co.uk Samsys
www.samsys-uk.co.uk Hardinge
www.hardinge.co.uk

 

Related Articles
Most recent Articles

Renishaw highlights career pathways in engineering

There is not one singular blueprint that can lead to a career in the engineering industry. It offers a variety of roles, open to people from diverse backgrounds. To highlight the diversity of skills and experiences in engineering, global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has created the ‘Employee perspectives’ series.
5 hours ago News

Login / Sign up