New machine doubles capacity

When the VMX42SRTi B-axis machine was delivered at the end of May, it doubled the pattern and toolmaker's 5-axis machining capacity, although the firm also operates four 3-axis VMCs.

Production of models and patterns for vehicle interiors are a particular specialism, accounting for two-thirds of turnover. Gauges, jigs, fixtures and tools for the automotive and aerospace supply chains are also to be found regularly on the shopfloor.

Summit Patternmaking director Duncan Willetts says: “We carry out a lot of 5-axis machining of automotive replication gauges and also of Formula One race car parts. Apart from needing more capacity, we were looking for a bigger working volume to cope with larger parts and a more robust machine to process denser model boards as well as alloys."

The 7.5 tonne Hurco machining centre with its 35kW/119Nm spindle he chose is ideal for these applications. Provision of the fifth CNC axis via a ±90° swivelling spindle head rather than a trunnion was favoured, as it provides a larger working volume, right up to 1,067 x 610 X 610mm for 3-axis work.

Tolerances held at the Birmingham factory are typically ±0.05mm. These are easily achieved on Hurco 5-axis machines, which are considerably less expensive than many models on the market that Mr Willetts researched before placing the order.

Hurco Europe www.hurco.co.uk

Summit Patternmaking www.summitpatterns.com