At the start of January 2021 there was a palpable nervousness amongst some manufacturers – and with good reason. The third national lockdown had been announced, and the impact and effects of the recent Brexit withdrawal agreement were largely unknown.
With certainty and predictability in short supply, Mills decided to meet the challenges head on, launching its new Automation & Turnkey Centre located at its Campus facility in Leamington, and making preparations for the arrival, and subsequent introduction into the market, of a number of new Doosan machine tool models.
The opening of the centre and introduction of new Doosan machines (as it transpired) did have a noticeable impact on Mills’ sales performance in the first three months of the year – complementing and augmenting the company’s day-to-day machine tool sales operations during the period.
“What was apparent was the sustained demand for our DVF (5-axis) machining centres, and for our SMX and MX multi-tasking mill-turn machines during Q1.”
Doosan DVF machining centres, especially the DVF 5000 model, with its powerful, direct-drive spindle, generous-sized ATC, linear guideways and choice of control, has rapidly become a popular milling solution for component manufacturers looking for a high-performance, competitively-priced and, often, immediately available full simultaneous 5-axis machining centre.
A number of DVF 5000 machines were ordered and have been delivered to customers in Q1, including two models integrated with Doosan Automatic Work Changers (AWCs).
Keeping pace with the increased demand for Doosan DVF machines was the rise in the number of orders for SMX and MX multi-tasking mill-turn machines. Worthy of special mention here is the recent order for a large-capacity Puma SMX 5100LXB machine.
The SMX 5100L series is new and was introduced, by Mills, into the UK and Ireland at the beginning of 2021.
There are four different models in the SMX 5100L range, with the SMX 5100LXB model having a 21” chuck and a maximum turning diameter of 830mm and turning length of 4,070mm. The machine features a servo-driven tailstock for the machining of long shafts and tubes.
“SMX machines are fast, powerful and accurate,” Mr Gilbert affirms. “We were delighted when the first machine was sold – I’m confident it will be the first of many.”
“Ireland is an important area for us, and we have a loyal and growing installed customer base there,” Mr Gilbert adds. “Sales, over the first three months of the year there were exceptional –not just in volume but also by technology type, with 5-axis machines and multi-tasking turning centres and mill-turn machines being prevalent.”
Although the lockdown and subsequent travel and social distancing restrictions clearly impacted on the number of manufacturers able to visit the Centre in the first quarter, the company nevertheless reported a steady increase in demand for its turnkey solutions during Q1, many of which had automation at their core.
“There is a definite trend amongst UK and Irish manufacturers to invest in high productivity and high efficiency automation-led turnkey solutions. Since the beginning of the year we have designed and delivered a number of systems for customers looking to improve their productivity, performance and competitiveness, Mr Gilbert says.”
As well as launching a new range of SMX 5100L multi-tasking mill-turn machines, Mills also prepared the ground for the introduction of a new series of 10” chuck Lynx lathes with Y-axes.
Although the new Lynx 2600Y and Lynx 2600SY models will not be in stock until late April 2021, the company has already taken a number of orders for them.
Kevin Gilbert concludes: “Clearly there was some apprehension at the beginning of the year but, after a difficult 2020, it does look as though manufacturing in the UK and Ireland is bouncing back.
“The depth and breadth of the Doosan range of machines combined with our advanced automation solutions means we are ideally positioned to capitalise on the upturn. It’s fair to say that we are cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year.”
Mills CNC www.millscnc.co.uk