New order means new machines

The company has recently secured a major order for the manufacture of train doors, cupboards, vestibules and electrical cabinets for a leading locomotive and carriage builder. The Mecal CNC machining centre will be used to fabricate components from a range of aluminium extrusions after they have been cut to length using the Mecal double mitre saw – an SW 453 Plug model.

“An increase in orders required our business to move to three manufacturing shifts per day,” comments Invertec’s operations director, Andrew Speers. “To facilitate this, we naturally required additional machining capability. An initial option was outsourcing, however the business case did not fully support this approach as it would mean increased reliance on outside suppliers. We, therefore, looked at increasing our own manufacturing capability and contacted a number of CNC machine providers.”

Addison already enjoys a well-established relationship with Invertec, having supplied a Mecal ‘Duo’ CNC machining centre and a Mecal CN saw to the business several years ago. The Mecal machines have consistently provided trouble-free operation and Addison Saws has assisted Invertec with technical support, guidance and even advice regarding the best way to fabricate certain components.

“When it came down to it, Addison Saws was able to demonstrate a much greater understanding of our production requirements,” adds Mr Speers. “We also wanted to continue working with them in order to build an even stronger relationship. For example, they have already helped us to develop offline programming for our new Mecal machining centre.”

Supplied ex-stock, Invertec’s new Mecal MC 305 Kosmos 4-axis CNC machining centre will be used to mill, drill and tap aluminium extrusions typically measuring 4m long by 200mm wide. These will be first cut to length using the Mecal CN SW 453 double mitre saw.

“The installation process and subsequent operator training for both new machines was fantastic,” Mr Speers says. “The new Mecal CNC machining centre is also significantly quicker than our existing model. Addison Saws is a very professional company that provides high levels of support and it’s for that reason that in addition to purchasing the new Mecal machines we also signed a service contract with them to cover all our Mecal equipment.”

The Mecal MC 305 Kosmos machining centre chosen by Invertec is equipped to automatically machine, drill, mill, slot and prep both aluminium and steel extrusion bars. Providing high levels of flexibility, it is also well suited to new product development, while its inherent accuracy and repeatability ensure minimal waste.

Notable features include: A-axis profile rotation ±125° to work three sides; encoded rotation to work intermediate angles; the main spindle does all work with full use of the magazine; full CAM 3D software; an automatic centralised lubrication system; 4,000mm working length and centralised eight tool automatic magazine.

Addison Saws www.addisonsaws.co.uk