Starrag Heckert X40 machining centre enters Factory of the Future

A Starrag Heckert 5-axis horizontal machining centre has joined a series of other multi-axis machines from the same supplier in a Starrag-dedicated machining area at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Factory of the Future.

Previously successfully applied to a dedicated machining project in another AMRC building in Rotherham, the Heckert X40 now complements Starrag STC 1250 and Ecospeed machining centres, as well as a multi-axis Bumotec s191 turn-mill/machining centre and NB251 high-speed blisk machining centre in the Factory of the Future, ready to tackle varying machining and manufacturing projects.

Established in 2008, the Factory of the Future houses an array of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to enable partner companies and project sponsors to develop and trial new technologies and processes. The AMRC works closely with its customers and project sponsors to select the ideal machines and manufacturing technologies required to fulfil each project’s individual demands.

“The X40 will undoubtedly prove just as successful alongside the STC and Ecospeed,” says Phil Kirkland, head of the machining group at the AMRC, “and that will likely include extending its initial project work that embraced the machining of aluminium housings.”

He adds: “Our partnership with Starrag has been built over a number of years and this addition to the Factory of the Future portfolio further cements this; we expect the strengths of the Heckert X40 to be utilised to the full.

“Forthcoming projects for the machine will no doubt illustrate how a wide range of components can be produced effectively and efficiently, and the X40 technology will also enable our operators and engineers to continually upskill.”

Importantly, the CNC features Starrag’s human-machine interface (HMI) for easier, intuitive programming and operation. It is this technology, combined with an impressive specification: X-, Y- and Z-axes travels of 700mm x 750mm x 750mm plus workpiece heights of 500mm, rapids of 80m/minute and a 30,000rpm  spindle offering torque values of up to 350Nm – that will lend the X40 to a wide range of tasks at the Factory of the Future.

Starrag UK
www.starrag.com

Company

Starrag

Related Articles

Handling the heavy stuff

The two largest models in Hermle's C-series of trunnion-type 5-axis machining centres, C50U and C60U, may be fitted with a new pallet changing system to automate the production of workpieces up to 2.5 tonnes in the case of the larger machine.
7 years ago Products
Most recent Articles

Delapena slashes cycle times on titanium components

In manufacturing, close working partnerships between customers and suppliers are worth their weight in gold – and that’s certainly the case with Hemel Hempstead-based precision subcontractor Subcon Drilling and honing specialist Delapena who have been working together for many years.
1 day ago Features

Hill Helicopters’ quality takes-off with Accretech

Given the highly competitive environment global aerospace manufacturers operate within, as well as ensuring the precision capabilities of their quality control equipment, the speed and operational efficiency of the sector’s inspection aids are becoming ever more important.
1 day ago Features

Login / Sign up