There was no shortage of innovative technology at this year's MACH exhibition. Fortron for example showcased a twin pallet 5-axis Huron MX4 machining centre which featured live cutting demonstrations on both pallets – one of which was a model of the Typhoon Eurofighter machined from a 210mm billet of aerospace aluminium.
With 24,000rpm spindle speed and 10m/minute contouring feed rate, the machine made light work of the roughing cycles yet is capable of excellent surface finishes and accuracy.
The second pallet on the Huron MX4 also generated significant spectator interest as it demonstrated the machining of a ‘real' component – a complex fuel connector currently machined by Wrexham-based Tritech Engineering Solutions in Wrexham for Airbus. Paul Beer, Tritech's engineering and development manager was on hand at the Fortron stand to explain how the complexities of such a component can be machined in one hit from solid. Tritech has recently invested in a Huron MX4 and is using it to good effect providing precision machining services to its wide customer base.
Mark Devall, UK sales manager at Fortron, comments: “MACH 2010 provided the platform for what has been an extremely successful project for all of the parties involved in the manufacture of the Tritech/Airbus fuel connectors. All members of the team came together once more at the show and all are looking forward to working together on future turnkey projects.”
He concluded: “MACH has been an outstanding success for us in terms of visitor numbers, with our sales team exceeding their targets on lead generation. I'm absolutely positive that we will realise a substantial increase in business over the next 12 months as a direct result of the cutting demonstrations we have been showcasing at MACH.”
Forton
www.fortron.uk.com Tritech
www.tritechgroup.co.uk
