The new machines represent a key element in Bridgeforth’s £4 million investment plan (which began prior to the oil and gas downturn) to re-align its business into a single source supply operation involving materials supply, heat treatment, welding, machining and coating.
A strategic part of the Scotland-based company’s planned move to Deans Industrial Estate from Inverkeithing by the end of June 2016 – when the Hyundai-Wia KBN 135CL and Hartford PBM 115A horizontal boring and milling machines will be installed – chairman Sandy Seymour said: “We are countering the effects of the oil industry by providing an added value service taking in sectors such as nuclear, defence and the rail industry.”
The order placed at the show by Mr Seymour, as well as Bridgeforth Engineering industrial engineers George Tullis and Billy Anderson, follows the company’s experience with three previous Hyundai-Wia machine installations and the ongoing relationship and support that Ward CNC has provided.
The Hyundai-Wia KBN 135CL has an X-axis of 4,000mm, Y-axis of 2,000mm and Z-axis of 2,000mm plus a W-axis of 700mm. Spindle diameter is 135mm and there is a 40 tool ATC.
The Hartford PBM 115A has a table size of 1,600mm by 1,400mm and axis travels in X of 2,000mm, Y of 1,600mm, Z of 1,500mm and W of 500mm. A 60 station ATC is included, plus there are linear scales on X, Y and Z for precision machining demands.
TW Ward CNC www.wardcnc.com