World first for Nuclear AMRC

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which is currently under construction next to the aerospace industry-led AMRC in Sheffield has placed an order for a state-of-the-art machining centre from StarragHeckert. It will be the first of its kind to enter commercial operation.

The StarragHeckert HEC 1800 will be the first machine outside Starrag's own facilities to be equipped with its new planetary turning and milling (PTM) technology. The PTM device combines an extendable boring spindle with two radial turning tools, adding milling and turning capabilities to the horizontal boring machine. Together, the HEC 1800 and PTM provide seven axes of movement.

“The idea behind the PTM is to change the way large components are manufactured today,” commented Lee Scott of StarragHeckert UK. “You would usually have a multi-machine process requiring a vertical turning machine, milling machine, and dedicated boring machine. This allows you to do large components on one machine. It's game changing technology.”

The PTM system is gaining strong interest from companies producing large casings and vessels for the power, oil and gas, and heavy transportation industries but Nuclear AMRC members will have an exclusive opportunity to work with this new technology.

“This could potentially revolutionise pump and valve manufacture,” added Stuart Dawson, machining group manager at the Nuclear AMRC. “You're getting very close to being able to do all your machining operations on one machine. It could cut cycle times by up to 60% and will improve accuracy by establishing all the geometric features in one set-up.”

The HEC 1800, which measures some 15m in length and is capable of taking components of up to 20 tonnes will also include other advanced features such as a 200 bar through spindle coolant delivery system. In the meantime, a StarragHeckert HEC 1600 horizontal boring machine is being installed in the interim workshop.

StarragHeckert
www.starragheckert.com