Product category:
Machining centres - all types
News Release from: C Dugard | Subject: 5-axis, long-bed gantry-type machining centre
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 February 2006
Second 5-axis, long-bed machining centre
acquired
An increase in the quantity, physical size and complexity of incoming contracts for the aerospace sector led an UK subcontractor to invest in a second long-bed 5-axis machining centre.
An increase in the quantity, physical size and complexity of incoming contracts for the aerospace sector has led Bristol-based Oldland CNC to invest in its second Edel CyPort 4020 5-axis gantry machining centre from C Dugard of Hove, UK The second machine order follows the success of the first machine installation that has already enabled part machining times to be improved considerably over a wide range of components
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 26 Jan 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Oldland's involvement with the blossoming aerospace industry dates back to the original Concorde project, where success and increased investment in CNC technology led to work for the Airbus family of aircraft including the A300/310, A320 and A330/340.
However, the European aircraft maker's latest incarnation, the colossal A380, presents components that are bigger, heavier and more demanding than ever before, particularly with respect to structural parts such as wing skins, a particular area of Oldland's expertise.
Some 18 months ago the 50-employee company decided to invest in its first Edel CyPort 4020 5-axis gantry machining centre.
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Following the success of the machine combined with a rapidly increasing order book, the company then decided to acquire a further machine.
Managing director John Tucker confirms: "Since the installation of the first Edel we have been more competitive and increased our order book for parts that are ideally suited to a machine of this type and size.
We investigated other machines that are available on the market but the benefits of fixturing and tooling interchangeability and experience to date meant another Edel was always going to be the natural choice." Using high dynamic torque motors in the A and C axes, the CyPort 4020 features a patented, direct drive milling head for complete simultaneous machining which is put to good use by Oldland producing complex aerospace contours in a single setting.
The Heidenhain iTNC 530 controlled machine has a 6000mm by 2000mm table along with spindle and tool setting probes, 3D form inspection software, a 48-station toolchanger and through-spindle coolant.
"The real beauty of the Edel is that we can simultaneously machine several small components along with large parts," confirms Tucker.
"Prior to owning the Edel we could not handle large components for aircraft such as the A380 and by using the five-axis capability of the Edel we have also been able to reduce cycle times on smaller components as well." Tucker also admires the flexibility of the machine's 18,000 rev/min spindle. Request a free brochure from C Dugard ...
"Most of the faster spindle machines available on the market lack any sort of torque, but with the Edel, it is ideal for machining aluminium at 18,000 rev/min and, if required, will happily tackle steel at 250 rev/min.".
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