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News Release from: Colchester-Harrison
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 November 2007
CNC lathes builder to save energy usage
UK CNC lathe and turning centre builder, 600 Lathes, aims to become a 'reference site' not only for quality products but achieving good environmental practices.
As part of its extensive upgrading of manufacturing and quality control processes, the UK builder of CNC Colchester-Harrison CNC lathes and turning centres, 600 Lathes is taking a serious look at its commitment to the environment At its Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, plant, 600 lathes is working on gaining the maximum energy savings in manufacturing
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 5 Jul 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Most machining of the 'core' components - including spindles, headstocks, turret carriages and bedway milling and grinding is carried out at Heckmondwike.
Managing director Jonathan Shaw said: "We have set out to become a reference site as a world class customer focused organisation delivering quality engineering expertise and cutting edge products.
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An extensive search of three-axis lathes led to three UK suppliers of CNC mill/turn centres facing in-depth evaluation of machine, control, software and running economics before a choice was made.
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Two two-axis 'lights-out' turning cells have very quickly taken a central role in a GBP 500,000 automated machining initiative designed to present cost-effective manufacturing techniques to SMEs.
The remit for achieving that must include good environmental practices," 600 Lathes has consulted the services of the Carbon Trust, which is dedicated to helping businesses achieve efficient use of energy and minimal environmental impact.
600 Lathes said that virtually all the Trust's recommendations have been implemented.
Not only has 600 lathes achieved a substantial reduction in overhead costs but is also also minimising energy requirements.
"To continue to be an effective, competitive manufacturer of CNC turning centres and combination lathes in the UK, 600 Lathes must be efficient in its use of resources," said Shaw to manufacturingtalk.com.
"Obviously the actions we have taken in regard to staff training, machine design, production process are all significant factors in this but critical is making no compromise on quality".
Following the Carbon Trust's recommendations, the factory's machine tools and equipment have been checked, evaluated and performance improved.
For example the effectiveness of compressors and steam traps has been enhanced to minimise energy consumption.
Use of other resources has also been analysed, minimising unproductive costs such as that of freight and carriage and again contributing to the company's determination to be as environmentally-aware as possible.
"We have inaugurated a three year plan for energy and resource savings which will take us to the forefront of best environmental practices.
We are one year through that plan, and are ahead of target with a 30% reduction in use of resources.
We will continue on target and expect to be at the forefront of good environmental practices within the three year period," concluded Shaw.
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