Lateral thinking means that 2 and 2 makes 5

A bit of lateral thinking from Pollard means that one of its aerospace customers achieved some significant benefits from 5-axis machining.

A bit of lateral thinking from Pollard means that one of its aerospace customers achieved some significant benefits from 5-axis machining.

The customer's products could be machined to within 90% of completion on a 4-axis machine, but required 5-axis movement to machine the closed angles commonly found on their aerospace components.

The solution adopted was to install a Mori Seiki SH630 horizontal 4-axis machining centre, and a Mori Seiki SH8000/5AX horizontal 5-axis machining centre, linked together by a Fastems flexible manufacturing system.

Both machine tools have dual pallets, which eliminate operator handling and maximise the productivity of each machine.

Additionally, transferring the fixtured part between the two machines using the Fastems system maintained accuracy, avoided down time and enabled unmanned operation.

Economic drivers were a further reason for selecting this solution.

The capital investment was significantly less than for two 5-axis machines, and the hourly rate for 4-axis machining is lower, resulting in worthwhile saving in the cost of each component through manufacture on the most appropriate equipment.

Steve Finn, Sales Manager for Pollard, commented, "Promoting 5-axis machining is not always the best solution.

Examining the whole problem resulted in an installation which combined quality, unmanned operation, lower capital cost, and reduced piece part cost to optimise the returns enjoyed by the customer.".

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