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Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Heidenhain (GB) | Subject: Heidenhain TNC 310 compact contouring control
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 March 2002
Re-engineered Jigmil cuts machining
times by 55%
Following a re-engineering programme on a DeVlieg Spiramatic 2B-36 jigmill and the integration of a Heidenhain TNC 310 compact contouring control, machining times have been cut by 55 per cent.
Following a re-engineering programme on a DeVlieg Spiramatic 2B-36 jigmill and the integration of a Heidenhain TNC 310 compact contouring control to replace its previous manual operation at special purpose machinery manufacturers, Lambert Engineering of Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, machining times have been able to be slashed by up to 55 per cent The re-engineering carried out by specialist DeVlieg rebuilders Lewis Associates of Lutterworth was praised by Lambert's General Manager, Malcolm West who said: "They have returned to us a machine capable of attaining its original accuracy but is totally enhanced with a full four-axis CNC capability
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 29 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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It now has totally new levels of operator friendliness and the machine gives us much higher productivity on small batchwork." Lambert Engineering produces custom-built automated special purpose machines and its ability to meet new challenges head-on has seen its reputation increase tremendously over the past few years.
Recent major projects have included the introduction of PC controlled robots to enhance the loading of specialist machinery for the automotive, medical, personal hygiene and other industries.
Within the machine shop, boring and milling abilities range from small turret mills through medium CNC milling and machining centres to larger capacity Heidenhain controlled AB Marwin Power Centres, Elgamills and DeVlieg machines.
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As Malcolm West, explained: "It has been our policy to progressively upgrade the machine shop with new equipment but when it came to the DeVlieg machines there is no longer a direct replacement available." This led them to approach Lewis Associates, a company which has supported their installed DeVlieg machines for many years, to see if they could help.
The machine was then taken away and when it was returned with Heidenhain TNC 310 control for its four axes, driven by Control Technique motor and drives, this combination immediately gave major improvements over the original manual machine whilst retaining its cutting abilities and accuracy." According to Barry Lewis of Lewis Associates: "Though the DeVlieg Jigmil is no longer built, it continues to find new as well as traditional users and has proven to be especially popular when coupled with the Heidenhain control with its standard milling and drilling cycles, graphics simulation for programming and editing." This has led Lewis Associates to establish a niche for its expertise in providing a DeVlieg speciality service with spares support as well as for re-building and overhaul.
Recent projects have included DeVlieg 2B-36, 3H, 43H and 43J models which have been completely re-manufactured to full CNC standard using Heidenhain controls. Request a free brochure from Heidenhain (GB) ...
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