CNC investment streamlines collet ranges

Investment in a multi-axis turning centre and CNC grinding equipment has streamlined production of comprehensive machine tool collet ranges.

Machine tool specialist Holmes UK has consolidated its recent move to larger premises in Birmingham with a GBP 300,000 investment in high-speed manufacturing equipment.

The purchase of a new Nakamura WT-150 twin spindle, twin turret, multi-axis turning centre, along with latest generation CNC grinding equipment, is designed to streamline production of the company's comprehensive machine tool collet ranges.

"The new Nakamura machine is ideal for our requirements," comments Holmes UK's Managing Director, Tim Holmes.

"It provides high speed metal removal rates combined with extreme versatility and multi-tasking capabilities.

We believe it will dramatically reduce our production cycle times.

In addition, each of the machine's turrets is equipped with a 48-tool station, giving us the ability to achieve extremely rapid change-overs between jobs.

"The increase in manufacturing throughput is being matched by the purchase of additional CNC grinding equipment.

As a result, we expect to extend the range of standard collet sizes available ex-stock, while significantly reducing lead times on less popular items." The new equipment underlines a 15% growth in Holmes UK's turnover during the past 12 months and is anticipated to provide additional capacity for the company's sub-contract machining services.

"We are also working hard to increase our export sales, in order to counter the effects of a depressed home market," Holmes continues.

"Several major opportunities for new collet business have been identified in North America, which we are confident of converting into orders within the next few months.

I therefore believe that this investment in advanced manufacturing equipment will provide us with a strong platform for future success." About Holmes UK - established in 1983, Holmes UK specialises in the repair, maintenance and refurbishment of all Wickman multi-spindle machine tools.

The company's comprehensive service is supported by ex-stock availability of collets, feed fingers and other less popular Wickman spares, along with its own range of standard collets and feeders for manual and CNC machine tools.

Holmes UK also offers a growing portfolio of complementary machining products, as well as a wide variety of sub-contract machining services from its 27,000ft2 premises in Tyseley, Birmingham.

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