Subcontractor goes into 'single cycle' machining

Precision machining subcontractor is planning to move into single cycle production of larger components, up to 64mm diameter, using the latest turn/mill centre technology.

Unicut Precision is planning to move into single cycle production of larger components, up to 64mm diameter, using the latest turn/mill technology and apply the same high productivity, quality and delivery expertise already proving a winning formula in the international as well as UK precision subcontract market.

Already digesting the December, 2005, acquisition of AJ Clarke Precision Machinists of Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, the purchase of a new Citizen L20 VIII for the subcontract operation and fully integrated business software between its headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, Unicut Precision has just ordered a GBP 230,000, 64mm bar capacity Miyano ABX-64 TH2 multi-axis turning centre.

The machine with two spindles, three turrets and two Y-axis cross-feeds is considered by its supplier to be one of the most advanced simultaneous machining capability turn/mill centres of its type available on the market.

Said Charles Kenny joint managing director of Unicut: "This machine will take us into a new league in producing very complex larger components direct from bar that would often be produced from forgings, or castings at a more competitive price and shorter lead time.

Also by offering these customers with larger component requirements our design for production expertise, we feel sure we can build the same success as we have achieved in the up to 32mm sector using sliding head technology.

The Miyano joins a plant list of 15 Citizen CNC and two Star CNC sliding head lathes and two Miyano BNJ-42s compact turning centres which run around the clock producing components for the medical, brewing, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications and fastening sectors.

All these machines are under five years old and the new Miyano ABX will give additional capacity that will take the business into higher value work and enable the customer base to be increased.

That said, Jason Nicholson joint managing director maintained that Unicut has been declining additional contracts with existing customers because its 'single hit' application technology could not be applied to larger components.

"We did not want to backtrack into multi-operational techniques to get the work, that would be a retrograde step to the way our workforce operates," he said.

The Miyano ABX-64 TH2 has three identical 12 station all-driven tool turrets powered by 2.5kW motors able to accept tools up to 13mm diameter.

In all, the machine will carry 36 driven tools plus up to 72 operational tools giving totally new levels of setting flexibility.

As part of the control and software technology employed, the machine is able to operate using up to eight axes simultaneously.

Back to top