Vertical machining centre helps subcontractor

A Ward CNC-supplied Hartford Power centre Pro-1000 vertical machining centre has been installed at Currie Engineering of Londonderry, a world-class sub-contract machinist.

A rocketing order book has prompted the installation of a Ward CNC-supplied Hartford Power centre Pro-1000 vertical machining centre at Currie Engineering of Londonderry, the world-class sub-contract machinist that provides a varied range of components to OEM customers across the industry spectrum.

According to partners John and James Currie, who run the 20-employee company, the fact that Ward CNC could provide from stock a machine of the required specification and at a cost-competitive rate - when other suppliers couldn't - was one of the prime reasons for the investment.

"A sudden increase in orders for a range of parts - specifically, specialised hydraulic cylinders and rotating seals - demanded an immediate increase in our vertical machining capacity if we were to keep pace with the customer's requirements for these EN8 steel and tool steel components," says James Currie.

"We needed a suitably rigid and reliable vertical machining centre to perform the various milling, boring, drilling and tapping operations - including small diameter deep hole drilling down to 300 mm.

"Ward had the 1,000 mm by 600 mm by 510 mm capacity (X,Y,Z) Power centre available ex-stock and available at a good price, so we didn't hesitate." The 20/24-tool open fronted Hartford Power centre Pro-1000 offers rapid traverse rates of 20 m/min (X, Y) and 16 m/min (Z), as standard (optionally 24 m/min X, Y and 20 m/min Z) and spindle speeds of 40- 6,000 revs/min/40-8,000 revs/min (geared/pulley head, respectively) from the 7.5 kW main spindle motor (optionally 10 kW).

* Currie Engineering also purchased a re-engineered large capacity (1.5 metres between centres) Binns and Berry lathe from Ward CNC at the seam time, to enhance its turning capabilitie.

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