Product category:
5-axis (3+2 axes and continuous path) machining centres
News Release from: Yamazaki Mazak UK | Subject: Mazak five-axis machining centres
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 June 2005
Aerospace specialist benefits from
5-axis milling
Sub-contractor moved into five-axis machining to widen the gap between it and the lower-cost competition to produce world class components with a fast response time.
You do not have to be a rocket scientist to realise that sub-contracting is an intensely competitive business But in Mark Kirby's case, it served as a useful introduction
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 22 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Graduating in rocket sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and then working for aero engine maker Rolls-Royce on the Hotol (Horizontal Take-Off and Landing shuttle) project provided valuable experience prior to joining Jetblades Engineering.
Back then, in 1989, aerospace dominated the Coventry, UK-based sub-contractor's order book and 'hands-on' aerospace experience was at a premium.
However, this reliance on one industry sector coupled with the trend for aerospace work to move 'off-shore' later became a cause for concern.
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"We recognised the potential threat to our business," says Kirby, "but we could also see an opportunity to move our capabilities and resources up the 'technological food chain'." As managing director, he co-ordinated a response strategy based on existing skills - the capability to take computer-generated design data and translate it into fully machined aerofoil shapes - and investment in high technology five-axis machining.
This aimed to reach new markets such as motorsport and defence, while safeguarding existing aerospace business.
In mid-June 2003 Jetblades purchased a Mazak Variaxis 630-5X simultaneously controlled, five-axis machining centre with axis travels of 630mm (X), 765mm (Y) and 510mm (Z) and a maximum traverse rate of 50m/min.
This 22kW, 12 000 rev/min double column machine is capable of taking components weighing up to 500kg and, equipped with a table capable of tilting up to 150 deg (A axis) and rotating to +/-360 deg (C axis), machining of complex components, whether aluminium, titanium or exotics, is now completed in a single setup.
A benchmarking exercise had narrowed the choice to three competing machines, with the Mazak machine top of the list on technical merit.
Having decided on the Variaxis 630-5X, Jetblades, as an established Delcam CAD user, was then able to benefit from Delcam's experience in using its PowerMILL solid modelling software to generate programs for a Variaxis installed in its in-house machining facility.
Jetblades has since installed two smaller Mazak Nexus 510C 18.5kW vertical machining centres, with all three machines controlled by the Mazatrol CNC system.
"We had to move into five-axis machining to put clear water between us and the lower-cost competition here in the UK and offshore," says Mark Kirby, "Within a month of the Variaxis being installed it was flying and we were producing world class components".
"Now we are able to respond very rapidly to the demand for technically complex components".
" We also needed to be involved not just in the design stage or manufacturing but in the process chain itself, because the quantities involved are usually small and lead times are short".
"The objective is to smooth the flow of work through this business, which is why we place so much emphasis on machining from solid". Request a free brochure from Yamazaki Mazak UK ...
"The lead time on titanium forgings, for instance, makes the alternative of machining from solid a viable option, particularly for prototypes and pre-production components.".
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