Steering system specialist invests in automation

2nd March 2017
Posted By : Anna Flockett
Steering system specialist invests in automation

Investing £300k in a specialised Mazak machine, Pailton Engineering aims to add a new layer of automation to its factory floor. Instead of simply purchasing upgrades of the existing machines, the company has strategically modernised, all by specifying a machine that will enhance the company’s capability and efficiency. This investment enables a more cost effective production process with reduced waste that will support the company’s future growth and product range expansion.

The Mazak hyper quadrex 250MSY is new generation two turret CNC turning centre designed to meet a wide variety of applications. With nine axes and a range of tooling and feeding options, this machine can produce two parts simultaneously and its bespoke features support the easy manufacture of large parts. The machine is capable of four axes simultaneous machining on each independent head, so it does the job of many different machines in one compact package. 

Kevin Crosby, Production Engineer at Pailton Engineering, said: "This machine will allow us to take productivity to the next level. We’ve worked closely with Mazak to specify a machine that is capable of automating everything from the servo-driven bar feeder to the unload conveyors, so we can simply set up a programme and let the machine work with no need for manual intervention. The automation functions also makes better use of remnant waste, as the Mazak machine takes leftover material from the end of a bar and automatically runs a different programme to make a smaller product, before switching back to the original programme for the next bar.”

He continued: “In addition, we specified a larger through spindle bore capacity to give us the flexibility to support other production cells and future business. The machine’s Mazatrol control software also allows us to simulate a programme before the machine gets to work, so we can ensure everything will run as it should, reducing the chance of potential errors or collisions, reducing the likelihood of down-time."

Mazak service engineers spent three days onsite at Pailton Engineering conducting a training programme in the Mazatrol control software and demonstrating how to get the best out of the machine. This was supported by a supplementary training programme at Mazak’s facilities in Worcester.

This investment in the new machine marks the beginning of a process of evolution on Pailton Engineering’s factory floor, with more machine upgrades and a lean manufacturing overhaul planned for later in the year.


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