Three advanced technology machine tools - including a universal lathe - widen the range of precision components produced by a subcontractor and reduce lead-times.

 

A northeast UK engineering company has taken possession of the first Gildemeister NEF600 universal CNC lathe to be installed in the UK.

 

As part of the first phase of a GBP 2 million investment and expansion programme, Gateshead-based Responsive Engineering Group has completed the installation of three new high performance Gildemeister CNC turning centres at its Kingsway Machining UK business.

 

Representing a combined investment of around GBP 250,000 the three machines include two models from the Gildemeister CTX range and an NEF600, which Peter Bernard, group managing director says will increase the company's available working envelope.

 

"There were a number of factors behind our selection of these machines," said Bernard.

 

"The quality and build standard was of the highest order.

 

We went to Germany to see the Gildemeister production lines and were extremely impressed." The large work area of the NEF600 handles workpiece diameters of 600mm and shaft parts with lengths up to 1200mm.

 

The impressive digital drives result in high precision and surface finish, thanks largely to rotational speeds up to 4000 rev/min and torque values of 24kW and 720Nm.

 

The state-of-the-art central lubrication unit and integrated safety technology ensure smooth operation of the entire machine.

 

The impressive features of the NEF600 are rounded off by top of the range options such as a self-centring hydraulic steady rest, a three jaw power chuck, a hydraulics unit, a workpiece pick-up clamping unit and a hinged chip conveyor.

 

Bob Reed, recently appointed operations director for Kingsway, said: "The addition of these advanced technology machine tools widens the range of precision components we can supply.

 

By increasing our production capacity, lead-times for customers will be reduced and the overall effect will lead to enhanced operating efficiencies and improved competitiveness in the market.

 

We have recently secured orders for precision critical engineering components used in the power generation and oil and gas industries.

 

This new investment means we are now better placed than ever to win even more work from these sectors." The NEF600 is complemented at Kingsway by two CTX410 CNC universal lathes, which herald from Gildemeister's range of newly developed machines that offer innovative technology at highly competitive prices - achieved through efficient production and assembly methods.

 

The use of high technology components such as the integrated spindle motor and the fast servo-turret ensure up to 25% idle time reduction.

 

Established in 2000 Kingsway provides specialist precision machining services for customers in a range of sectors including upstream oil and gas production, power generation, aerospace, medical equipment and scientific instrumentation.

 

The investment in new turning equipment at Kingsway is the first phase of a GBP 2 million capital investment programme being undertaken by the Responsive Engineering Group over the next two years.

 

The expansion plan will create up to 30 new engineering jobs across all four group businesses: Streamline, Kingsway, Weldex and Pressex, which together provide specialist welding, waterjet and laser cutting, precision engineering, pressing and assembly services.