A new dimension for Marlborough

A new dimension for Marlborough

Keywords Cycle times, Machining, Mikron

The installation of a Mikron VCE 750 vertical machining centre at precision engineers Marlborough Engineering has enabled the Belfast sub-contractor to considerably reduce cycle times. Joint-owner Fred Murray pinpoints the machine's feeds and speeds in particular and the flexibility of its fourth axis capability, as the reasons why Marlborough became more competitive and gained new contracts.

"Our existing machines were capable of only 3,500 revs/min.", says Fred Murray, "and because they lack torque at low speed when milling steel, we were penalised by lengthy cycle times on certain jobs".

The new Mikron VCE 750,supplied by Mikron (Birmingham) claims to have solved those problems ­ its higher 7,500 revs/min. spindle proves more than adequate for the range of tasks to exploit the latest tooling, and as part of Marlborough's commitment to customers in a wide variety of industry sectors. In particular, its high torque of 218Nm at 500 revs/min. is superior to existing machines.

With 200-or-so customers,many of them blue chip names such as Shorts, BS EN ISO 9002-accredited Marlborough has established an enviable reputation for component machining in batches, ranging from just one to thousands. In addition, a vast array of prototypes, jig and fixture work are undertaken, as well as the design and manufacture of special-purpose machinery and equipment.

"The added flexibility offered by the Mikron", continues Patrick O'Kane, joint managing director of the 30-employee company, "has already enhanced our reputation, and is centred, not only on its fourth axis capability but its large work envelope of 750mm ×400mm × 500mm. This extends our vertical machining centre capacity and now enables us to be more competitive on larger, more complex, work on a wider range of materials."

For further details contact Mikron (Birmingham) Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 121 788 8686.