Modernisation programme with machining plant acquisition

Modernisation programme with machining plant acquisition

Keywords: Marconi, Machining, Acquisition

As part of an extensive investment programme, Marconi Aerospace of Titchfield in Hampshire, has installed and commissioned a second Makino A55 high speed machining centre to expand its existing machine cell.

Engineering Manager Paul Cowley explained:

This second, latest version, A55 introduces significantly more flexibility,speed and quality into our process cycle. Being totally software controlled, it allows end to end scheduling of work within the cell and will output job status and statistical information whenever required. Its machining capability is impressive to say the least, with both A55s linked by an automatically guided vehicle for rapid load and unload of pallets. Combine that with the fact that each pallet can take eight simultaneously machinable products that can be worked on by up to 128 auto change tools, and you begin to realise the advantage it gives us as a manufacturer in the aerospace industry.

The A55 will become a key element in the company's manufacture of components for orders which include the European Airbus series, US Airforce C17 heavy lift jet, Boeing 777 wide-bodied airliner, Nimrod 2000, Eurofighter Typhoon and the Royal Navy Merlin anti-submarine helicopter.