According to a recent report, Addison Saws, the West Midlands based machine tool supplier, has installed three Mecal Kosmos 4-axis machining centres and one Mecal Geos MDT 5-axis machining centre at Hydro Components (formerly SAPA) for increasing complex aluminium parts production that are mainly used in state-of-the-art electric vehicles.
These new machines, which are said to be the first of its kind in the UK, are part of Hydro Components’ recent investment of £9.6 million in the refurbishment and re-opening of its manufacturing plant based in Bedwas, Wales.
“At first, Hydro needed to outsource the CNC machining element as issues with its existing machines meant it lacked the functionality to produce the parts themselves,” explained Mike Grogan, Addison regional sales manager.
He further said, “Hydro began to use a local subcontracting company operating three Mecal Kosmos machining centres which were ideal for producing the required parts. However, it soon became apparent that bringing the operation back in-house would be more beneficial in terms of turnaround time, overall cost and allowing for greater control over the manufacturing process.”
Hydro first installed Kosmos machines and then after their successful installation placed an order for the new 5-axis MC 302 Geos MDT 8.6m Mecal CNC machining centre to set up a single step automated production line.
Hydro’s production manager comments: “Addison has been a great help all round, from selecting the right machinery to assisting in the program writing and ensuring we get the very best out of all our machines. They even supplied an engineer to assist us with machining centres bought elsewhere. We are very pleased with our choice; it has enabled us to tender and win several similar upcoming contracts with major names in the automotive industry.”
The 4-axis Mecal 305 Kosmos machining centres are able to automatically machine, drill, mill, slot and prepare both aluminium and steel extrusion bars. They are also well suited to new product development, while its excellent accuracy and repeatability ensure minimal waste.
The 5-axis Mecal MC 302 Geos-5 MDT machining centre, on the other hand, is designed for the high-speed machining of aluminium, steel, brass, copper, and PVC materials.
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