Leading precision subcontractor invests in advanced Doosan multi-tasking mill-turn machine tool during the lockdown.
Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has supplied Cheltenham-based Ferrositi Ltd., a leading precision subcontract specialist, with a new, state-of-the-art mill-turn machine.
The 13” (quick-change) chuck Doosan SMX 2600S, a roller linear guideway multi-axis machine equipped with left and right opposing spindles (26kW 4000rpm), a 240 degree B-axis milling spindle (26kW/12,000rpm), Y-axis capability (+/- 150mm), a servo-driven ATC (40 position) and the latest Fanuc 31i control, was installed at Ferrositi’s 18,000 square foot facility in May 2020: a time when many companies were (understandably) battening down the hatches.
The investment made during the height of the pandemic outbreak is typical of Ferrositi – a company built on innovation and continuous improvement, and one committed to delivering engineering excellence and best-in-class customer service.
Says Nick Furno, Ferrositi’s managing director:
“Ever since the company was created (in 2012) we have invested in multi-axis machine tools as a route to improving our productivity, operational efficiencies and competitiveness.”
A quick tour of the company’s sizeable machine shop provides ample evidence of its investment policy with a number of advanced, large-capacity 5-axis machining centres and lathes, with sub-spindles and full miil-drill capabilities, in close proximity to one another.
Continues Nick Furno:
“We serve and operate in a number of global and highly-competitive sectors and industries – i.e. aerospace, oil and gas, automated and special purpose machinery, high-profile architectural projects.
“Central to our success in these, and other sectors, has been our ability to machine high-quality components and deliver them to customers…on time…every time…and within budget.
“The multi-axis machines we have at our disposal make us more efficient and enable us to make complex high-precision parts quicker… in fewer machining operations and, often, in one set up.
“We are always on the lookout to add to, and strengthen, our front line machining resources.”
Despite the lockdown such an opportunity arose in April 2020 and resulted in Ferrositi making its first investment in Doosan machine tool technology, and coincidentally its first mill-turn machine acquisition.
Explains Nick Furno:
“The Doosan SMX 2600S complements our existing machine tool portfolio.
“Both Doosan and Mills CNC have good reputations in the market and, when I was informed that a mill-turn machine was viable immediately (from Mills CNC stock) at a good, competitive price…I was interested.”
Having seen the SMX 2600S at Mills CNC’s Technology Campus facility in Leamington the decision to purchase the machine was made.
Concludes Nick Furno:
“We have had the machine for about four weeks and, during this quieter-than-normal period, are spending time familiarising ourselves with its operations, functionality and its latest Fanuc control.
“Already we can see, and appreciate, that the machine is powerful, fast, flexible and accurate. We are particularly impressed with its rigidity, ergonomic design and thermal stability.
“Using a single set-up, the SMX is capable of performing multi machining processes. As a consequence this means we can reduce production bottlenecks and limit stop-start operations.
“The SMX will help us consolidate and grow our position in existing supply chains and sectors, as well as helping us to spearhead our move into new sectors and industries – i.e. machining components for the food processing and medical sectors.”