Aerospace Machinist Invests 1 Million in 5-Axis Milling

Weston EU Limited, a tier one supplier principally to the aerospace sector, purchased three German-built Hermle machining centres during 2005 from UK agent, Geo Kingsbury, and ordered three more at the end of last year. Valued at nearly 1 million for the six machines, the latest installations will increase to 27 the number of 5-axis machining centres installed at Weston EU's manufacturing facility near Colne, Lancashire, two thirds of them being from Hermle.

"The Hermle machines are housed in a single factory unit devoted to producing precision parts from titanium- and nickel-based alloys. We continue to buy these machines owing to their quality, reliability and production efficiency combined with good service back-up from Geo Kingsbury."

One of the leading European suppliers of complex engine and airframe components to such well known names as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Smiths Aerospace and Goodrich, Weston EU is more than a subcontractor, developing close, long-term business relationships with its customers, often involving life of programme agreements. Another specialism involving 5-axis machining is compressor blade and vane manufacture for power generation.

The three Hermle machines installed in 2005 were added to satisfy increasing demand for complex components for the aerospace industry, which is forecast to grow by six per cent year on year for the next decade. Two of the machines were C600Us while the other was a C40U with twin 280 mm diameter tables and Erowa fixturing for quick set-up. The three latest machines, due for installation early in 2006, are all C600U models.

Mark Holland, Commercial Sales and Marketing Director at Weston EU, commented, "The Hermle machines are housed in a single factory unit devoted to producing precision parts from titanium- and nickel-based alloys. We continue to buy these machines owing to their quality, reliability and production efficiency combined with good service back-up from Geo Kingsbury."

Weston EU is a privately owned company employing 260 and serving mainly the civil aircraft sector, although some military aircraft work is also undertaken. Emphasis is on top quality and prompt delivery, which the Hermle machines help to underpin.

The latest development by the company is the establishment of a facility in Thailand, due to open in February 2006, which will be dedicated to the manufacture of components for the aircraft interiors market.

Five-axis machining of an aircraft engine component on one of the Hermle C600U 5-axis machining centres installed during 2005 at Weston Electric Units' factory near Colne.