Subcontractor Moves Into 5-Axis Machining

Chelmsford-based contract machinist and mould tool maker, EDS Engineering, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has purchased a Hermle 5-axis machining centre from Geo Kingsbury to supplement 20 or so 3- and 4-axis models from other suppliers. The company's CNC plant also includes a multi-axis mill-turn centre.

To be installed in October 2007, the Hermle C 20 U will be used for small batch (1- to 300-off) production of high precision parts for the aerospace, defence and motorsport industries in particular.

Stuart Clarke, managing director of EDS Engineering, commented, "We want to take advantage of one-hit machining on the Hermle, not only to increase productivity when machining complex components, but also to improve accuracy by eliminating the need to reset the part for subsequent operations.

"We will also benefit from unattended machining overnight, although we do not intend to use automated component load / unload options."

Six machines capable of fully interpolative 5-axis work were considered. Mr Clarke said that he opted for the C 20 U owing to its rigid construction, ease of access to the working area, and compact spindle that minimises interference during complex cycles on small components. In addition, he spoke with a number of firms that were impressed with the performance and reliability of their 5-axis Hermle machines.