Metaltech

Subcontractor Metaltech Precision used to machine a family of six 19 mm diameter parts from Swedish iron bar on one of its 20 fixed-head lathes for a customer in the railway industry. In 2006, when production volumes suddenly doubled, director Steve Hill bought a Star SV-32 sliding-head lathe which produces them in half the time.

The saving is achieved even though only turning is required of the outside diameter, there being no prismatic element to the machining. The time saving comes from higher speed cutting on the Star and the ability of its counter spindle to face the reverse end of the component in-cycle after parting-off, saving a second set-up.

Star Micronics supplied a turnkey package that included a JBS compensating guide bush, which self-
adjusts its pneumatic grippers continuously to allow for the relatively wide variation in the diameter of Swedish iron bar.

High-pressure coolant delivery was supplied, which prolongs the life of the carbide tooling that Metaltech generally uses and allows deep hole drilling. Programs and tooling were also included in the package, as well as automatic fire suppression, which is now standard on all Star lathes.

Having the sliding-head lathe on site soon generated new business, as Mr Hill was able to go out and sell the capacity, knowing that the second shift was available. He won a major contract to mill-turn a Hitenspeed 45A carbon steel shaft for an automotive customer. Volumes were so large, however, that he decided to invest in a second Star SV-32.

“We turn bearing journals to 0.8 µm on the Star the previous supplier had to grind them”

 

 

Steve Hill - Director

Metaltech Precision