BGT Automatics

 Aldershot subcontractor BGT Automatics is another good example of a precision turned parts manufacturer that is graduating from cam automatics to CNC turning, predominantly by investing in sliding-headstock, multi-axis CNC lathes from Star Micronics GB.

In 2007, BGT increased the number of Star machines on its shop floor by 30 per cent following the installation of two new Star mill-turn centres. One is an SR-20RII with extensive facilities for driven tool work, while the other is an even more capable SV-32 that extends the subcontractor’s sliding-head capacity to 32 mm.

At the same time, the larger sliding-head lathe bridged the gap between the smaller machines and a fixed-head CNC turning centre on site, which produces parts up to 52 mm diameter.

Carol Naismith, a second-generation manager of the family-run company, said:

“With our additional lathes and the more even spread of maximum bar sizes that they accommodate, we are able to offer a more comprehensive service to OEMs and first-tier subcontractors.

“We took over BGT Automatics in the early 1980s and shortly afterwards bought the first Star CNC lathe. It was a JNC-16 and is still running today, so we have stayed with the same supplier ever since.”

“We find the Stars fast to set and program, so they are back in production quickly for the next batch run. This is important to us, as machine downtime would eat into our profits.”

 

"Our first slider, a Star JNC-16, is still running 24/7 after more than 25 years"