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Hi-Spec Precision Engineering install large capacity centre lathe   12 January 2011 Following an "eye opening" visit to the Mach 2010 Show, at the NEC in Birmingham, Hi-Spec Precision Engineering have just installed a new large capacity centre lathe to replace an aging machine on their shop floor. Darren Grainger of Hi-Spec Precision Engineering comments "We initially visited the Mach show with the aim of seeing the alternative CNC technologies which were available with a view to a longer term investment. After a visit to the Excel Machine Tools stand and a look at the products on offer I was surprised at how competitive a new centre lathe was, and knowing the problems caused by an aging lathe, bought when I started the business, a new lathe was a very attractive possibility. Although the majority of our production is through our CNC machines the manual machining section is still a very important part of our business, allowing us to offer a complete range of services to our customers in terms of component size, complexity and quantity" Following the show, and during discussions with Excel Machine Tools, a larger capacity lathe, than that seen at the show, was selected to ensure the widest range of work could be covered. As Hi-Spec Precision complete such a varied range of components ranging from small hydraulic poppet’s measuring 5mm diameter by 5mm long to shafts for rock crushers, which can be up to 180mm diameter by 1500mm long, the larger capacity machine ensured more longevity from this investment. Due to a vast influx in work between June 2010 and September 2010 installation plans for the new machine had to re-arranged several times. Mr Grainger comments "Despite having to move the delivery of the machine back several times, and at short notice, Excel were very helpful and understanding and when the machine was delivered Excel also helped move some existing machinery from our premises to allow the new machine to fit in where required" The D660 lathe has a between centres distance of 2000mm and can swing up to 660mm diameter over the bed, 900mm x 250mm long if the gap piece is removed. The machine was supplied 'fully tooled' with 400mm diameter 4 jaw chuck, 450mm diameter face plate, travelling steady and fixed steady which can accommodate up to 220mm diameter. The large 105mm diameter spindle bore combined with the machines bed length will enable Hi-Spec Precision to undertake larger work than previously possible. Mr Grainger also comments "The first job on the new machine was a small pusher for an antique watch. I was initially worried about the sensitivity of the tail stock when drilling a 0.8mm dia hole through the part for a M1 thread but was very pleased that the tailstock can have its sensitivity adjusted simply by selecting an alternative ratio directly at the tail stock, this made drilling such a small hole effortless with no worry of the drill breaking. So far I am very happy with both the machine and the service received from Excel Machine Tools and look forward to working with them as our other manual machinery is modernised"

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