Subcontractor Pushes 5-axis to the MAXX With hyperMILL®
Beechwood Engineering Ltd | Poulton-le-Fylde, United Kingdom
The success of Beechwood Engineering has been based on its decision to invest in advanced machine tool technology that has been complemented by the latest machine tool and CAM software systems.
Established in 1977, Beechwood Engineering started trading in a small unit near Blackpool and its rapid expansion noted a subsequent move to a purpose built factory in Poulton-le-Fylde. As Beechwood Director, Mr Stewart Churchill recalls: “Our first investment in CNC machine tools were Bridgeport Interacts with Heidenhain controllers back in 1984. However, we noted the increased demand for complex components and the potential that a 5-axis CNC machining centre would provide. We realised that we could, not only improve our productivity with current customers but also move into new market sectors.“
The turning point for Beechwood was the decision to invest in its first five-axis machine tool back in 2007, a DMG DMU 80 MonoBlock.
“With hyperMILL® MAXX Machining we increase the speeds and feed significantly and utilise a far deeper cut than we would using traditional step-over techniques.“
Andy Whitney, Senior Programmer
Maximise the potential of investment
As Mr Churchill continued “What we didn’t want to do was invest in a new five axis machine and drive it in much the same way that we had been driving other machine tools. We looked at a wide range of suppliers and settled on the speed, power and flexibility offered by the DMG. We also realised that we needed to enhance our programming facilities to ensure that we maximised the potential of our new investment. After looking at a range of products on the market, we decided to go with the recommendations of the machine tool supplier and we installed hyperMILL® supplied by OPEN MIND Technologies.”
Maintain the position as a technology leader
As Mr Churchill concluded “Our investments in two new Bridgeport five-axis machine tools together with the DMG machine are all controlled by hyperMILL® and the roughing module. This will help maintain our position as a technology leader capable of delivering quality products and services to the most demanding of applications to customers throughout the UK.“
Gallery
Multi-axis machining at Beechwood with hyperMILL® from OPEN MIND
Customer Story
Beechwood Engineering Ltd
Poulton-le-Fylde, UK