The cost-effectiveness, build quality and technical specification of a Union TC 110 horizontal borer were the main selection criteria used by CTL Engineering of Stockport.
The cost-effectiveness, build quality and technical specification of a Union TC 110 horizontal borer were the main selection criteria used by CTL Engineering of Stockport when it needed to expand its machining capacity. With an already impressive portfolio of large- and medium-capacity CNC vertical and horizontal borers and machining centres, managing director Ian Booth identified the need for a mid-range horizontal borer to accommodate an increasing order book for medium-sized workpieces. 'We looked at three different options,' he says, 'and, on paper, the Union scored 10/10 in every department.

When we subsequently inspected the shortlisted machines, the Union outshone the rest.

'It clearly reflected modern design and build principles - featuring linear ways and high (15,000mm/min) rapid traverse rates, for example - as well as being operator friendly in terms of both control technology (Heidenhain TNC 430M) and easy access.' 'We couldn't fault the machine - in fact, we saw advantages in every aspect of it!' In addition, CTL's purchase decision was swayed by Ward's impressive service and back-up record, of which CTL has experience since a secondhand vertical borer from the Ward Retrofit division is already in use.

The final clincher, adds Ian Booth, was after visiting Union's new manufacturing plant in Chemnitz, Germany.

'We were very impressed,' he says.

With X, Y and Z axes of 2000mm by 1600mm by 1500mm, the Union TC 110 CNC horizontal table-type boring and milling machine is scheduled for delivery at CTL this month.

It has a W axis (spindle stroke) of 550mm and a B axis (rotary table) that can be indexed in 360,000 positions.

It is powered by a 22kW main motor and features infinitely variable speeds of 8 to 4,000 revs/min and axis feed rates of 5 to 15,000mm/min.

Family-owned CTL Engineering was established over 45 years ago, initially as a general sub-contractor and manufacturer of jigs and fixtures.

In more recent years it has expanded into the oil sector, producing a range of subsea and exploration components, as well as into the scientific, aerospace, defence and transport markets producing items such as mass spectrometers, undercarriage components, underwater systems and train couplers.