Following machining demonstrations a prototype, precision machinist and assembly specialist chose a machine tool based on its fast cycling and extremely quick programming system.
Following machining demonstrations at 600 Centre in Shepshed near Loughborough, prototype, precision component machinist and assembly specialist contract engineers HPC (Services) Ltd of Ilkeston, Derbyshire made the decision to purchase a Fanuc Robodrill Alpha T21iC due to its fast cycling and extremely quick programming and setting capability. Says Managing Director Paul Cobb: 'Our machining trials proved it to be even quicker to set the Robodrill and program it for a single part than we could ever achieve by machining them manually.' The machining centre package was ordered from 600 Centre following similar but less successful trials with competing vertical machining centre suppliers. 'They could not even come close to the flexibility, acceleration and high speed cycles of the Robodrill,' he said.

The package included a WDS MicroLoc vice system which will allow HPC to machine in particular 500mm by 300mm clamp plates it produces as well as a host of smaller parts.

The system ideally suits the Robodrill giving added flexibility for fast setting by providing quick and simple datum positioning.

This enables programming and machining of multiples of drilled and tapped holes or milling cycles to be carried out very quickly on a single part or a number of components at the same time.

HPC started trading in 1997 as a precision small part machinist using slide head CNC auto lathes.

It now employs 35 people, has both turning and machining centre production facilities creating sales in excess of GBP 3.5 million.

'We have always invested in higher quality machine tools and have six sliding head Citizen machines, a Nakamura mill/turn centre and some five vertical and horizontal machining centres.

Here the Robodrill fits ideally into the portfolio,' insists Paul Cobb.

The Robodrill Alpha T21 is compact, has a 21 tool capacity with 0.9 secs tool change and an 8,000 revs/min 3.7kW spindle.

Acceleration is 1.2G to maximum traverse rate of 54m/min through the latest 16 i MB control.