A six-axis table-type horizontal boring and milling machining centre is not only maintaining, but also enhancing a subcontractor's reputation as a leading supplier of precision machined products.
A six-axis table-type Union TC 110 horizontal boring and milling machining centre supplied by Ward CNC is playing a key role in not only maintaining, but also enhancing Beaufort Engineering's reputation as a leading supplier of precision machined products to the aerospace industry. With the sixth axis being provided by an NC rotary table, the TC 110 was selected by Beaufort's manufacturing manager, Steve Scotney, 'because nothing else could match the machine in terms of specification and price'. Nottinghamshire-based Beaufort Engineering specialises in the provision of engine and landing gear parts for first-tier aerospace companies, and the Union complements an array of other CNC machines - including a Ward CNC-supplied Kia KH63G horizontal machining centre.

These process a mix of aluminium and exotic materials including titaniums, nimonics, Jetheat and 300M aerospace steels.

The company is also a specialist single-source supplier of ready-to-line workpieces, utilising a range of finishing processes such as etching and alocroming as well as non-destructive testing.

With X, Y and Z axes of 1500mm by 1250mm by 1000mm, the TC 110 has a W axis (spindle stroke) of 550mm and a B axis table rotation of 360,000 positions.

It also features a 60-tool automatic toolchanger and Fanuc 16iM CNC.

'In particular,' adds Steve Scotney, 'the W axis is of great benefit in terms of allowing us to use shorter length tools, which therefore makes it easier Powered by a 22kW main motor, the machine features infinitely variable speeds of 8 to 4,000 revs/min and a torque of 2,000 Nm.

Feed rates for X, Y, Z and W axes are 5 to 15,000mm/min, while table rotation is 3 revs/min.

The 1000mm by 1250mm table can accommodate loads of 6,000kg.

All Union machines are constructed with heavily-ribbed beds featuring backlash-free compact roller guides of the table saddle and column infeed motion for precise, stick-slip free motion.

The column assembly is of rigid box-type cast iron construction, again with precisely machined faces for the preloaded, compact roller guides.

Of solid cast iron construction, the headstock accommodates a high-precision main spindle system by means of preloaded spindle bearings with lifetime lubrication.

Boasting hardened and ground gears for automatic speed range changes, the gearbox is thermally stabilised.