Long and Marshall installed a DMU50eV linear five-axis machining centre.

Four years ago, Havant-based precision subcontractor, Long and Marshall, purchased its first five-axis machining centre - a DMU70eV from DMG (UK). Such has been the machine's success in attracting new orders, particularly from the defence sector, that the ambitious company has just installed a DMU50eV linear, helping Long and Marshall further optimise manpower and grow its order book to unprecedented levels. Established over 30 years ago by the father of current managing director (Vincent Long), the company has evolved into a 43-employee concern.

Long and Marshall has been successful in developing its knowledge base and experience in providing machining solutions for complex and fine tolerance parts, particularly for the defence and aerospace industries.

In particular, the company specialises in the close tolerance production of complex components, often from exotic materials.

The move to full five-axis machining began in 2002 when Long and Marshall wanted to progress from its existing Japanese machining centre, which featured an added four/five-axis (turn and tilt) table.

'The industry sectors in which we operate were demanding more jobs to be completed in a single operation to ensure costs remained competitive,' explains Mr Long.

'We had a Japanese machine and approached our supplier to enquire about five-axis models, but the lead-time was too long'.

'We subsequently spoke to DMG and discovered what the DMU70eV could offer'.

'From that moment on we haven't looked back'.

Since then Long and Marshall has added to its DMG armoury, installing a Gildemeister Twin 65, a twin spindle, twin turret turning centre in 2003 and a Gildemeister CTX 410 universal CNC lathe in 2004.

However, over the past 18 months, the prismatic machining workload increased to a point where the company had to consider another five-axis machining centre'.

''While we looked at other machines we realised that buying another DMG would represent zero learning curve for our operators - we could also continue to use our existing fixtures,' says Mr Long.

In July 2006 Long and Marshall installed a DMU50eV linear five-axis machining centre.

It is already being used to machine a variety of parts, largely for the Ministry of Defence, such as ground handling equipment spares and various aircraft components.

Batch sizes range from 10-400 off with certain positional tolerances as tight as 0.02mm.

The company specified an increased tool capacity on its DMU 50eV linear, allowing it to run two jobs at the same time simply by alternating pallets.

'The new machine provides us with the ability to reduce the number of set-ups on even more jobs,' continues Mr Long.

'We have also optimised our manpower - just one operator oversees the two DMUeV machines'.

'The DMU50eV linear is a very capable and accurate machine and we have no hesitation in running it across our double-day shift from 06:00-22:00'.

Continual investment in the latest machining technology has ensured that Long and Marshall is now one of the premier CNC machining companies in the south of England.

The company has ISO 9001:2000 accreditation and applies lean manufacturing principles.

Further operational procedures such as supply chain management and business continuity planning are currently being rolled-out at the 2500 sq m site.

'We try to invest every year,' concludes Mr Long.

'For the past few years this has been focused on DMG technology, which has undoubtedly help attract new business - our customers certainly like to see high quality, modern machinery that helps us remain competitive'.