Latest generation sliding head CNC automatic lathe will be a subcontractor's first step to expand its fast response high precision production service into the small part turn/mill sector.

The decision by specialist contract machinist High-Tech Engineering to purchase the latest generation Citizen L20-VIII from NC Engineering of Watford will be the company's first step to expand its fast response high precision production service into the small part turn/mill sector. Says Steve Tickner, managing director of the Dunstable-based company: 'We have built up an excellent reputation in the autosport, electronics, aerospace and defence sectors for high speed machining and up to five-axis milling which is 90 per cent of our turnover'. 'However, we have a new aerospace contract which is ideal for sliding head autos and we can now foresee good opportunities to provide the same level of service in automated turn/milling of parts up to 20mm diameter.' The family owned business formed in 1985 employs 20 people which include Tickner's two sons and has been progressively developing processes towards single operation and 'lights-out' machining by adopting automation as far as possible to improve competitiveness.

The company runs around the clock to maximise machine utilisation at the purpose-built premises at Houghton Regis which portrays the high technology image that has proven to be so successful in its sectors of operation.

The Citizen L20, with subspindle, up to 21 tools of which nine are driven, was launched in the summer of 2005 and drew immediate acclaim for its high speed processing and substantially reduced idle and non-cutting time.

This development created cycle time savings of up to 30% on the previous generation of machine and this capability drew Tickner to make the decision to purchase helped by the quick and positive response of NC Engineering to take on board what was required and provide advice, help and time studies.

The machine was also ordered with a long parts adapter enabling components up to 400mm long to be machined, an outfeed work conveyor and barfeed package to enable unattended running and provide fully automated single-cycle machining processes on materials as diverse as stainless steel, brass, phosphor bronze and titanium alloys.

Tickner maintains: 'Our business has grown on our ability to respond to customers and if we do not deliver we will get very little repeat contracts'.

'This machine will extend our capability into smaller components and increase our earnings potential'.