Company's first move into CNC machining sees XYZ LPM provide the solution

Originally started up to supply window manufacturers and shopfitters, it was a global manufacturer of motorised and manual curtains and blind systems for the high end contract and retail markets that prompted a first significant change of direction. This customer's products are all made to measure, and the requirement for a wide variety of profiled aluminium encouraged Spa Aluminium to become involved in design and to hold profiled stock for bespoke customers. However, it was another customer making kitchen furniture that prompted the recent move into CNC machining and the installation of the LPM. The LPM is XYZ's first ProtoTRAK-equipped machine to be fitted with an automatic tool changer, which holds up to 16 tools. This is allied to plain English CNC programming commands, a novel machine set-up dialogue approach and zero-point style workholding system that all combine to make the machine ideally suited to repeat, small batch manufacture via its short set-up times. (See full feature plus video here). Explains Richard Godbolt, Spa Aluminium's operations director. "We were supplying this customer with aluminium extrusions in various profiles, but the caps that join the lengths together were being provided by someone else. We thought we could make these parts at a more competitive price, while also eliminating the customer's problems with late deliveries. Adding a machining capability would also enable Spa Aluminium to target the architectural market, especially as we are the only UK stockholder with an on-site anodising, polishing and finishing facility. Stock up to 8 m long can be anodised and we also offer other options ranging from polyester powder coating to a stainless steel effect finish." Armed with a cost justification, the company looked for a machine tool company that could provide a complete turnkey service, with the focus on training and application advice. "We opted for XYZ Machine Tools, and several months down the track, we are successfully machining components for a number of customers," says Mr Godbolt. "It has been a steep learning curve, but we now have four people able to operate what is pretty much a self-contained automated production process and we can tweak designs as required. Best of all, we can machine parts in a very cost-effective way, not least because there are no additional transport or environmental costs involved."