Hurco delivers productivity gains for subcontractor

The re-emergence of the subcontractor commenced with the introduction of new management, employee training and a lean manufacturing philosophy. These building blocks have been supported with new sales and marketing structure that can now promote the capabilities provided by the subcontractor's latest asset, a 5-axis machining centre from Hurco. The company already has nine Hurco machining centres purchased over a period of 20 years. BAW Precision's operations manager Andrew Hoseasons explains: "The new ownership and internal developments at BAW have delivered an influx of new business, and despite already having 3+2 axis set-ups on our existing machines, we acknowledged that we needed full simultaneous 5-axis capability to drive the company forward. We have identified a need in the marketplace and the new Hurco will be our first step to filling this gap in the market." Richard Gunn, group engineering development manager of RG Tooling, BAW's development arm, highlighted the impact of the Hurco VMX30U with its integrated trunnion table. "At present we are machining toolholders for sister company Eurogrind, a manufacturer of standard and bespoke milling and turning toolholders. The simultaneous 5-axis machining has already slashed production times. "Previously, our square shank toolholders underwent three individual set-ups that took 10 minutes each. Added to the set-up times were three machining cycles of 15 minutes each, resulting in a complete part time of 75 minutes per toolholder. Now, the new VMX30U only requires a single ten minute set-up and one 15 minute machining cycle." BAW has realised a time saving of 50 minutes. The company initially expected the VMX30U to deliver productivity gains of 25%, however this one job has delivered a saving surpassing 60%. Mr Hoseason concludes: "This acquisition has enabled BAW to expand its target markets. When we promoted our extended capabilities and new machine at the recent Southern Manufacturing Exhibition, we had a major success winning over 15 new customers and significant orders in the process." Already boasting marquee customers such as Biomet, The Royal Mint, Honda, Continental Teves, Walkers Foods, Borg Warner and Bosch, the diverse customer base sees BAW work include the medical, aerospace, automotive, power generation and hydraulic sectors.