Inca Geometric adds more machining capacity with Eagle vertical machining centre

The decision on what type/model of vertical machining centre was finalised by setter/operator preference for the features and programming simplicity of Heidenhain's iTNC 530 control against other comparable suppliers. As a result of the increased spindle capacity the new machine will create, Inca is also recruiting additional skilled machinists at the Chartham near Canterbury facility. "To accommodate the terrific variance of work we experience, we have to be ready to respond quickly and the level of familiarity we have with Heidenhain against other machine controls considerably speeds our setting and changeovers, while reducing the chances of error," explained managing director Mike Cain. The Eagle 1500 VMC has a 1,525 mm stroke in X and 635 mm in both Y and Z axes, while table size is 1,650 by 570 mm. The 18 kW, 10,000 rpm spindle is serviced by a 24 tool magazine and Inca also ordered the fourth-axis option. The Eagle follows investment in machine tools of some £500,000 over the last 18 months and the company says that further machine and software purchases are in the budget for later this year.