The surface grinding machine Perfect PFG120-200AHD double column-type machine (1200 mm by 2000 mm maximum grinding surface), is one of the largest machines of its type sold by RK International Machine Tools in the UK.
Martin Baker, TMB Patterns managing director, says: “While concentrating on the metal-cutting side of our operation we had taken our eye off the pressure on our grinding section. The old machines we had were working 16 hours a day and are obviously an important element of our business. However, they were old and becoming less reliable so the time was right to invest in the latest technology.
He adds: “Our thermo-forming work tends to be seasonal, so we took the decision some time ago to maximise the skills we have available to us and the two areas of nuclear and aerospace were an ideal fit for our business and the people we have working here. By bringing in the Perfect grinding machine, we will improve productivity and be well placed to handle the increase in work that we are seeing from nuclear and aerospace customers. In addition, since the EU referendum we are also seeing increased activity in our export markets, which represents 20% of our turnover.”
The £182,000 Perfect grinding machine, ordered in September 2016, to be delivered in January 2017, was part funded with the aid of a grant provided by the South West Growth Fund, a grant programme funded by the government’s Regional Growth Fund and managed by Plymouth University in partnership with SWMAS.
Baker concludes: “With that, and the support provided by RK International, the whole process has been straightforward.”
TMB Patterns retains its toolmaking ethos with a dedication to quality and precision, it has Quality Management Systems covering ISO 9001:2008, OHSAS 18001:2007 and Environmental ISO 14001:2015 certification, which highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to improve systems and processes. In addition, TMB has also undergone Fit for Nuclear (F4N) accreditation.
