Precision die-caster installs first-in-UK technology to boost capability and capacity

The firm has dramatically increased capacity with the installation of the new Buhler Carat 130 cell, the first such system to be installed in the UK. Managing director Steve Gill explains: "This new investment sees Lupton & Place entering a more demanding marketplace; but one which can be capably serviced by the application of this state-of-the-art technology. "As a company, we are recognised for our die-casting solutions across a wide range of industries from electronics and hydraulics, to the defence sector, lighting and even well-known white goods. "Lupton & Place specialises particularly in automotive components for major international luxury car makers, and the new die-casting cell will allow us to service this sector even more efficiently. "The die-casting machine employs real-time, closed-loop control and is equipped with a Wollin die sprayer and a Westomat dosing furnace. The complete cell includes an ABB robot for casting extraction and a Tecnopres KPZ 40 trimming press; and a Pfeiffer Vacuum multi stage vacuum system for ensuring maximum casting integrity and quality. "The cell will produce parts in aluminium alloy AlMg5Si2Mn utilising multi-stage vacuum; resulting in high strength, high integrity components suitable for structural applications without the need for heat-treatment." Lupton & Place is a family-owned company that has been at the forefront of the industry for over a century. Already capable of producing over 2,000,000 pressure die-castings per year, with an extensive gravity casting foundry and CNC machine-shop, the new die-casting cell will increase the company's production capacity further.