Hampshire-based Innova Design & Build has invested in a new Mikron HPM 450U five-axis machine plus a System 3R WorkPartner 1+ robot from GF Machining Solutions (www.gfms.com/uk).

Having bought its first five-axis machining centre seven years ago, followed by a Mikron five-axis machine with integrated workpiece pallet change capability in October 2013, this precision sub-contract specialist has already demonstrated its positive attitude to investing in the latest advanced manufacturing technologies.

Innova makes complex high-precision parts for the aerospace, marine, rail, space and electronics sectors from a variety of materials, and its work is characterised by short production runs and short cycle times, with the emphasis on part quality and a quick turn-round.

Managing director Hugh Watson says: “There are 168hr in a week, and we know that a significant percentage of those hours can be ‘wasted’ performing non-profitable operations such as job set-ups.

Multi-axis machine tools and their ability to produce parts in one hit can clearly help the situation, while machines with integrated workpiece pallet changers also help to boost productivity. Even with this type of capability at one’s disposal, productivity is limited by the number of pallets and by the number of tools available
on a machine.”

The desire to make every hour as profitable as possible was a key factor in Innova’s latest investment. During the normal 8hr day shift, all efforts are directed at ensuring that the new HPM 450U can run unattended overnight and non-stop over the weekend.

The robot provides pallet storage and pallet change capability, and it can be configured to handle ‘light’ and/or ‘heavy’ pallet magazines.