The Altec Engineering Group (www.alteceng.co.uk) has invested heavily in new multi-axis machine tool technology for its Durham facility in recent times, and the latest arrival is a Mazak Variaxis 1-700 featuring the new Smooth X control system.

This trunnion-style simultaneous five-axis machining centre has improved surface-speed interpolation, seamless corner control to limit vibration and ‘intelligent’ pocket milling; it offers accurate processing of parts with complex profiled surfaces in a single set-up. The two-pallet changer allows off-cycle unloading and loading of parts.

Since the installation of this machine a few months ago, Altec has ordered another five-axis Mazak machine: a VTC800/30SR.

Due to be delivered at the end of September, this should be installed in October and fully operational in November, helping Altec’s production planners to cope with the group’s expanding order book.

Business development director Paul Lackenby says: “The multi-axis capability we have developed at our Durham facility ranges in size from large-bed machines to multi-pallet systems with in-process probing.

“Our large-bed machines incorporate high-pressure coolant for high-speed machining, and this feature also allows us to bring certain deep-hole features in-house, making Altec a very viable and competitive machining partner in the market-place.”