Investment in two Quaser MV184 machining centres is supplementing a mix of experience and skills at high-precision sub-contract engineers Fairbrother & Grimshaw (Engineering) Ltd (F&G).

Located in a restored mill house in the Cherry Tree district of Blackburn, F&G offers a blend of traditional engineering expertise with the latest CNC machining technologies, delivered by the two new Quaser three- axis VMCs from Wellesbourne-based Engineering Technology Group (www.engtechgroup.com) — along with an array of Bridgeport machining centres.

The company’s customers, many of which it has worked with for a number of years, come from industry sectors ranging from wall coverings and automotive to plastics and food. Typically, when they make contact, they are looking to solve a production issue, so understanding what they hope to achieve is important for both parties.

Managing director Neil Grimshaw and his fellow director David Fairbrother each have over 30 years’ experience in specialist engineering and sub-contracting, and they always endeavour to develop a suitable solution,
often to very tight deadlines.

Explaining F&G’s approach to business, Mr Grimshaw says: “This area of Lancashire is steeped in engineering. We set out our stall as high-end sub-contractors, but we do a lot of project engineering; customers often turn up with a component saying ‘it doesn’t work very well’ or ‘we need one of these, but better.’ Quality is always an issue with us, because we only have one standard — the very best. That’s why we have never stinted on purchasing high-end machine tools, such as our latest two Quasers, which are proving to be ‘top drawer’.”

The Quaser MV184 EH is a three-axis VMC that comes highly specified. This was an attraction to F&G because, as Mr Grimshaw explains: “You can buy cheaper, but by the time you’ve added all the extras, it often ends up costing more. These machines arrived with pretty much everything we need, and they feature Heidenhain controls, which our operators are very familiar with.

“The only added extra was the purchase of a Nikken fourth axis, which is easily removable and can be used on both machines. It gives additional capability, which is always useful.”

Quaser MV1-series machines offer fast linear movements and acceleration, along with a 12,000rev/min 40-taper spindle. They also feature large X- and Y-axis travels (1,020 and 610mm respectively) and benefit from Big-Plus spindle technology; this offers face-and-taper contact and a grease-replenishing system. High-pressure through-spindle coolant is a standard feature.

Mr Grimshaw can cite many unusual projects requiring novel solutions. “A chap walked into our factory with an ancient rosewood roller from a wallpaper-printing machine. He had no brief or drawing, but he wanted a new roller quickly. We created a new version of it in stainless steel, and it worked perfectly.

“When he later wanted to print wallpaper wider than the traditional 21in, we suggested how he could modify the printing machine while keeping the original cast-iron side plates; we supplied all the longer precision rollers to suit the wider paper. We also do a lot of work in the food industry; again, we often have to be quite creative."

A pie producer wanted a machine modified so that it could create a crimped effect on the top of pies. Another project involved modifying a dough mould that simply did not extrude properly. Again, we were able to solve the problem.”

In conclusion, Mr Grimshaw says: “We always try to machine from solid, because it makes for a better end product. Castings and customer-supplied materials can result in inefficient machining processes, because of problems with clamping and access. It means a compromise on quality, and we won’t do that.”