The University College of London’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering department has been ranked as a UK leader in terms of research output within its discipline. Supporting that success is a workshop that designs and manufactures a
diverse range of experimental components, from a variety of materials, for projects as wide-ranging as nano- technology and telecoms — plus a recent project that will see components placed thousands of feet beneath the Antarctic ice sheet.
To produce these parts, the workshop made use of a number of machine tools, including an XYZ SMX 2000 ProtoTrak mill and an XYZ SLX1630 ProTurn lathe. These ProtoTrak-controlled machines from Burlescombe-based XYZ Machine Tools (
www.xyzmachinetools.com) proved well suited to the varied work that was being asked of the workshop, as no two jobs were the same.
Workshop technician Tom Hamer said: “The simplicity of the control was perfect for us, when we purchased the XYZ machines four years ago. We had no CAD/CAM capability in the workshop at that time, so being able to use ProtoTrak to produce relatively complex parts was a great step forward. We were soon being asked to produce parts of ever greater complexity and recognised that we needed the capability offered by a vertical machining centre.”
However, wanting this VMC capability and getting it were two separate things. When the university’s workshop was built, it was located on the sixth floor of the building; moreover, it was already close to capacity in terms of floor space.
Portable VMC
Mr Hamer says: “When the workshop was built, the planners had the foresight to put in a 700mm-thick concrete floor, so loading didn’t present a problem, but getting a machine in there did.” The answer came in the form of an XYZ
2-OP portable vertical machining centre, which has a footprint of 775 x 1,380mm, so there was no problem finding space for it in the workshop; and while its overall height of 2,520mm precluded it from fitting in the lift and passing through various doors, XYZ’s installation team removed the machine’s spindle motor and other external parts. This allowed the machine to be manoeuvred into the workshop; and once re-assembled, it was soon in production.
CAD/CAM technician John Langdon said: “One of the reasons for choosing the 2-OP was the greater speed it gave us. The 6,000rev/min spindle, combined with an eight-position tool-changer, has allowed us to achieve major improvements in productivity. We are also making full use of the Jergens Ball Lock system on the machine table, which allows us to quickly position vices with a guaranteed datum. This system provides a simple and speedy method of accurately locating work and fixtures on the machine table, with change-over times often less than 60sec.”
Although the 2-OP has a relatively small footprint, it has a generous work envelope of 355 x 305 x 455mm and a table load capacity of 250kg, which is more than sufficient for UCL’s requirements, (components typically fit within
a 150mm cube). The 2-OP, like UCL’s existing mill and lathe, is equipped with a ProtoTrak control — in this case, the TMX variant. This features the same easy-to-use programming language as other ProtoTrak systems, but it can accept G-code programs generated by the workshop’s CAD/CAM system.
Mr Hamer says: “Our experience with ProtoTrak on the two previous XYZ machines was very positive and helped with the decision to purchase the 2-OP. The arrival of John Langdon with his CAD/CAM experience means we can use the machine’s G-code capability alongside its ProtoTrak system and easily produce any complex forms that may be required. Overall, the 2-OP has delivered exactly what we wanted.”
XYZ’s managing director, Nigel Atherton, says the machine installations at UCL’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering department are another example of how the company works closely with educational establishments.
“Over 200 schools, training centres and universities in the UK have XYZ machines installed, with many of them becoming Educational Partners of ours.
“These partnerships give greater access to training at any of XYZ’s technical centres for lecturers and technicians, full telephone support and the opportunity to attend Educational Open Days.
“Added to this are the special pricing arrangements for recognised UK universities, colleges, training establishments, schools or research centres, which make XYZ machines and associated equipment more affordable.”