Rotherham-based Newburgh Precision — a world leader in the contract manufacture of high-specification project-critical component parts and assemblies — has invested in a new KAFO KMC-4140 double-column CNC machining centre with automatic head-changing capability.

This machine was purchased from sole UK agent TDT Technology (www.tdt-technology.co.uk) to produce high-value components for the defence industry.

Newburgh Precision’s components and assemblies are benchmarked against the best in the world and distributed globally to customers in all major industrial sectors, including defence, aerospace, rail, oil and gas, and power generation. For this reason, the company is quality-assured to AS 9100/BS EN ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.

Managing director David Greenan says: “We recently secured a long-term defence contract for large stainless-steel components and needed extra capacity. We began producing the parts on an existing bed mill, but that machine already had a busy workload and it was apparent we needed a new resource.”

Assessing the various options on-line, Newburgh Precision shortlisted two machines, including the KAFO KMC-4140, which met the company’s requirements of size, capability, build quality and price.

“As luck would have it, we were aware of a company in France that had both of the machines on our list,” says Mr Greenan.

“One of our team paid them a visit and discovered they had a preference for the KAFO. In my opinion, you cannot beat personal recommendation when you are making significant capital investments.”

The KMC-4140 is a double-column 50-taper machine with a work envelope of 4,100 x 4,000 x 1,100mm. A thermal-symmetric box design base with high static and dynamic stiffness is among its notable features.

This helps to ensure accuracy and superior quality during heavy cutting operations, while extending tool life.

“To be honest, the KAFO is not the most expensive machine in the world, but its build quality — in terms of strength and rigidity — belies its price tag,” says Mr Greenan.

“This is good news for us, because the free-issue material for the stainless-steel defence part carries a value of £80,000 per workpiece. As a result, high build quality is paramount in ensuring precision and repeatability.”