East Sussex-based UHV Design, a 50-employee manufacturer of precision components that help universities and Government laboratories to undertake ‘ground-breaking’ experiments, has achieved a boost in productivity after tapping into the expertise of Hyfore Workholding Ltd (www.hyfore.com), which supplied a dedicated tooling system for its new five-axis Quaser MF500UH.

Working closely together, the two companies identified a £30,000 package from the Taiwanese CNC tooling systems manufacturer Acrow, which Hyfore represents in the UK.

This package — to be used exclusively on the Quaser machine — provides the control, flexibility and speed required to cope with increasing volumes in UHV’s machining shop.

It is focused on interchangeable NR collets, which tend to be smaller in diameter than ‘similar’ collets, while offering improved tool life and the ability to “move freely around in tight spaces.

David Heward, machine shop manager at UHV (which is part of AIM-listed Judges Scientific), said: “A lot of what we make is bespoke and has to work in an ultra-high-vacuum environment, while providing reliable motion and manipulation.

“Typically, these components will end up in scientific experiments like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.

“We have grown by 15% over the last 12 months alone, and work in the pipeline was rich with opportunities that necessitated investing in new technology and purchasing our first five-axis machine, which we bought from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

“The Quaser MF500UH has a 15,000rev/min ‘face and taper’ spindle and a 48-station carousel that can store 80% of the tools we use in the one machine — allowing us to minimise both change-over times and secondary operations.

“However, to make the most of the machine, we needed to find the right tooling system, and that is where Hyfore helped — by looking at the components we were planning to machine, then identifying the 30-strong tooling system that best suited our needs.”

Hyfore’s Oli Riley said: “This is the largest single order placed for an Acrow package to date and reinforces its popularity with machinists in the UK.

“We have seen a 20% increase in this type of tooling technology, and it is not difficult to see why, when you consider the control, quality, durability and aesthetic finish that it delivers time and time again.

“It’s a perfect fit for the five-axis Quaser.

“Moreover, this UHV project shows how we can work with specialist manufacturers to understand their production challenges and come up with flexible solutions.

“This is just the start of a relationship that will hopefully grow in line with the client’s own expansion plans.”

The core Acrow range comprises specialist NR, HC and CH (milling) tool-holders that have been designed for high-speed precision-manufacturing applications.

Hyfore is currently working with Acrow on stocking a range of new products, including boring systems.