Geneva-based Société d’Instruments de Précision (SIP), a Starrag Group company, is currently assembling a series of jig boring machines destined for installation at a number of customers active in the aerospace industry.

The five machines – comprising a four-axis horizontal model and the remainder three- and five-axis vertical designs – are scheduled for installation and commissioning during the second half of 2021.

These SIP machines will be used to produce a range of different workpieces including gearboxes, structural components and satellite guidance systems and have been selected by customers because of their ability to consistently produce ultra high-precision, ‘right first time’ components over many years, with no material wastage – even after re-setting to suit different/redesigned workpieces.

The machines’ robust build qualities and performance specifications will ensure these demands are met. Based on a closed rigid frame supported on three points, the machines’ extreme levels of high accuracy – in some cases positioning repeatability is quoted as close to 1µm — is supported by SIP’s renowned hand scraping of features such as machine bases, linear guideways and spindle heads.

The quartet of vertical machines under construction will be able to accommodate workpieces weighing from 2,500 to 4,000kgs, and have clamping surfaces from 1,200 x 900mm to 1,700 x 1,200mm. The horizontal machine will handle components weighing up to 4,000kgs on a clamping surface of 1,200 x 1,200mm.

In all cases, the standard spindle rating is 6,000rev/min, but optional 8,000rev/min spindles are available. All of the vertical models have automatic tool changers and two have high-pressure through-coolant.

SIP sales manager Adriano Della Vecchia said: “Underpinned by the SIP mantra of ‘Precision without compromise’, several thousand SIP machines are in operation globally, among them a SIP 600 model from 1963.

“SIP enjoys a world-wide reputation in ultra high-precision jig boring, not only in the niche markets of aerospace and aircraft industries, but also in the transportation and energy sectors in territories that include China, India, USA and Europe.”