Aarestrup Vaerktoejs-og Maskinfabrik (AA-VM) — based in Stoevring, Denmark — can now machine large parts with very complex geometry quickly and accurately, thanks to a new five-axis FPT Dino machining centre programmed with Delcam’s PowerMill CAM system (www.delcam.com). Before installing the new machining centre, the company could only undertake three- and four-axis machining.

The 15-employee company develops, manufactures and optimises tools for punching and forming, plus moulds for injection moulding and blow moulding; it also makes special machines and spare parts for these. AA-VM’s CNC machinery includes six milling machines and one lathe, as well as two wire-cut EDM machines and two solid-sink EDM machines.

CEO Kenneth Andersen said:“We invested in the five-axis machine — together with PowerMill — because we have a number of customers in the food industry that need large and highly complex new parts and replacement parts, made to a very high quality.”

The machining centre, which is so large that AA-VM had to acquire a neighbouring property to make room for it, accommodates parts up to 3,000 x 1,600 x 800mm and offers five-axis simultaneous machining for the faster processing of high-precision complex geometries. With the introduction of the new machine, it was necessary for the company
to upgrade its existing CAM software, as the existing system could not handle really complex parts.

Mr Andersen says: “We looked at a number of CAM systems, but we rated PowerMill as the best solution. Furthermore, we like the fact that Delcam Denmark is local
to us and readily available to provide support and service; and if necessary, the local Delcam office can give us access to the experts at Delcam’s UK headquarters.”