Rotherham-based SA Flanges has invested in a new Hyundai-Wia lathe so that it can work “to fine tolerances”(www.saflanges.co.uk).

Joint owner Peter Draper said: “By upgrading our turning technology with the two-axis L300C lathe, we can now produce a wide range of flanges of different types and sizes in a variety of materials — including stainless steel, super duplex hastelloy and monel, as well as carbon and mild steel — to much better tolerances than before.

“We’re using the machine to its full capacity in terms of component size — it can handle bar of 90mm and has a maximum turning length and diameter of 720mm and 560mm respectively — and it’s been a great investment.”

SA Flanges has a comprehensive port-folio of machining technology for its flange work, as well as for a host of general machining contracts. This includes a pair of Hartford vertical machining centres which, like the Hyundai-Wia, were supplied by TW Ward CNC Machinery (www.wardcnc.com).

The L300C has a 26kW motor (producing a maximum spindle speed of 3,000rev/ min) and traverse rates of 20m/min in the X axis and 24m/min in Z, but these attributes were not the only justification for its purchase, according to Mr Draper.

“We’re very tight on space here, so its compactness was another prime consideration. The machine has a footprint of just 3.5 x 2m, which is ideal for us — and it was available at a cost-effective price.”