The Liechti Go-Mill 350 five-axis machining centre from Coventry-based GF Machining Solutions (www.gfms.com/uk) has been designed to produce high-quality surface finishes on ‘challenging’ airfoil applications that include blisks, impellers and turbine blades.

Featuring a 6.4 x 4.3m footprint, this machine can be supplied with either a tailstock or a ‘double-end’ rotary configuration. Blades up to 350mm long can be accommodated.

The Go-Mill 350 features a 20,000rev/min spindle designed to produce ‘flawless surface quality on performance-critical aircraft components, such as that required on leading and trailing edges’. Also featured are a 30- or 60-tool ATC and a 16-position automatic part changer.

GFMS says Liechti is an acknowledged market leader with regard to five-axis machining solutions for the turbine industry, producing milling machines designed to reduce machining times by more than 30% — thanks to the development of “specific profile-machining technology and specialised CAD/ CAM software.

"This high-level performance is based on engineering competence and know-how for full five-axis and ultra-dynamic machining intitanium, Inconel, Nimonic, titanium-aluminide and high-alloy steels.”