Birmingham-based Starrag UK Ltd (www.starrag.com) has announced a rental scheme for its Bumotec range of multi-axis mill-turn and machining centres.

This is designed to give potential users a cost-effective way to capitalise on the benefits of multi-tasking single-set-up machining for the production of complex small to medium-size parts, while avoiding relatively high upfront capital expenditure.

The scheme applies to the s191 and s181 Bumotec machines, which Starrag says are ‘ideal’ for users in the medical, watch-making and jewellery sectors.

In one example, the five-axis s181 turn-mill machining centre produced a surgical hook complete from 25mm-diameter titanium bar in under 14min (compared with 20min when using conventional single-station machining).

Machining on the s181 is based around a two-workstation concept; equipped with five driven tools, the second workstation works on the rear side of one part, while the main spindle completes another part — and the machine’s tool breakage detection system also operates in ‘hidden’ time.

With a footprint of just 3.5m², the s181 has a 30,000rev/min HSK-40 tool spindle (optionally 40,000rev/min) and a 90-tool magazine; it can accommodate bar up to 32mm in diameter.

The option of a 20-pallet storage system enables uninterrupted 24/7 production.