Hereford-base numachine.co.uk Numachine Ltd, a specialist in CNC machining and sub-contract manufacturing, has invested in a new Hyundai-Wia LV800RM vertical turning lathe (VTL) supplied by
TW Ward CNC Machinery Ltd (Ward CNC).
Brandon Davies, Numachine managing director and a mechanical engineer by trade, said: “I enjoy solving problems. Even if I work 15-16 hours a day, I don’t feel tired because my hobby is my job — and I absolutely thrive on it. I like to come in every day, go around the shop and see how we can improve. I would say this character trait is something we all share at Numachine — everyone is trying to contribute to our continuous improvement.”
Numachine serves industries including automotive, medical, aerospace, laboratory/instrumentation, and renewable energy, which all require the highest quality standards. Brandon Davies keeps a keen eye on the electric vehicle (EV) segment, given his personal interest as an EV driver and Numachine's supply of components to prestigious automotive companies for use in EVs.
A key focus for Numachine is cost reduction for customers, achieved through value engineering across the CNC machining process. Mr Davies added: “We have a strong range of CNC machine tools, ranging from various horizontal lathes and mills to five-axis machining centres, vertical lathes and multi-tasking machines. This extensive range provides differentiation from the competition, while our in-house quality control and measurement capability is another key factor for many customers.
“We are always thinking about how we can expand our service capacities and are now in the process of selecting a metal 3-D printer. Additive manufacturing will allow us to produce prototypes much faster for our customers and, with our machining capabilities, we can achieve high-quality finished parts in a very short time period.”
Design for Manufacture (DfM) is another significant service at Numachine, actively reducing the cost of machined components for diverse applications, including planes and trains to breweries and roulette wheels. The company manufactures its fixtures in-house, supporting optimised clamping mechanisms with quick turnround times, emphasising the company's role as a one-stop-shop, catering to customer demands for high-quality, rapid services.
Excellent stabilityNumachine has recently added a Hyundai-Wia LV800RM vertical turning lathe (VTL) from Ward CNC to its comprehensive machinery line up. Renowned for its robust and heavy duty cutting platform, the Hyundai-Wia LV800RM VTL has a one-piece, square-type column that delivers excellent stability. This machine is equipped with a stable shaft structure, providing a high cutting capacity suitable for handling substantial loads.
Features include a two-step chuck pressure mechanism designed to minimise workpiece deformation and ensure optimal chip evacuation. Within the LV series, a dedicated protection device has been integrated to prevent chips and other foreign materials from entering the main spindle, guaranteeing continued high-precision performance.
The Hyundai-Wia LV800RM is characterised by its impressive specifications, offering a maximum turning diameter and turning length of 800mm, coupled with a maximum spindle speed of 2,000rev/min. This addition to Numachine's workshop enhances its machining capabilities and reinforces its commitment to precision and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Speaking on the experience of working with Ward CNC, Mr Davies said: “It was an entirely smooth experience. The machine tool supplier took care of everything, including specifying the machine based on our application, placing the order, delivery, installation, and operator training. We are very pleased with the quality and performance of the Hyundai-Wia vertical lathe and it is a great addition to our range of machines.”
Brandon concludes: “Looking ahead, Numachine plans to enter the bespoke motorbike and mountain bike manufacturing segment, combining my passion for off-road biking with the company's manufacturing capabilities and Ward CNC is likely to play a crucial role in these future projects.”