Middlesex Aerospace ‘touches down’ with Mazak Integrex i-250H

From left to right: Scott Wilson, trainee manufacturing Eengineer and Laurence Foulds, Middlesex Aerospace CEO, with the new Mazak Integrex i-250H

Middlesex Aerospace has made a significant investment in its multi-tasking machining capabilities following the installation of a Yamazaki Mazak Integrex i-250H. supplied by Worcester-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd. Established in Middlesex in 1945 and now based in Hampshire, the organisation is a leading Tier One supplier of critical components and assemblies to major aerospace OEMs around the world.

It employs more than 100 people and has firmly established itself as a major force in the production of Class One safety-critical parts and assemblies used in landing gear, actuation systems and helicopter transmissions. By investing in the multi-tasking machining centre, Middlesex Aerospace aims to boost production capacity for its existing customers, both in the UK and overseas, according to CEO Laurence Foulds.

He said: “With demand surging for complex, small components across the aerospace sector, we knew we had to enhance our capabilities in this area,” he explained. As this was our first new Mazak machine investment in six years, it was important we upgraded to a machine capable of meeting the myriad of requirements our customers all around the globe have today. Considering we have worked with Mazak as our principal machinery partner for more than 25 years, it was only natural we chose the Integrex i-250H as the latest addition to our factory floor.”

Outstanding productivity
The Integrex i-250H is the high-speed, high-torque option from Mazak’s flagship range capable of machining various components at exceptional speeds to deliver outstanding productivity. It features an eight-inch chuck and is equipped with a 5,000rev/min 22kW main spindle and 12,000rev/min milling spindle.

Mr Foulds said: “Thanks to the precision of its multiple cutting processes, the Integrexi-250H will play a critical role in our high-mix, low-volume production of complex components for the aerospace industry. We expect to follow this with further investments in larger Mazak machines over the coming years, as manufacturing demands within the sector continue to grow.”

The Integrex i-250H is the company’s latest addition to its existing portfolio of Mazak machine tools. Previous investments include two Variaxis i-series full five-axis machining centres – one with an expandable large-capacity tool magazine that enables a flexible approach to high-mix, low-volume production – and a HCN-4000 horizontal machining centre, complete with an extended tool storage system.

Alan Mucklow, managing director UK and National Distributors at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “Middlesex Aerospace is one of many valued customers that has built a long-standing relationship with Mazak, reflecting years of collaboration, trust and shared commitment to engineering excellence. It is fantastic to see its continued investment in our multi-tasking machines and we look forward to working with Laurence and the wider Middlesex team for many more years to come.”