A Malvern-based high-precision machining specialist is reaping the rewards of investing in a new Quaser MV 184P vertical machining centre from ETG Bridgeport having used the machine’s acquisition to secure a long-term contract to manufacture a pharmaceutical component (
www.engtechgroup.com).
Formed in 1992, InLine Engineering produces high-precision components, dies and tools, CMM fixtures, re-formers and hydraulic manifolds for use in the MoD, pharmaceutical, aerospace, automotive and mining industries. However, the opportunity to win the pharmaceutical contract prompted the company to review its manufacturing capacity.
The component is manufactured from 316-grade stainless steel, which contains molybdenum and is much favoured for pharmaceutical use. ETG suggested the MV 184P, which has a 22kW 12,000rev/min spindle, the option of a Heidenhain CNC system and combined coolant and air swarf evacuation.
Managing director Dave Bayliss says: “The machining cycle has a number of ops: roughing with an HSS cutter; finishing with carbide and some U drilling; followed by turning the part over and machining the reverse using two sizes and grades of carbide cutter.
There is also some 3-D machining on this side. However, the cutters suffered from thermal shock on the reverse-side machining, so we opted — with great success — for air cooling and chip evacuation, retaining conventional coolant for the first side.”