01926 736736 insight€¦ · latest news and developments from mills cnc, the exclusive distributor...

Latest news and developments from Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan CNC Machine Tools in the UK and Ireland.

01926 736736www.millscnc.co.uk

InsightEdition No. 8

Big is back! Resurgence in sales of

large-capacity Doosan machines.

Fan-plastic!Doosan lathes are preferred choice for

specialist composites manufacturer!

“This edition, like those that preceded it, is full of the latestnews from Mills CNC and is intended to bring customers,partners and prospects alike up-to-speed with our latestproduct, technology and service developments and initiatives.

“Although we’re only at the beginning of the year, relativelyspeaking, I’m happy to report that business is booming with

January 2017 being an exceptional month for us in terms of sales and enquiries.“The really good news, when analysing our performance this year and indeed in

the last quarter of 2016 in a bit more depth, is the strong showing of large-capacityDoosan machines in the sales figures - most notably with our DBC horizontal borersand our BM-series of double column milling machines.

“As far as this year is concerned we will be holding an Open House at ourCampus facility in Leamington in October (Wk commence 16/10/17) where we willbe showcasing, amongst many other highlights, our latest Siemens-controlled DNMvertical machines with the new Sinumerik 15.6”TFT touch screen technology. Nearerthe date, we will be sending out invitations to attend the event and will be regularlyuploading event information onto our website (www.millscnc.co.uk) in the weeksand months ahead.

“Another key date this year for us is May 2017 when the eleventh DIMF Show(Doosan International Machine Tool Fair) takes place in South Korea. With 68 newand upgraded Doosan machine tools being exhibited at the Show, including a newrange of DVF 5-axis machines, DIMF promises to be one of the biggest and mostinfluential global machine tool exhibitions this year.

“I mention DIMF and its importance here because many of the machinesshowcased there will be available to customers in the UK and Ireland in the nearfuture - and a good cross-section of them will be making their UK debuts on ourStand at MACH 2018.

“In this edition of Insight you can find a short article on DIMF 2017 as well asspecific features on a number of Mills CNC customers who have recently invested inDoosan machine tools.

“These, plus articles on our TW-series of (twin-spindle) turning centres, ourhighly-successful SMART Options Rental Scheme and the CNC Training Academy2017 course provision help provide a comprehensive overview of what’s happeningat Mills now…and in the future.”

Kevin Gilbert,Managing Director, Mills CNC.

“Welcome to this Spring 2017 edition of Mills Insight– our twice-yearly customer magazine.

Latest news and developments from Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan CNC Machine Tools in the UK and Ireland.Please visit our website at www.millscnc.co.uk for more information. Mills Insight is produced by Mills CNC, Leamington, England.

For further information on Mills Insight contact Mills CNC Limited, The Mills CNC Technology Campus, Tachbrook Link, TachbrookPark Drive, Leamington Spa, CV34 6SN. Tel: +44(0)1926 736 736. Fax: +44(0)1926 736 737. www.millscnc.co.uk

Mills CNC: Like no-one else.

But, whilst it’s true that manymanufacturers have heard of and knowabout Doosan’s best-selling Lynx andPuma lathes, DNM machining centresand SMX mill-turn machines - it’sprobably also the case that some maynot know too much about DoosanMachine Tools’ more ‘specialist’machines - and, specifically, its ultrahigh-productivity and flexible TW 2600series of twin-spindle horizontal turningcentres.

We think it’s time to put the record straight.

There are two differentmodels in the series - the TW2600 and the TW 2600-GL(Gantry Loader).

Both machines have a 10”chuck as standard, 190mm X-axis travel and 180mm

Y-axis travel, and rapid rates of 24m/min (in X- and Y-axes).

The machines are also equipped with a high-performance, high-torque

(404Nm) 15kW/3500rpm spindlefor tough, heavy dutycutting, two (10-position) fastservo-driventurrets for rapid

tool changing and in the case of the TW2600-GL, an integrated fully-automated,3-axis servo-driven Gantry Loader (with different part load and stockingoptions) for high-speed load/unloadoperations.

The TW-series providesmanufacturers with a flexiblemanufacturing cell, and the machines’twin-spindle configuration can be usedto machine two of the same, similar ordifferent parts, simultaneously.

Doosan Machine Tools’range of high-performance lathes,machining centres, mill-turn machines andhorizontal borers arepopular and proven.

They are used extensivelyby precision componentmanufacturers operatingin and serving a diverserange of sectors andindustries.

Not a lot of peopleknow this!

DOOSAN TW 2600-GL• 10” chuck/ 8” chuck (option)

• Maximum turning diameter: 200mm

• 18.5kW/3500rpm spindles x 2

• Servo-driven turret - 10-position x 2

• 3-axis servo-driven gantry loader

• Doosan Fanuc i Control

T H E T W S E R I E SW E L C O M E

UK-based global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance plungers andcoolers for the glass container industry invests in 15 Doosan lathes from Mills CNC.

Machines with bottle!

The global glass container market(comprising mainly bottles and jars) ishealthy, buoyant and growing. Despitethe continuing rise of alternative andcompetitive packaging materials (mostnotably plastic), consumer preference forpure, aesthetically-pleasing,environmentally-friendly and sustainablefood, beverage, pharmaceutical,cosmetics and perfumery packagingcontinues to drive demand for glasscontainers.

This rise in demand is clearly good news for the global glass

container industry.It’s equally good news for UK-based

global glass container supply chainspecialist Hunprenco - the market-leading, family-owned North Yorkshiremanufacturer and supplier of high-performance plungers and cooling tubesused worldwide in NNPB (Narrow NeckPress and Blow) and standard press/blowautomated production processes.

Hunprenco, established in 1969, is acompany committed to innovation andcontinuous improvement, and is ISO:9001 accredited. In recognition of the

company’s achievements the companyrecently became the overall winner ofthe 2016 Scarborough Business Awardsand picked up a second award forExcellence in Exports too.

HunprencoHunprenco has two separate

divisions both located at its facility inHunmanby, Filey.

The first of these facilities isdedicated to the manufacture ofplungers and coolers for the glasscontainer industry, and accounts for

some 90% of Hunprenco’s turnover. The second (smaller) operation,

currently accounting for 10% off thecompany’s turnover, manufacturerscomplex precision engineered parts notjust for a number of glass industrycustomers but, operating as a precisionengineering subcontractor, for a range ofother sectors and industries.

To maintain its competitive edge thecompany invests regularly in the latestand most advanced manufacturingtechnologies and, as part of its ongoingdrive to increase productivity levels and

improve its performance and processreliability, has (over the last five years)invested in 15 Doosan CNC lathes fromMills CNC.

The Doosan machines acquired byHunprenco comprise six TL 2000 (twin-turret, single-spindle turning centres, sixGT 2100 turning centres, a Lynx 220LCcompact lathe and two Puma 2600M(driven tooling) lathes.

The TL 2000, GT 2100 and one Puma2600M machines are installed in thecompany’s plunger and coolermanufacturing facility. The Lynx 220LC

and a Puma 2600M are located in thecompany’s precision engineering facility.

Plunger and Coolermanufacture - TL 2000 lathes

The 8” chuck/65mm bar capacity boxguideway TL 2000 turning centres areequipped with a upper turret (12 toolposition) and a lower turret (8 toolposition), and feature a 22kW/5000rpmspindle and the Fanuc 31i Control.

The decision to invest in the multi-tasking and versatile TL 2000 machineswas made to increase Hunprenco’s

C U S T O M E R C A S E S T U D Y - H U N P R E N C O

productivity - specifically to enable thecompany to reduce its lead times - andto ensure consistently high partaccuracies and surface finishes.

Says Ivan McNeill, General Manager:“The TL 2000’s twin turret configurationmeans that we can machine complexparts quicker (from 3 distinct machiningoperations to just one).

“We manufacture thousands ofplungers every week - so reducingcomponent set-up and cycle times isimportant and helps us avoid productionbottlenecks.”

After being machined on the TL 2000machines, the plungers are then milledbefore they then undergo a number ofsecondary in-house processes andtreatments including the application ofhomogenous tungsten carbide or nickel-based powder coatings, usingHVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel)technology, to achieve a hardness of45HRc to 62HRc.

Plunger and Coolermanufacture - GT 2100 lathes

The 8”/65mm bar capacity boxguideway GT 2100 lathes are equippedwith a powerful 15.5kW/4500 rpmspindle. They were selected following in-depth discussions with Mills CNC’spre-sales and applications engineers tohelp improve an existing (specific)machining process.

Explains Dennis Langfield, SalesManager:

“We took advantage of Mills’ turnkeyand process improvement capabilities.

“The team at Mills reviewed ourcurrent method for machining coolersand, in partnership with our ownengineers, designed…developed andultimately proved-out a modified andmore robust process (using the new GT2100 machines) that was more reliableand that delivered improved accuracies.”

Precision EngineeredComponents

As mentioned previously Hunprenco,in addition to its plunger and cooler

manufacturing facility also operates adiscrete precision engineering(subcontractor) operation - and this iswhere the Doosan Lynx 220LC and oneof the Puma 2600M lathes are located.

As well as machining specific partsand replacement parts such as adaptors,split collars, mould arm inserts, pistonsand sleeves for glass industrymanufacturers (i.e. mould makers etc.),Hunprenco also provides a specialistengineering subcontract service to othersectors and industries.

These services includecomprehensive machining capabilities(multi-axis machining), and the ability tomachine everything from prototypesand one-off through to high volumeparts production.

Says Ivan McNeil:“Our precision engineered componentoperation has significant potential and

this year we aim to grow this part of ourbusiness by 20%.

“To help us do this we need thelatest machine tool technologies on ourside, and this explains our investment inthe Lynx and Puma machines.”

“We manufacturethousands of plungersevery week - soreducing componentset-up and cycle timesis important and helpsus avoid productionbottlenecks.”

DOOSAN TL 2000• 8” or 10" chuck/65mm/

76mm bar diameter

• 22kW/5000rpm - 26kW/4000rpmspindle

• Box guideway configuration

• Maximum turning diameter: 370mm

• Maximum turning length: 600mm

• Upper turret (12-position); Lower turret (8-position)

• Long bed and driven tool model options


DOOSAN GT 2100• 8” chuck/65mm bar capacity


• Up to 26kW/ up to 4500rpm spindle

• Maximum turning length: up to 658mm

• Maximum turning diameter: up to 460mm

• Driven tooling (model dependant): 5.5kW/5000rpm

• Turret: 12-position


C U S T O M E R C A S E S T U D Y - H U N P R E N C O

11th DIMF Show will reveal what’s next in store from Doosan Machine Tools...and, as a consequence,from Mills CNC.

A glimpse ofwhat’s to come!

Doosan MachineTools’ eleventh DIMFShow (DoosanInternationalMachine Tool Fair)will be held in

Changwon, South Korea at its Namsanand Sunju facilities, from 17th-20th May2017.

The Show, which occurs every twoyears, promises to be the biggest andbest yet with visitor numbers expectedto top 5,700 comprising Doosan MachineTool dealers, distributors, officials plusacademics and over 800 internationalvisitors).

Amongst the attendees will be adelegation of senior managers from MillsCNC.

Comments Kevin Gilbert, Mills CNC’sManaging Director:

“The DIMF Show is always a highlightin our calendar and this year’s eventlooks like its going to be particularlyimpressive with 68 new and upgradedDoosan machines being showcased.”

The number of machines beingexhibited (many for the first time)

include 31 Doosan lathes and turningcentres with seven new models and 30Doosan vertical and horizontalmachining centre with six new models).Other machines and technologies onview include sliding head lathes,horizontal borers and double columnmilling machines as well as DoosanMachine Tools’ latest automation andSMART factory solutions.

Explains Kevin Gilbert:“Doosan Machine Tools is one of thelargest global manufacturers of machinetools – and the sheer size, scope andscale of the DIMF Show reflects andreinforces the company’s strength andprowess.

“Although DIMF takes place in SouthKorea, the event is far from beingparochial - as many of the new andupgraded machines and technologiesbeing showcased will be available tomanufacturers across the world viaDoosan’s subsidiaries and its globalnetwork of distributors and dealers.

“Indeed one of the major reasonswhy Mills CNC attends the Show is toidentify the new and upgraded Doosan

“DIMF 2017 isapproaching fast andlooking at the sheerbreadth and depth ofthe technologies onview it’s clear that theShow’s impact will befelt around the worldfor months and yearsto come.” DOOSAN DMP 500 2SP

• X, Y, Z-axis: 1040 x 520 x 600mm

• 18.5kW/12,000rpm direct-coupledspindles (15kW/8000rpm high-torque option)

• 2 x 24/30/40 position ATC

• 1200 x 520mm table

• 800kg maximum table load

• 400mm distance between spindles

• 20mm W-axis


machines that we will promote and stockat our Technology Campus facility inLeamington in the future.

“At the event in May we areparticularly interested in seeing (for thefirst time) the new Doosan DVF 5000 andDVF 8000 5-axis machines, equippedwith the latest Heidenhain iTNC 640control, the new Puma 2600SY Mk II(turning centre) and the latest SMX 3100 (mill-turn) machine withintegrated lower turret.”

Innovation is most definitely the‘name of the game’ at DIMF and, at

recent (previous) Shows, Doosan hasexhibited real game-changingtechnology that have included its high-productivity DMP 500 2SP verticalmachining centres.

These machines, equipped with twodirect-coupled spindles (18.5kW/12,000rpm) and two automatic toolchangers (24, 30 or 40 position each) aredesigned for high-volume small parts production.

They enable manufacturers tomachine (two) identical partssimultaneously thereby significantlyincreasing productivity levels.

Concludes Kevin Gilbert:“DIMF 2017 is approaching fast andlooking at the sheer breadth and depth of the technologies on view it’sclear that the Show’s impact will be feltaround the world for months and yearsto come.”

D I M F S H O W 2 0 1 7

College does homework prior

machine tool investment!to making significant CNC

The machines - three DNM 400 IIvertical machining centres (oneequipped with a 4th-/5th-axis unit), twoLynx 220 lathes and one Lynx 220LMlathe (equipped with C-axis and driventooling capabilities) - were installed atthe College’s brand new and impressiveengineering facility in the Summer of2016, ready for the start (in September)of the new Academic year.

The new Doosan CNC machine toolinvestment is significant and hasdramatically improved TamesideCollege’s ability to deliver a range ofindustry-relevant and high skill levelcourses to its key target audiencescomprising school leavers (16-18), adultsand local/regional engineering andmanufacturing companies.

Prior to acquiring the Doosanmachines the College’s CNC machinetool provision relied almost entirely onfour old, and not particularlysophisticated, entry-level type machinesthat, according to Peter Redfern,Tameside College’s Curriculum Leader forEngineering, “had been good servantsbut had seen better days”.

Although the machines weredelivered and installed during July andAugust 2016, Tameside College’smachine tool procurement processstarted much earlier than that…back in 2014.

It was the intention that the processwould be completed, and that themachines would be delivered andinstalled, to coincide with the

completion of the new EngineeringFaculty - the building works of whichhad begun earlier in 2014.

The processTameside College adopted a typically

clear strategic approach regarding boththe selection of specific machine toolmodels and choice of machine toolsupplier.

From the outset, a number ofoptions were discounted.

Explains Peter Redfern:“Some colleges in our position may haveexplored the ‘used’ machine tool route…but this wasn’t for us.

“To elevate the profile of the Collegeand promote its engineering capabilitiesand capacity to key target audiences, the

decision was made to go for newmachines.

“Although used machines can initiallyappear attractive (certainly in terms oftheir cost), there are often issuesconcerning their provenance, as well aspotential minefields regardingwarranties, parts and servicing, furtherdown the line.”

Other key decisions addressed earlyon was the number, size (i.e. footprint)and ‘technology type’ of the machinetools required.

Comments Ged Willis, MechanicalEngineering Lecturer at TamesideCollege:

“To facilitate positive learningoutcomes and ensure that our studentshad the opportunity to access the new

technology we decided on six compactand ‘relatively small’ work envelopemachines comprising three lathes andthree vertical machining centres tocomplement our suite of manual (lathesand milling) machines.”

To ensure longevity and future prooftheir machine tool investment, TamesideCollege was also keen to explore thepotential of acquiring ‘multi-tasking’ andmulti-functional machines.

Desk Research and FieldResearch

As well as undertakingcomprehensive online ‘desk’ research ondifferent machine tool makes andmodels to supplement their ownknowledge, College staff approached

Tameside College in Greater Manchester has recently invested in six new high-performanceDoosan machine tools.

“We are integrating theuse and application ofour new Doosanmachines across all ourengineering coursesand are activelypromoting ourrevamped provision to employers.”

C U S T O M E R C A S E S T U D Y - T A M E S I D E C O L L E G E

The next

big thing? Large-capacity BM-series of double-column machiningcentres are in high demand.

Ask any component manufacturerabout popular and proven large-capacitymachine tools and a majority will morethan likely mention our Doosan Pumalathes or our Doosan DBC horizontalboring machines.

However, this doesn’t tell the fullstory because there is a ‘new’ range of

large Doosan machines that alsodeserves the limelight. And, judging byrecent sales, these machines lookdestined to become the ‘go to machines’for large component manufacture in theenergy, aerospace and other heavyengineering sectors, as well as for themachining of large mould tool and dies.

Doosan Machine Tools’ BM range ofDouble-Column Machining Centresfeatures big, powerful, rigid and high-precision machines.

There are 3 different sized machinesin the range (BM 1530M; BM 2035M; BM 2740M) - each equipped with a low-vibration, built-in, dual-contact

local engineering companies to helpnarrow down their choice.

Explains Peter Redfern:“We did our homework because wewanted to know what machines werebeing used by industry in production-ledenvironments and which machinesdelivered the best performance andreliability, and represented the bestvalue.

“It was also critical, and we neededthe reassurance, that our students wouldbe able to acquire relevant, required andtransferable skills using machines thatwere recognised by manufacturers.

“Overwhelmingly the response fromthe companies approached favouredDoosan machines supplied by Mills CNC.”

As part of the decision-makingprocess College representatives met withMills CNC staff. Time was also taken tovisit the 2014 MACH Exhibition inBirmingham where Mills CNC wasexhibiting from the largest stand at theShow.

“We liked the Doosan machines andMills CNC’s positive and proactiveapproach”, says Ged Willis.

With Mills CNC on Tameside College’sCapital Equipment Tender shortlist, themachine tool suppliers were, over thenext few weeks and months, whittleddown. The end result being that MillsCNC was awarded the contract to supplysix machines (all with advanced FanucCNC controls), scoring top marks for its

technology provision, after-sales servicesand support, and for providing bestvalue.

Use and applicationThe new Doosan machines are being

used by Tameside College’s full-time andpart-time engineering students.

The College offers a range of full andpart time courses including:

• Level 2 Diploma in EngineeringTechnology, Level 3 Diploma MechanicalEngineering (City & Guilds) and BTECLevel 3 Diplomas, all aimed at 16 - 18year olds;

• HNC and HND in MechanicalEngineering…both potentially leadingto a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Tameside College also works closelywith local engineering companies andprovides a range of ApprenticeshipProgrammes, including CNC Machining,to meet the requirements of localemployers and industries.

Says Ged Willis:“We are integrating the use andapplication of our new Doosan machinesacross all our engineering courses andare actively promoting our revampedprovision to employers.

“We are now even better prepared toprovide their employees and apprenticeswith high-quality, relevant and practicalskills-based learning and nationallyrecognised qualifications…and are mostdefinitely ‘open for business’.”

DOOSAN DNM 400 II• Direct drive 22kW/15,000rpm spindle

• Choice of control: Fanuc, Siemens,Heidenhain

• 30 position automatic tool changer

• Travels (X/Y/Z): 762mm x 435mm x 510mm

• Table size: 920mm x 435mm

C U S T O M E R C A S E S T U D Y - T A M E S I D E C O L L E G E T H E B M S E R I E S

(ISO/BT50) 25/30kW 12,000rpm spindle.The spindles featured on the machinesare ‘long nose’ types which protrude293mm enabling them to machine deeppockets and cavities.

To ensure long-lasting precision, theBM machines are equipped with rollerLM Guideways and linear scales on allaxes, and feature a ball screw nut andbearings cooling system which, inconjunction with the latest thermalsensor technology, reduces the effects ofthermal displacement.

Accuracy, as well as negating theeffects of vibration, are further ensuredby both the BM series’ (Doosan) patentedbase casting design and by anchoringBM machines to the floor duringinstallation.

BM machines (irrespective of themodel) have large Y-axis capabilities (upto 270mm on the BM 2740M) forincreased flexibility, and theirproductivity potential is enhanced viatheir large quick-change CAM-type tool

changers (40/60 tool capacity).The machines are equipped with

large working tables (up to 4000mm x 2500mm) and can handleheavy loads (up to 15,000kg). Theyfeature the latest Fanuc 31i-B controlwith the Doosan Easy Operation Package (EOP) for quick job set-up and operation.

Says Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s Technical Director:

“Enquiries for our large-capacity BMmachines have rocketed over the lastfew months and a significant numberhave turned into sales.

“From speaking to customers it isevident that these machines wereselected because they deliver the highprocess reliability and unrivalledmachining performance that iscustomary with Doosan machine tools.

“Although we are only a few weeksinto the new year, I’m delighted thatinterest in the BM range shows no signof abating.”

“...it is evident that thesemachines were selectedbecause they deliverthe high processreliability and unrivalled machiningperformance that iscustomary with Doosanmachine tools.”

DOOSAN BM 2470M• Travels (X/Y/Z):

4000mm x 2700mm x 800mm


• Low-vibration, built-in (up to) 8000rpm spindle

• Integrated thermal compensation

• Tool changer: 40/60 position

• Fanuc or Heidenhain Control

DOOSAN BM 1530M• Travels (X/Y/Z):

3000mm x 1550mm x 800mm


• Table load: 8000kg

• Built-in BT 50 spindle: 30kW/12,000rpm

• Tool changer: 40/60 position


T H E B M S E R I E S

Doosan vertical machining centres with SiemensControls a ‘big hit’ with component manufacturers.

Controlled marketpenetration.

Two years ago Mills CNC announcedthat it would be supplying its everpopular DNM range of 3-axis verticalmachining centres with the powerfulSiemens 828D control system andShopMill, Siemens’ conversationalprogramming software.

The move proved to be incrediblysuccessful and, as intended, increasedthe attractiveness of Doosan’s DNMrange of machines to those UK and Irishprecision component manufacturerswho, in the past, decided againstacquiring a new Doosan verticalmachining centre because it could notbe supplied with their preferred(Siemens) control.

To date Mills has sold over 35 Doosanmachines with Siemens controls to UKand Irish manufacturers.

Says Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s Technical Director:

“Doosan Machine Tools is aninnovative and proactive company.When it sees a gap in the market itquickly mobilises its extensive R & D,production and logistics operations to fill it.

“A few years ago the companylaunched and began supplying Siemenscontrolled lathes and machining centresto markets in Asia and Europe (mostnotably Germany).

“The steady growth in demand forSiemens controlled machines here in theUK and Ireland (especially amongstaerospace component manufacturers)

was the catalyst behind us stockingthese machines.”

Fast forward to the present day, andMills’ Siemens controlled machines arenow a mainstay of its extensive machinetool portfolio. The Siemens controloption has, according to Tony Dale,“resulted the strong sales of our newDNM 4500/5700/6700 3-axis verticalmachining centre range.”

To grow and consolidate its positionin the Siemens control market Mills hasrecently created a new resource at itsTechnology Campus facility inLeamington.

The aptly-named ‘Control Centre’is a dedicated discrete facility located in Mills’ machine tool demonstrationarea that is being used to help visitorsand customers understand more about different CNC control systemoptions (e.g. Fanuc, Heidenhain andSiemens), available on Doosan machines.

Using the latest Hi-Techinteractivelarge touch-screentechnologycustomers canlearn all aboutthe strengthsand nuances ofeach control, andstart exploring the relative

merits of each controls’ on-boardsoftware solutions like Fanuc ManualGuide i, Siemens Shopmill andHeidenhain conversational programmingsystems.

S I E M E N S C O N T R O L S N E W S I E M E N S T O U C H - S C R E E N S

Later this year Mills CNC will beintroducing Siemens controlledmachines with the latest Sinumerik 15.6”TFT touch-screen technology.

The incorporation of the larger 15.6”screen (current models have a 10.4”colour display) enables easier operationand improved productivity as aconsequence and is a definite HMI(Human Machine Interface)improvement.

Says Tony Dale: “The new 15.6” screen which featureintelligent and smart Zoom and Scrollingfunctions enable machine operators andprogrammers to quickly and easilyprogramme and monitor machiningoperations.”

A touchy subject.

“Doosan Machine Tools is an innovativeand proactive company.When it sees a gap inthe market it quicklymobilises its extensive R & D, production andlogistics operations to fill it.”

New Siemens Sinumerik 828D 15.6” TFT touch-screenson new Doosan machines…coming soon.

The new touch-screentechnology will be showcased at Mills’Open House in October 2017.

Mills CNC’s ‘SMART Options’ rental initiative is proving popular with precisionmanufacturers looking to increase (andimprove) their machining capacity andcapabilities without being tied to along-term machine tool purchaseagreement.

Rental stimulation!

In Spring 2016, Mills CNC refreshedand relaunched its popular ‘SMARTOptions’ machine tool rental scheme in amove to help UK and Irish componentmanufacturers acquire a new Doosanmachine tool. The reintroduction of theinitiative, which is ongoing, has paiddividends with 15 machines being‘rented’ to customers in just a ninemonth period (May 2016 - January 2017).

The ‘SMART Options’ rental scheme,available on all new Doosan machinessupplied from stock by Mills, isadministered and managed by Mills CNCFinance, the company’s independentlyoperated machine tool finance arm.

Says Mills CNC Finance Manager, IanBarber (pictured above):

“The majority of our ‘SMART Options’rental business has been with SME’s -although the Scheme has been attractiveto larger OEM-type companies too.

“We reintroduced ‘SMART Options’because we found that, although manycomponent manufacturers were busy(and expected to remain so - certainly inthe short-to-medium term), and thatthey needed additional machine toolcapacity and capabilities to cope withthe work in their order books - therewere a number of wider macro-economic issues that continued to affectbusiness confidence and led, in someinstances, to Capex investment plansbeing put on hold.

“As a consequence some companies

were reticent about saddling themselveswith what they considered to be long-term financial commitments caused byinvesting in a new machine tool via abank loan or via traditional Hire Purchaseor Operating Lease arrangements.”

In contrast the SMART OptionsRental Scheme has flexibility at its coreand is designed to bridge the gapbetween component manufacturersneeding access to high-performancemachining capability and capacity onone hand - but not wanting to ‘break thebank’ acquiring it on the other.

The SMART Options Rental Schemehas a number of elements.

The first of these is that the rentalperiod for a new Doosan machine must

be for 12 months, in the first instance,although towards the end of the 12month period manufacturers have anumber of options open to them:• Return the Doosan machine to

Mills CNC;• Extend the rental period for a

further 12 months;• Buy the machine and get 100%

of the rental payments (already)made refunded against the originalprice of the machine.

Continues Ian Barber:‘‘SMART Options gives manufacturersmuch needed breathing space to be ableto focus and improve their performancein the short-term without beingdistracted by what may or may nothappen in the future.

“Furthermore, SMART Options’ rentalpayments are highly-competitive andare, as a consequence, attractive offering low rates to manufacturers. Such low payments combined with the

Scheme’s ‘No deposit required’condition and the fact that machine tooldelivery, installation and training are allincluded in the price - have helpedgenerate significant interest.

“The introduction of SMART Options is yet another example of Mills CNC having its finger on thepulse…of understanding marketdynamics and trends…and of doingeverything it can to make customers’lives easier.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MILLS CNC’S SMART OPTIONS - CALL MILLS ON 01926 736736

S M A R T O P T I O N S R E N T A L S C H E M E

In July 2016 Tufcot, a leadingspecialist manufacturer of compositesmaterials, had its fifth Doosan machinedelivered to its facility in Sheffield.

The machine, a new Doosan Puma3100 lathe supplied by Mills CNC, joinedthe four previously-purchased Doosanlathes acquired by the company since2007. The new Puma is being used tomanufacture, using ‘dry’ machiningstrategies and techniques, high-precisionfinished and semi-finished Tufcot®components that include sphericalbearings, bushes, flanged bushes,washers, wear pads and hydraulic wear rings for Tufcot’s diverse andgrowing domestic and internationalcustomer base.

According to Tufcot’s ManagingDirector, Greg Majchrzak, this latestDoosan machine acquisition (like thosethat preceded it), “will help Tufcotachieve future growth and maintain itscompetitive edge.”

Explains Greg Majchrzak:“We are continually improving andrefining our products and services tocustomers. An integral part of thiscompany-wide ContinuousImprovement Programme involvesinvesting in the latest and mostadvanced CNC machine tooltechnologies.

“We have a long-establishedrelationship with Mills CNC and, duringthis time, have made Doosan lathes ourpreferred ‘turning technology’ choice.Doosan machines combined with theback-up, service and technical assistanceprovided by Mills CNC help us reducelead times and ensure we are able tomanufacture high-quality and high-precision products.”

Tufcot, established in 1981 bydirectors Len Wheat, Elvin Majchrzak andMichael Majchrzak had, like manysuccessful start-up businesses, relativelyhumble beginnings. Previouslyemployed by British Steel in Sheffield,the three Directors had a combination ofover 40 years’ experience in the plasticsand composites industry.

They used their collective expertiseand know-how initially to serve theneeds and requirements of a relativelysmall and select number of customers byfirst producing and supplying them withTufcot® semi-finished products -laminates, tubes, rods - and later,machining and supplying them with arange of Tufcot® finished products thatincluded wear pads and bushes.

In the first few years, the companyoperated from small rented premisesand used a range of used/second handmachines to produce its Tufcot®products.

Fast forward to the present, andTufcot is unrecognisable from these early days.

The company now employs over 40 people. It has moved premises fouryears ago to a modern manufacturingplant and now has an internationaldistribution network supplying Tufcot®products around the world. It hasrecently acquired Lloyd’s Register Type Approval for its T100MP grade forPintle and Pintle Rudder Bearings

used in the ship building and ship repairsectors.

Tufcot® - the materialTufcot® composite material is

manufactured from synthetic fibres andthermosetting resins. Its physical andmechanical properties make it (amongstmany applications) an ideal bearingmaterial for the following reasons:

• It has a low co-efficient of friction• It is self-lubricating• It is hard-wearing and durable• It is dimensionally stable• It has low moisture absorption• It has a high strength to weight ratio• It has a wide application use and

potential

Tufcot® is a material of choice forapplications where the use of lubricants are undesirable or where their use can compromise componentperformance. Tufcot® grades are usedextensively in the Marine, Mining, Oiland Gas, Rail and Hydraulics sectors, toname but a few.

Doosan lathes are preferred choice for specialistcomposites manufacturer!

Fan-plastic!

DOOSAN PUMA 3100M• 12” chuck/102mm bar capacity (15” chuck option)


• Main spindle: 30kW/3000rpm

• Driven tools: 7.5kW/5000rpm

• Turret: 12 position


C U S T O M E R C A S E S T U D Y - T U F C O T

Whether you’re an experiencedmachine tool programmer or operator,or a relative novice, the CNC TrainingAcademy provides best-in-class CNCProgrammer and Operator trainingcourses to suit all abilities.

Delivered by leading trainingexperts, and taking place at our state-of-the-art training facility in Leamington,every course we offer has beenmeticulously designed to improvecourse attendee’s competitive advantageand take their productivity to a higherlevel.

What makes us special?There are many CNC training

organisations in the market but few can offer manufacturers such acomprehensive range of courses, frombasic through to advanced. There areeven fewer that have such advancedtraining resources at their disposal.

Our first-class facilities include:

• Modern, well-equipped trainingclassrooms

• Sophisticated and powerful CNCsimulators for fast and easy learning

• Access to dedicated and high-specification CNC machine tools forattendees to test out their newly-acquired skills

Fanuc, Heidenhain or Siemens -no problem

The CNC Training Academy runscourses covering all the main CNCControl Systems - Fanuc, Heidenhain andSiemens. Specialist courses includingFanuc Manual Guide i and FeatureCamare also available.

These can be delivered at ourLeamington facility or can occur(depending on the number of peoplerequiring training and the in-houseresources available) at customers’facilities.

CNC Programmer courses: Look and book

Our CNC Programmer courseprovision is extensive and includes:

• Fanuc Turning• Fanuc Milling• Fanuc Manual Guide i• Fanuc Macro A & B• Heidenhain Milling• Heidenhain Turning• Siemens Milling (including ShopMill)• Siemens Turning (including ShopTurn)

For more information on these andour CNC Operator and MaintenanceCourses please visit our website.

Training - made easyTo help manufacturers budget for

their training requirements we operate aflexible, ‘Easy Payment’ initiative thatallows them to spread the cost of theirCNC Programmer Training over 12 months.

C U S T O M E R C A S E S T U D Y - T U F C O T C N C T R A I N I N G A C A D E M Y

The Doosan lathesTufcot has invested in five Doosan

lathes - all equipped with Fanuc controls.The most recent investments made

include a 12” chuck Puma 3100M with7.8kW/5000rpm driven tooling capability(acquired in 2014); a 12” chuck (standard)Puma 3100 purchased in 2016; a Puma400MC large-capacity turning centrewith large bore capability and a Lynx220LM (long-bed lathe with driven tools)purchased in 2012 and 2007 respectively.

All Doosan lathes are powerful andhave a rigid build and constructionthereby enabling Tufcot to achieve rapidcycle times as well as high partaccuracies and superior surface finishes.

Because Tufcot only machinescomposite materials - all Doosanmachines at its facility are equipped withadditional seals and extraction systemsto prevent particle and dust ingress.

In addition, to facilitate the drymachining techniques employed by the

company, compressed air as analternative to coolant, is used to mitigatethe effects of heat build during cuttingoperations by cooling both thecomponent and the cutting tool, as wellas removing debris from the cutting zone.

The end result is more stable andreliable machining processes.

Greg Majchrzak concludes:“The investment made in Doosanmachine tools (with Fanuc controls)means we have been able to standardise our turning processes and operations.

“Standardisation is important andmeans machine operators andprogrammers are familiar andcomfortable with all the Doosanmachines. It also enables parts andprograms to be transferred betweenmachines if required.

“The end result of such flexibility isreduced delivery times, improvedefficiency and increased asset utilisation.”

“We have a long-establishedrelationship with MillsCNC and, during thistime, have madeDoosan lathes ourpreferred ‘turningtechnology’ choice. “

World-class CNC Programmer and Operator trainingcourses from the CNC Training Academy.

A touch of cl ss!

To find out more about the CNC Training Academy, visit www.millscnc.co.uk or call 01926 438363.If you would like to receive the CNC Training Academy’s monthly emailers detailing all our forthcomingcourses - please call the number above.

01926 736736www.millscnc.co.uk

Doosan machine tools from Mills CNC for automotive component manufacturers.

Driving continuous improvement.Automotive component manufacturers looking for the top gear increasingly select our advanced high-performance Doosan machines and our best-in-class after-sales services and support.

If you’re looking for powerful, high-accuracy and reliable machining solutions - you’ll find machines, like our NHM horizontal machining centres, right up your street.

Mills CNC: Like no-one else.

01926 736736 insight€¦ · latest news and developments from mills cnc, the exclusive distributor...

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