~ Pailton Engineering continues modernising its factory with purchase of new machining centre ~
Coventry-based steering systems specialist, Pailton Engineering has invested in a HAAS VF-2SS machining centre to boost production and design capabilities. This latest purchase is part of the business’s long-term modernisation strategy, to improve manufacturing flexibility for its made-to-order steering parts.
With the purchase of this high spec computer numerical control (CNC) machine, Pailton Engineering continues its process of investing strategically to modernise and innovate. Chosen specifically for its wide range of tooling and automation capabilities, the machine combines multiple processes into one unit.
The HAAS VF-2SS is a vertical machining centre that will contribute to increasing production volumes at Pailton Engineering. Namely, the last two letters in the product title stand for ‘super speed’. At 12,000 rpm, this CNC machine mills and drills faster than previous models. Equally, the tool changer switches at a high speed between the 31 tools it can hold.
The new HAAS VF-2SS is known in the industry for its usability. It has a wireless probing system that simplifies the setup process and reduces downtime. For Pailton Engineering machine operators, this means that they can upload data from computer-aided design (CAD) software more easily.
The latest addition to the factory floor will improve Pailton Engineering’s design flexibility because it is not only computer-controlled, but also interconnected. The new machine can be connected wirelessly to the internet, to monitor the status of machine health and performance on a portable device. In the long-term, this interconnected machine is another step for Pailton Engineering on its Industry 4.0 pathway.
“Our customers build vehicles that operate in the harshest environments — on or off the road,” explained Roger Brereton, head of sales at Pailton Engineering. “To build steering systems that excel in these conditions, we need the most modern machinery. With the new HAAS, our engineers can make design changes faster and we can produce more efficiently — while always working to the high standards we are known for.”
Pailton Engineering manufactures a wide range of steering and suspension parts, such as steering shafts, columns, suspension links and bevel boxes for manufacturers of commercial and military vehicles. For more information on the custom design and engineering options available to vehicle manufacturers, contact [email protected].
