Contractor turns to CNC for turning 'one-offs'

A recent convert to CNC machining with the installation of a XYZ ProTURN VL 355 lathe, Hydrojet Precision Engineering specialises in the manufacture from high-grade stainless steels of bespoke parts such as nozzles, nozzle holders, fittings and lances for waterjetting applications. The many and varied uses of high-pressure waterjetting demand a multitude of specialist delivery systems, and that is where Hydrojet comes into the picture. Formed in 1996 by brothers Michael and Graham Wilkes, this Bromsgrove, Worcestershire company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high and ultra-high pressure (up to 36,000 lb/in2) waterjetting accessories and consumables.

But why opt for a CNC machine tool when manual machining of one-offs and small batches, often dispatched on the day of order, has been sufficient to establish an industry-wide reputation for quality, reliability and speed of response?

'Buying the ProTURN has undoubtedly made life easier for us,' says Graham Wilkes.

'We were working on an extremely awkward job, knowing that one mistake could scrap the component, when we had a visit from XYZ.

It was pointed out to us that this particular job could be programmed quickly and easily on a manual/CNC lathe and the program checked before machining began, thereby avoiding a costly mistake with a one-off and providing a program that could be retrieved at any time for a repeat order.

We have actually had that same job since installing the new lathe,' adds Michael Wilkes, 'And it was perfect.

Initially we were apprehensive about moving to CNC but with a day's training it proved to be totally painless.

The manual/CNC option is great, as we can, for instance, intervene to change the feedrate while the program is actually running.

This ensures we achieve the optimum chip breaking conditions when machining difficult materials.' The 5.75kW, 360mm swing over bed XYZ ProTURN VL 355 provides Hydrojet with a choice of manual machining or, courtesy of the ProtoTRAK VL control, partial or full CNC.

This degree of flexibility is ideal for a business that has made its name with the speedy production of one-offs and small batches, and it is the 'traking' feature of the ProtoTRAK VL control that makes it possible.

In CNC mode the electronic handwheels on the machine allow the operator to 'trak' through a program while controlling the speed at which the machine moves.

Slow or stop winding the handles and the machine also slows or stops, a unique feature that eliminates any possibility of collision.

'Our business has grown mainly as a result of word of mouth recommendations,' says Michael Wilkes, 'Although we still regard ourselves as skilled machinists rather than businessmen.

We concentrate our resources mainly on turning and to a lesser extent milling, but the demand for our products is such that we needed to find ways to meet that demand without taking on people, moving to larger premises or working longer hours.