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Engineered to deliver, enhanced by VERICUT
C400 5 axis CNC machines, each with 15 pallets, creates an incredibly efficient method of manufacturing high quality, tight tolerance, small-to-medium sized aerospace components. The use of component probing, also simulated in VERICUT, gives a SPC a further boost in confidence, especially through the ‘lights-out’ periods of manufacture. Chris Lannigan, Business Development Director, says: “This ability to better understand and analyse both the quoting and manufacturing
To remain competitive and cost effective in this ever-changing manufacturing industry, the quoting and costing of new work and projects by SPC has always been a key to the business. This is strengthened by VERICUT’s estimated run time output alongside useful shopfloor feedback helping to fine-tune the company’s quoting capabilities for new projects and customers - allowing for more accurate project pricing and estimated delivery dates. Overall, VERICUT CNC simulation, verification and optimisation software allows Hyde Aero Products Ltd to maintain its reputation as a ‘one stop shop for all manufacturing needs’
for a wide range of different customers and industries. Individual machining sites such as SPC uphold their high standards and customer expectations through the different engineering review and analysis features and capabilities provided by VERICUT. VERICUT not only gives confidence, but also vital feedback in helping the progression of SPC in the competitive aerospace industry.
CGTech’s VERICUT software has created a confidence boosting, reassuring safety net for Hyde Aero Products Ltd for well over 20 years.
The Assurance of AUTO-DIFF
As one of the UK’s largest independent engineering companies, Hyde Aero Products Ltd has developed a strong reputation for the design, manufacture and assembly of components for a wide range of customers, services and systems. From the manufacture of prototype and test components for the medical and tooling industries, through to the fast response AOG deliveries for aviation and defence clients. Hyde Aero Products Ltd has an established customer base, supported by its highly developed engineering skillset and the verification capabilities of VERICUT. Comprised of over 20 manufacturing units specialising in all elements of metallic component manufacture and processing, Hyde Aero Products Ltd relies on VERICUT CNC simulation, verification and optimisation software across a number of its sites. In particular, Stoneswood Precision Components Ltd (SPC), which specialises in the subtractive manufacturing of soft and hard metal aerospace components, has harnessed the functions within VERICUT to deliver high quality components, first time.
“No single program, no matter how short, is output to the shopfloor without first being checked and having the final VERICUT seal of approval.” Delivering better products and enhanced components through continuous improvement is top priority for Hyde Aero Products Ltd. Likewise, the engineering teams at sites such as SPC, have also seen VERICUT continually improved into an easy-to-use platform that independently and accurately verifies all machining types - from simple face milling to complex 5-axis closed wall barrel cutting toolpaths. It is also a great tool for training employees and sharing knowledge. The live simulation cutstock display in the software provides a way to visualise and demonstrate machining strategies and toolpaths to shopfloor machine operators. In addition, CGTech’s VUE (Vericut User Exchange) meeting and reliable technical support team have been invaluable to the installation of VERICUT over the years with the engineering team at SPC. “The simplicity of VERICUT and the speed at which it can be used has led to it never being seen as a burden to the programming element of the production chain.” explains Tom Whitbread, SPC Technical Engineer. “Over my five years as a programmer and through my SPC apprenticeship program, VERICUT has always captured my training errors and helped me develop my skills for program optimisation and enhancing the quality of the components I engineer”.
One of the most powerful modules in VERICUT is AUTO-DIFF, which SPC use on every job. The ability to spot even very minor human errors whilst programming, or an issue with a particular toolpath or post-processing script, can prove vital. Levels of scrap within SPC have been greatly reduced by AUTO- DIFF, which highlights gouges or excess material after simulating the machining of a component. By quickly analysing the full component and verifying that it conforms to customer-supplied data, without having to cross reference a drawing or measure individual features, has improved the quality and accuracy of programs produced. “The level of confidence brought about by VERICUT’S AUTO-DIFF feature has increased the complexity of the programs that we can produce, allowing us to ‘push the envelope’ to try new strategies and techniques on actual components rather than limiting research and development to off-the-job testing pieces and theoretical scenarios” says John Kelly, Senior Manufacturing Engineer. The improved level of confidence brought about by VERICUT with features such as AUTO-DIFF also helps SPC optimise and re-engineer legacy components using the latest technology and strategies available, achieving more efficient and effective methods of manufacture and further improving the high level of component quality.
process chain has further strengthened the business’s short lead time machining capabilities”.
Kyocera SGS Precision Tools (Europe) Ltd welcomes Damian Ward as Business Development Manager Kyocera SGS Precision Tools (Europe) Ltd. is delighted to announce the appointment of Damian Ward as the new Business Development Manager. Damian brings with him a wealth of experience in the cutting tool industry, having worked in various senior management roles throughout his career.
Simplicity and Reliability
To achieve the ‘right-first-time’ manufacturing ethos at Hyde Aero Products Ltd, VERICUT is essential and has cemented its place as the final check before any code leaves the engineering department. Its accurate, high resolution collision detection, partnered with its detailed level of measuring and analysis, ensures that safe and efficient NC programs are created and issued to the shopfloor. Machine operators and programmers have confidence and peace-of-mind knowing that NC programs have been independently reviewed by VERICUT. ‘First off’ components and ‘prove outs’ pass through various departments within the facility with ease, as dimensional accuracy and overall quality is verified and assured. “From small 3-axis aluminium brackets, right through to large, high value 5-axis titanium structural components, everything runs through VERICUT,” explains Rob Westley, Senior Technical Engineer at SPC.
Prior to joining Kyocera SGS Precision Tools, Damian served as the Director of Engineering at Erodex Ltd, where he introduced automation and new 5 axis machining to their machine shop. He also spent 9 years at Matrix Tooling, a part of the Rubix group, where he set up and managed their Engineered Solutions department, providing independent programming and strategies for end-users. In addition, he spent 8 years at Seco Tools as an Aerospace Business Manager, supporting key account management at OEM and 1st Tier Supplier level. Starting his career as a full-time served apprentice with BAE Systems, Slack and Parr Ltd, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the engineering industry. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Damian will play a crucial role in driving Kyocera SGS Precision Tools (Europe) Ltd.’s growth strategy and strengthening the company’s position in the market. In his personal life, he enjoys playing football and boxing, as well as keeping fit and going to the gym. He also cherishes spending time with his family and friends.
“We are thrilled to welcome Damian to our team. His diverse background and expertise in the cutting tool industry make him an excellent fit for this position,” said Hugh Welch, Managing Director at Kyocera SGS Precision Tools (Europe) Ltd. “We are confident that he will contribute significantly to our business development efforts.” Kyocera SGS Precision Tools (Europe) Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of high- performance cutting tools for aerospace and medical applications. With Damian Ward’s appointment, the company looks forward to strengthening its position as a market leader and providing even better service to its customers. For more information, please visit the Kyocera SGS Precision Tools (Europe) Ltd. website at www.kyocera-sgstool.co.uk
Capacity and Production Management
Shortening Tools and Expanding Utilities
SPC also use VERICUT to manage production capacity at the facility. The log and run time estimation output by VERICUT allows SPC to better review and optimise the balancing of workloads and manufacturing capabilities of the various machining cells within the factory. The output estimated run time from VERICUT is logged by the engineering department and is used to optimise the ‘lights-out’ production and overnight manufacture of components in the business. In this way, long running components can be manufactured in ‘lights- out’ production hours, whereas shorter jobs can be run through the daytime. This understanding of specific component production hours, alongside the implementation of two new Hermle
Using the Tool Management database, SPC create accurate detailed assemblies of tools that are perfectly scaled to the cutters. Engineers are then able to optimise tooling, in order to produce a higher quality product in a shorter time frame (through the use of shorter cutters). Likewise, the high resolution and detailed analysis of the proximity between tool holders, stock and fixturing has also led SPC to manufacture complex components through standardised work holding methods. Fixtures can be used on multiple components through the confidence brought about by VERICUT, ultimately reducing manufacturing costs.
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plane talk summer 2023
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plane talk summer 2023
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