ANT INDUSTRIES STRENGTHENS PRECISION CAPABILITY WITH SIX-FIGURE INVESTMENT IN ADVANCED TURN / MILL TECHNOLOGY
BY ERIK ARNSTEN, PRODUCT MANAGER, ABB MACHINES.
Precision engineering specialist ANT Industries has reinforced its advanced manufacturing capability with a six-figure investment in a new AXILE G8 Turn / Mill Centre at its facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire.
The new machine forms part of the company’ s ongoing strategy to strengthen its position as a trusted supplier of complex components to the aerospace and gas turbine sectors. Designed to combine high-speed machining with advanced multi-axis control, the AXILE G8 will primarily be used to manufacture high value aero engine components where precision, repeatability and surface quality are paramount.
According to Managing Director Shaun Rowley, early trials have already demonstrated the machine’ s performance advantages in set up reductions and geometric accuracy.
“ From experiments so far, the machine is incredibly accurate and surpasses our other machines. In terms of speed, accuracy and ease of programming, it’ s meeting every technical expectation,” he said.“ It will predominantly be used for aero engine components, and the combination of speed, computing power and axis control ultimately gives ANT Industries greater accuracy when machining complex profiles.”
The machine’ s design also delivers notable improvements in surface finishing— a critical requirement for high-performance aerospace components. Rowley explains that the difference can often be seen in the final appearance of the part.
“ When you look at the surface finish of a component, you sometimes see small chatter marks that reflect the bearings in a machine spindle and slideways. Parts coming off this machine almost look like they’ ve been
14 AUTOMATION, CONTROL & ENGINEERING