One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of gears for vintage vehicles, Neve Engineering has upgraded its in-house EDM facility by installing a Sodick A320D wire EDM from Sodi-Tech. The high specification second user machine has been extensively refurbished and according to the Sussex-based specialist engineering company, is at least four times faster than the machine it replaced.

As a provider of precision engineering and restoration services, Neve Engineering claims to be the gear shop for cars and motorcycles: from veteran through to classic race and road. Handling a wide variety of makes and models, the company can cater for complete engine/gearbox rebuilds, full restorations or obsolete part manufacture. Its customers include enthusiasts, dealers and clubs, mainly across Europe and the US.

Until recently, the company subcontracted its EDM requirements, however, having struggled to find a competent supplier and discontent with the leadtimes offered, it was decided to purchase a used wire EDM. “We knew that a new machine would be beyond our budget, but we also knew we wanted a warranty and support level similar to that offered with a new machine,” says company director, Ian Neve.

Sodi-Tech EDM was one of a select number of companies invited to tender. Following a visit to the company’s premises in Sussex it became evident that first impressions really do count.
“Sodi-Tech had a very impressive approach,” he continues. “They offered us an exceptional machine that had been professionally and extensively refurbished, as well as a warranty and free training. Basically we were being offered a lot more than we thought we could afford.”

Mr Neve was also invited to Sodi-Tech EDM’s UK headquarters in Coventry, where a free trial on the proposed machine could be conducted. “We were allowed to bring our own test piece,” he recalls. “Considering this is a second user machine we were astonished at its speed and accuracy. I signed the deal there and then.

“We now use the machine to produce a variety of features such as internal splines and serrations, as well as irregular shapes and bores for shafts – basically, any intricate shapes that are too difficult to profile using conventional milling techniques. We also use it to skim cut gear splines after hardening to remove any distortion – an operation that is very important in this line of work. The surface finish we get from the machine is excellent, which means most of the surfaces that previously required grinding can now be left wired, offering yet more savings.”

All of the gears and transmission parts produced at Neve Engineering are manufactured from alloy steels. Most, if not all, are case or through hardened, or are subject to nitride coating. Occasionally the company will handle aerospace specification materials if the gears are for racing purposes. Tolerances range typically between 0.01mm and 0.025mm, which is proving to be no problem for the refurbished Sodick A320D with its 0.005mm accuracy. Most parts are one-offs, although sometimes sets of up to 10-off are required for specialist dealers.

Mr Neve admits there are only a few companies remaining with the required knowledge to make gears for vintage cars. “It’s no secret that the skills base has disappeared,” he announces. “We are one of the few left and we continue to build our reputation based entirely on quality. The Sodick machine will add to this and hopefully help free-up time and create the wealth needed to bring the next generation on board.”

Sodi-Tech EDM
www.sodick.com

Neve Engineering
www.neveengineering.co.uk