Hereford manufacturer invests in new VTL from Ward CNC

Numachine, a thriving Hereford-based business specialising in CNC machining and subcontract manufacturing, has embraced the advantages of a new Hyundai-Wia LV800RM vertical turning lathe (VTL) supplied by T.W. Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC). The quality and performance of the machine have impressed Numachine in contributing to the optimisation of its manufacturing processes.

Brandon Davies, managing director of Numachine and a dedicated mechanical engineer by trade expresses his passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement: “I enjoy solving problems,” he enthuses. “Even if I work 15-16 hours a day, I don’t feel tired because my hobby is my job, and I absolutely thrive on it. I like to come in every day, go around the shop and see how we can improve. I’d say this ethos is something we all share at Numachine; everyone is trying to contribute to our continuous improvement.”

Numachine primarily serves industries such as automotive, medical, aerospace, laboratory/instrumentation, and renewable energy, all requiring the highest quality standards. Mr Davies keeps a keen eye on the electric vehicle (EV) segment, given his personal interest as an EV driver and Numachine's supply of components to prestigious automotive companies for use in EVs.

A key focus for Numachine is cost reduction for customers, achieved through value engineering across the CNC machining process. Mr Davies highlights the company's diverse capacity. “We have a strong range of CNC machine tools, ranging from various horizontal lathes and mills to 5-axis machining centres, vertical lathes and multi-tasking machines. This extensive range provides differentiation from the competition, while our in-house quality control and measurement capability is another key factor for many customers.”

He adds “We’re always thinking about how we can expand our service capacities and are now in the process of selecting a metal 3D printer. Additive manufacturing will allow us to produce prototypes much faster for our customers and, with our machining capabilities, we can achieve high-quality finished parts in a very short time period.”

Design for Manufacture (DfM) is another significant service at Numachine, actively reducing the cost of machined components for diverse applications, including planes and trains to breweries and roulette wheels. The company manufactures its fixtures in-house, supporting optimised clamping mechanisms with quick turnaround times, emphasising its role as a one-stop-shop, catering to customer demands for high-quality, rapid services.

Numachine has recently incorporated a Hyundai-Wia LV800RM VTL from Ward CNC into its diverse machinery lineup. Renowned for its robust and heavy-duty cutting platform, the machine features a one-piece, square-type column that delivers excellent stability. This machine is equipped with a stable shaft structure, providing a high cutting capacity suitable for handling substantial loads.

Noteworthy highlights of the Hyundai-Wia LV800RM include a two-step chuck pressure mechanism designed to minimise workpiece deformation and ensure optimal chip evacuation. Within the LV series, a dedicated protection device has been integrated to prevent chips and other foreign materials from entering the main spindle, guaranteeing continued high-precision performance.

The Hyundai-Wia LV800RM is characterised by its impressive specifications, offering a maximum turning diameter and turning length of 800mm, coupled with a maximum spindle speed of 2,000rpm. This addition to Numachine's workshop enhances its machining capabilities, reinforcing a commitment to precision and efficiency throughout its manufacturing processes.

Speaking on the experience of working with Ward CNC, Mr Davies comments: “It was a very smooth experience. Ward CNC took care of processes such as specifying the machine based on our application, placing the order, delivery, installation, and operator training.

“We’re pleased with the quality and performance of the Hyundai-Wia vertical lathe; it’s a good addition to our range of machines. There was only one small issue a few months ago which was solved rapidly by the supplier. We’re completely satisfied with the service.

“Looking ahead, Numachine plans to enter the bespoke motorbike and mountain bike manufacturing segment, combining my passion for off-road biking with the company's manufacturing capabilities. Ward CNC is likely to play a crucial role in these future projects.”

TW Ward CNC Machinery
www.wardcnc.com

Numachine
https://numachine.co.uk