Capabilities

The latest CNC machine tools are used to manufacture components to very tight tolerances in a well equipped, 10 000 square metre machine shop.

Significant capital investment over the last few years has included the acquisition of 5-axis, twin pallet machining centres; large ‘ram type’ CNC vertical borers with auto tool change; CMM with scanning capability; and a CAD/CAM solid modelling capability to complement DNC programming. A computer controlled balancing machine has also been installed in the Fan Seals cell to balance the rotating seals.

Any aero-engine ring or casing up to 2 metres in diameter can be both turned and 5-axis milled on the latest CNC machines.

Manufacturing lead times, non-conformance, inventory and operating costs have been dramatically reduced by the adoption of lean manufacturing principles. Components and assemblies are produced in manufacturing cells applying SMED, Poka-Yoke, Kanban, 5S, TPM and other lean tools.

Responsiveness and lead times have been improved through smaller batches. This has been made possible by the reduction of set up times by up to 90%.