When CDM (UK) Limited invested in its first 5-Axis machine at MACH 2014, the precision engineering company quickly turned to Roemheld to supply a 5-Axis vice that would meet its manufacturing needs.
MC 100 vice positioned on the table of the Leadwell machine
Having installed the 5-Axis machine, CDM found that the vice that they had purchased at the same time was proving unreliable and kept slipping. The company then approached Roemheld who supplied them with a MC100 5-Axis vice from its Hilma range. Having used the Roemheld vice since October, CDM has been impressed with its accuracy and reliability. Stephen Townsend, co-owner and Director of CDM Precision Engineering said: ”The Roemheld vice is working brilliantly and all the operators are very impressed with it. We’ve been able to machine parts in 304 stainless steel with a 4mm depth of cut. The vice we had on the machine before was not a patch on the Roemheld one.”
MC100 vice with finished component holding on 3mm of material
Blackburn-based CDM Engineering has been producing a wide range of high quality precision components for the motor, carpet tufting, textile and food industries since 1987. The company has grown from humble beginnings in a 1000 sq.ft. rented unit to its current 8,500 sq. ft. premises, housing 12 members of staff. CDM offers a wide range of sub-contract machine services including CNC turning and milling, boring, grinding, welding and gear cutting. The company prides itself on the quality, precision and adaptability of its service whether producing 20 components or a batch of 500.
CDM has built its reputation over the years by offering innovative solutions and problem solving. It was this commitment to providing the best possible manufacturing solutions for customers that led to CDM to purchase its first ever 5-Axis machine.
Stephen Townsend, co-owner and director.
Stephen Townsend said: “We were being increasingly approached about more work that needed 5-Axis capability so we decided to bite the bullet and invest in a 5-Axis machine. We have since found that even doing our conventional 3-Axis and 4-Axis work on the 5-Axis machine is quicker and more accurate. For example, one job that would normally take seven separate operations can be done in a single pass on the 5-Axis machine.”
CDM has had to upgrade its programming software to enable it to cope with the intricacies of 5-Axis machining. An operator has already been trained up on the new software and there are plans to carry out further training for shopfloor personnel. Being able to access 5-Axis step/CAD files from Roemheld has also proved useful during the planning of the manufacturing process.
Finished parts
Although it is still early days, CDM has already found that the 5-Axis machine with Roemheld vice has enabled them to achieve increased productivity and produce better value work. Now fully up and running alongside the company’s existing three 3-Axis machines, this 5-Axis machining capability is enabling CDM to take on more complex and demanding precision engineering projects.
Phil Cable, Northern Area Manager for Roemheld (UK) Limited said: “We are seeing more and more companies like CDM investing in 5-Axis technology so that they can increase their manufacturing potential. Our 5-Axis vice range has been designed to help companies of all sizes to maximise productivity while delivering the highest levels of accuracy.”
CAD facility located close to machine.
To find out more about CDM (UK) Limited, telephone 01254 682103. To find out more about Roemheld’s full range of workholding and materials handling solutions, go to www.roemheld.co.uk or telephone 01462 459052.
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