12/08/2008
Automated cell delivered for
Charpy test pieces

At Corus’ Scunthorpe steelworks, a test piece is taken from each production batch with results forwarded to customers; some 450 test pieces need to be produced each day. The requirement was to design, develop and manufacture an automated process to produce “Charpy Impact Test” pieces, measuring either 5, 7.5 or 10mm wide x 10mm high and 55mm long with a centrally machined vee 2mm deep to an overall maximum tolerance of 60 microns within a time of 9 minutes for a set of 3 test pieces.

The HNC solution involves raw, sawn blanks being loaded into a chute, retrieving data via their bar codes from Corus’s existing VAX system and automatically, by way of laser technology being checked for overall size. If results are OK it then progresses by way of pick and place robot and lightweight conveyor systems for milling the 4 sides and two ends on - a CNC Lathe. Prior to this machining the CNC lathe also receiveds data from the VAX giving test piece size and hardness.


The final solution delivered by HNC Partners, Agemaspark of Doncaster, was a totally enclosed, fully automated cell utilising three Hardinge Quest model 6/42 CNC lathes fitted with GE Fanuc 18i CNC controls and Eppinger Preciflex driven tool turrets and ‘C’ axis spindle control, plus pick-and-place robots, auto conveyors along with laser component recognition and measurement.

Further details >> PDF

Robot Interface - GKN Driveline
Working in partnership with Agemaspark of Doncaster. The team of HNC engineers provided the interface & progamming between an ABB robot and a Hardinge Machining Centre fitted with a Fanuc 0i control system. The machine/robot cell was developed for the production of complex automotive drive shafts for GKN Driveline’s Birmingham manufacturing facility and was integrated into a larger fully automated system. With HNC’s involvement, loading and handling time was reduced almost ten fold to 15 seconds !

Telephone HNC on (01422) 360607.... and speak to an engineer

HNC refurbish - Giddings and Lewis VTL

HNC have completed the electrical and mechanical refurbishment of a Giddings and Lewis VTL with a 60 inch diameter table.
HNC fitted a complete GE Fanuc 18i-TB CNC control system, with new digital servo motors and drives. HNC originally fought off stiff competition to win the order by having the necessary skills, expertise and facilities to complete the job to a high standard within a competitive budget.

HNC rebuild – Cummins Ltd
The eight FMT 2500 horizontal machining centres installed at Cummins Engines of Daventry some 20 years ago have consistently achieved the rigorous productivity schedules asked of them operating continuously 24 hours a day with exceptional reliability. When more output was required from the machines, Adam Dawson, Cummins maintenance manager was tasked with enhancing their performance.

Halifax Numerical Controls (HNC) were recommended by several companies as being the right company for the job. Mike and Tim were able to demonstrate to Siemens and Cummins the quality of their rebuilds and service and the order for the first machine was placed in March 2005.

The rebuild of the first machine was completed on time and passed the tough Cummins acceptance tests with few problems. Since then, HNC have rebuilt three of the FMT machines and managed to squeeze in a DeVlieg model 5K Jigmil rebuild for Cummins as well.

Adam Dawson and colleagues at Cummins speak highly of HNC with their “no nonsense” approach to business. Nothing appears too much trouble to them.

BAE Systems – Warton, Lancashire.
Machine: C.B. Ferrari S66 5-axis milling machine.

HNC retrofitted a Ferrari S66 5-axis milling machine with a state of the art Heidenhain iTNC 530 CNC system interfacing with Siemens digital drives and motors. This gave the machine a new lease of life, ensuring reliability in the years to come manufacturing component parts for the Harrier jet. HNC did the contract through Wyko Industrial Services who have offices on site at BAE systems and whom we have a close working relationship.

De Smet Rosedowns Ltd.
Machine: Cincinnati Hypowermatic milling machine.

HNC re-engineered a Cincinnati Hypowermatic milling machine for De Smet Rosedowns of Hull. This machine is to mill component parts for the company’s range of vegetable oil extracting machines. We took an old machine fitted with a hydraulic copying attachment, totally re-engineered the machine fitting a GE Fanuc two axis Power Mate with new digital servo drives. This makes the machine far more flexible and reliable than before allowing the operator to change the profile of the component by selecting different programs. The machine was fitted with new guarding and safety interlock system incorporating the magnetic chuck.

For more information contact Mike Diskin or Tim Price on (01422) 360607
- with HNC you speak to an engineer!