Among the fastest of their kind, two Mecal CNC machining centres bought earlier this year are 4-axis models that are used to manufacture 40,000 aluminium door sill plates a year for one of the world’s premier automotive brands. By comparison, the latest machine to be purchased by Neville’s is a 5-axis Mecal MC304 Ariel-5 MDT – the first 5-axis machining centre of its type to be sold in the UK by Addison Saws.

“For a new contract, which involves the manufacture of some 10,000 aluminium carriage light fittings a year for the next generation of high-speed trains, I initially considered purchasing an additional Mecal 4-axis machine,” comments Neville Precision Engineering’s MD, Edward Neville. “During a visit to Mecal’s HQ with Addison Saws for machining trials, however, I was able to see the latest generation Mecal MC304 Ariel-5 MDT, 5-axis CNC machining centre. A demonstration confirmed that it was precisely what I was looking for. ”

With full 5-axis capability, the Mecal MC304 Ariel-5 MDT allows the cutting tool to approach the component from all possible angles, in order to complete cutting and machining operations on the top, bottom, sides and ends. This has brought immense flexibility to Neville Precision Engineering’s carriage light manufacturing cycle, where finished components measuring 2 metres long x 200mm wide are produced from 4.5-metre-long extrusion bars.  

This latest investment in CNC machining technology by Neville Precision Engineering has enabled the company to reduce machining cycle times significantly, removing any need for components to be manually repositioned during the manufacturing process. The Ariel-5 machining centre is equipped with an optional, fully independent clamping system and also offers Neville Precision Engineering considerable opportunities for component development.

“We are delighted to be able to offer both the MC304 Ariel-5 MMI and MC304 Ariel-5 MDT models,” comments Addison Saws’ sales director, Chris Wilson. “Highly robust and competitively priced, these latest CNC machining centres from Mecal bring new levels of flexibility and convenience to customers who produce components from extruded aluminium.”

“Once again, Addison Saws has provided a high quality solution for our demanding manufacturing strategies,” adds Edward Neville. “Our new CNC machining centre has also brought exciting possibilities to our component development capabilities.” 

The new Mecal MC304 Ariel-5 MDT machining centres from Addison Saws are able to automatically machine, drill, mill, slot and cut aluminium extrusions of up to 7.5m in length. Providing immense flexibility,due to their additional rotary axes, Mecal Ariel-5 models are equally suited to new product development, as well as to complex machining tasks.