Major scoop for ptg

Yorkshire-based machine tools provider, PTG Heavy Industries, has designed and manufactured two Binns & Berry lathes for producing the critical components for the world's largest mining shovels, each capable of loading a 500t dump truck in just three minutes. The order was secured against stiff competition from Italian and German manufacturers and the machines have now been installed in the US and China.

The challenges presented to PTG were many and complex, involving multiaxes, heavy duty milling and drilling, a massive thread and $50,000 forging. Total precision and a high quality surface finish were also very high on the customer's agenda.

The two special Binns & Berry VT7 twin saddle lathes, will be used to manufacture major components such as the main shipper shaft, centre gudgeon and crawler drive shafts, the machines' unique specification having been developed by PTG in close collaboration with the customer.