There are 2 main routes by which people can spread COVID-19:
infection can be spread to people who are nearby (within 2 metres) or possibly could be inhaled into the lungs

it is also possible that someone may become infected by touching a surface, object or the hand of an infected person that has been contaminated with respiratory secretions and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes

There is currently little evidence that people who are without symptoms are infectious to others.

CNC Machinery Solutions is committed to protecting their employees, supply chain and the public, whilst also providing a continuing service to their customers. For this reason, we will expect the following points to be upheld by all who come in to contact with CNC Machinery Solutions and/or its employees –

• Hygiene standards must be prioritised – regular and thorough hand washing, cleaning of equipment and working environment
• Travel disclosure regarding those who may have returned from badly effected countries/areas
• Customer visits to the Leamington site must be pre-booked and necessary
• Supplier visits to the Leamington sites will be accepted if essential and pre-booked – no cold callers will be permitted
• Deliveries to the Leamington site must be dropped outside the Goods Inward roller shutter door – no delivery drivers are permitted to enter the facility

As per NHS, symptoms of the virus are

• a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
• a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

Any employee will be instructed to get a test and self-isolate for 10 days (or until a negative test is received) if

• They have any symptoms, as listed above
• They have tested positive
• They live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive
• Someone in their support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive
• They have been told by NHS Test and Trace that they’ve been in contact with a person with coronavirus

Keeping up to date with government guidelines and recommendations is of upmost importance. CNC Machinery Solutions will be checking updates daily and amending this statement as necessary.

Leamington visitors risk assessment

You can view our risk assessment by clicking here.

The post CNC Machinery Solutions’s COVID-19 statement appeared first on CNC Machinery Solutions.

CNC Machinery Solutions, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has reported exceptional sales results for 2018.

When the order books closed, just before the Christmas break, Mills had taken orders for 440 new Doosan machines during 2018 and had delivered 431 machines in the same period.

Comments Kevin Gilbert, CNC Machinery Solutions’s Managing Director:

“2018 was a tremendous year for Mills. Business activity was strong in the first Quarter and was sustained throughout the year – even during the traditionally ‘quieter’ Summer months. The number of machine tool orders and deliveries demonstrate the continuing strong demand for Doosan machines backed by Mills’ class leading after-sales service and support.”

Clearly there are many reasons why CNC Machinery Solutions’s performance during 2018 was so positive.

New machine tool introductions

The depth and breadth of Doosan’s machine tool range is second to none and, throughout 2018, was increased and improved by the introduction of a number of new machine models.

These included the launch of the new Doosan DVF 5000 simultaneous 5-axis machining centre which, with its direct-drive spindle technology and integrated thermal compensation systems, has raised the bar for component manufacturers looking for increased productivity, operational efficiency and process reliability.

Other new Doosan machines introduced by Mills during 2018 included the Doosan DNM 4000 – a compact, high-productivity vertical machining centre with direct-drive spindle technology; the Doosan V8300M – a rigid box guideway vertical turning lathe with driven tooling capability; and the Doosan NHP 4000/5000 – a range of fast, accurate and powerful high-performance horizontal machining centres equipped with high-torque spindles and integrated automation.

MACH 2018

2018 was a ‘MACH year’ and Mills, as is always the case, invested significant resources into making the event a success.

Exhibiting 16 Doosan machines at the Show, Mills welcomed over 3000 visitors onto its stand (one of the largest at MACH), and reported that it sold 20 machines at the event.

However, the true impact of MACH should not only be calculated by the number of machines sold during the event.

Continues Kevin Gilbert:

“MACH 2018 had a positive impact on sales throughout 2018.

“Prior to MACH sales of new Doosan machines were already ‘on the up’. In the weeks and months after the event this upward trend was more visible and demonstrates the importance of MACH and the impact it has on future sales performance.”

Turnkey solutions

2018 saw an increase in demand for Mills turnkey and process improvement solutions.

Comments Tony Dale, CNC Machinery Solutions’s Technical Director:

“Delivering what are often complex turnkey and process improvement solutions to customers is a hallmark of Mills. Component manufacturers operating in advanced and highly-competitive sectors and industries are increasingly relying on us to design and deliver manufacturing solutions that help them improve their productivity, efficiencies and performance.”

Throughout 2018 Mills has started and completed a number of high-profile projects with (and for) market leading customers in the automotive, aerospace and energy sectors. A significant percentage of these involved automation, and the use and integration of of robots and work-piece loading/unloading systems.

Large machine tool sales

The growth in demand for large-capacity Doosan machines was evident throughout 2018.

Although the oil and gas sector which, in the past, was a major market for large machine tool sales remained fairly static – there was a noticeable increased demand for large Doosan horizontal borers, horizontal machining centres, vertical turning lathes, mill-turn machines and vertical machining centres from customers operating in the aerospace, automotive, mining and power generation sectors.

Other highlights – CNC Machinery Solutions

Other notable highlights occurring during 2018 included a marked increase in sales achieved by the CNC Training Academy (Mills’ independently operated training arm) and a significant increase in the number of Mills customers taking out Service Contracts on their Doosan machines.

And finally…

It wasn’t just CNC Machinery Solutions that experienced significant growth in 2018. It was a similar situation for Doosan Machine Tools – the global machine tool giant based in South Korea.

Proving that demand for Doosan machines was not just a ‘local’ phenomenon limited to the UK and Ireland, Doosan Machine Tools reported that it experienced ‘record-breaking’ growth last year – building and delivering 16,766 machines – up 2,700 from what was achieved in 2017.

Looking to the future

Despite such a successful 2018 Mills is now focused very much on the future and has a number of new and exciting initiatives and developments planned for 2019.

These include an increase in the number of external exhibitions the company will be attending for the first time in its history – such as The Future Engineering Ireland (FEI) exhibition in January, the Southern Manufacturing show in February and the Off-shore Europe Exhibition in September.

To consolidate its position as a supplier of high-performance automation solutions Mills has recently created a new business division called CNC Machinery Solutions Automation. This new operation is located at Mills’ Technology Campus facility in Leamington and will be responsible for driving sales of Mills’ industrial and collaborative robot systems and solutions in the UK and Ireland.

Concludes Kevin Gilbert:

“We aim to build on the successes of 2018 and, amongst the many initiatives planned, will continue making significant investment in our people, plant, processes and systems to further improve our customer service and our overall business performance.

“These initiatives, in addition to launching a number of new Doosan machine tools into the market, will help us maintain our position as the machine tool and automation systems supplier of choice for a growing number of component manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.”

The post No let up in demand! appeared first on CNC Machinery Solutions.

A large percentage of the headline news generated by, and about, CNC Machinery Solutions concerns the company’s year-on-year strong sales performance, the depth and breadth of the Doosan machine tool range available to UK and Irish component manufacturers, and specific case studies that focus on individual customers using and applying Doosan machine tool technologies in their manufacturing facilities.

However, a major area of the company’s business operation probably doesn’t get as much recognition or press coverage as it should – and that area is CNC Machinery Solutions’s after-sales and service operation.

CNC Machinery Solutions’s after-sales and service operation is extensive and well-resourced. To meet the needs of an installed base approaching 5000 machines as well as ensuring the safe and efficient delivery and installation of over 400 new machine tools per year, it has to be.

Often described by customers as being ‘the best in the business’, the scope and scale of Mills’ after-sales operation is one of the company’s key differentiators and, for many customers, is a major reason for them choosing to purchase (and continue to purchase) Doosan machines from Mills.

Mills’ after-sales operation comprises a number of different functions and disciplines. These include PDI, Machine Tool Service and Servicing, Applications, Parts, Accessories and Training. It also includes Mills’ Projects’ Team which is responsible for machine tool delivery, installation and commissioning.

The Projects Team

The Projects’ Team employs five experienced members of staff who interface and communicate with Mills’ sales, commercial and after-sales staff as well as the customer and, other third party specialist service providers, to ensure seamless machine tool delivery and installation.

Essentially the Projects Team initially qualifies the order and a customer’s requirements, and then devises and implements a delivery strategy to make sure that order fulfilment occurs and that expectations are met.

Says Heath Redman, CNC Machinery Solutions’s Operations Director:

“Some machine tool installations are relatively straightforward – others can be more complicated”.

This is often dictated by the type of machine being ordered by the customer.

It is anticipated that a standard Doosan machine, like a Lynx 2-axis lathe or DNM 3-axis vertical machining centre available from stock at Mills’ Technology Campus facility in Leamington, should create fewer delivery and installation issues than a large-capacity Doosan horizontal borer that is being built to order by Doosan at its facilities in South Korea prior to being shipped to the UK and then delivered to the customer.

Continues Heath Redman:

“The ethos within the Operations Department, as it is across all Mills’ operations, is that the ‘customer is king’.

“Irrespective of whether a machine tool delivery and installation is complicated or not – it is approached with same professionalism, dedication and commitment to get it ‘right first time’.

“Mills’ corporate ‘Like No-one Else’ proposition means that we go the extra mile for our customers.”

The performance of Mills’ after-sales operations, which includes the Projects Team, are monitored and reviewed regularly. This is not just an ISO: 9001 quality management system requirement but also an integral element of Mills’ own in-house continuous improvement programme.

Explains Heath Redman:

“We contact every customer by telephone once their machine(s) has been delivered, installed and passed off, and complete a customer questionnaire with them.

“We analyse the feedback and comments obtained and, where required, make adjustments and changes to our service.

“We aim for 100% satisfaction with every delivery. Constant monitoring and evaluation of what we do and how we do things makes this objective a reality.”

Going the extra mile

With over 400 new Doosan machines being delivered every year by Mills to customers in the UK and Ireland it is essential that the company has efficient systems and processes in place.

Delivery of standard machines from stock are relatively straightforward. Prior to delivery the machines undergo a thorough PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) by Mills engineers to ensure that they are in full working order. Mills has a dedicated PDI team and employs four full-time engineers to undertake these tasks.

Many customers increasingly order standard machines from stock with some modifications and /or accessories that require installation prior to their delivery. These modifications can include, for example, integrating 4th-/5th-axis units to Doosan machining centres or integrating bar feeders to Doosan lathes or turning centres.

To cater for these modifications and additions Mills holds many of the most commonly requested accessories in stock – meaning that they can be fitted or be prepared to be fitted, quickly – without compromising delivery times.

For machines that are not held in stock orders are put through to Doosan Machine Tools in South Korea.

With large and/or sophisticated machines like the DBC-series of horizontal borers and the VCF 850 5AX (5-axis machine) range – Operations staff from Mills travel to the relevant Doosan factory in South Korea to check the machine build and undertake a PDI before the machine is exported to the customer. A further comprehensive check is then undertaken when the machine arrives at the customer’s facility.

Leaving nothing to chance

Getting a machine safely and securely to a customer’s facility – and ensuring that there are no last hitches with its installation are also vital tasks performed by the Projects Team.

Prior to delivery a comprehensive site survey is undertaken.

The survey helps identify and solve potential installation problems before they arise such as access to and inside the customer’s facility.

In some instances existing machines will need to be moved to enable the new machine to be sited in its desired position. In other cases the new machine may need to be stripped down in order to get it through narrow roller shutter doors – and then rebuilt once it is in position.

Says Heath Redman:

“The site survey is a critical risk assessment procedure and is an integral part of our service. We devote significant time and effort undertaking them, and they are a vital in highlighting (in advance) potential delivery and installation issues”.

Mills’ customers also welcome the site surveys as they demonstrate that, when it comes to delivering and installing their new machine – nothing, quite literally, is left to chance.”

Concludes Heath Redman:

Mills’ after-sales service operation is a well oiled machine. Delivering and installing Doosan machine tools to Mills customers involves managing and coordinating a lot of moving parts.

“The people we employ and the systems and processes we have in place ensures successful outcomes for us and for our customers.”

The post Keeping our promises! appeared first on CNC Machinery Solutions.

The machine, a Fanuc controlled Mynx 9500, was installed at one of Brown & Holmes’ two facilities in Tamworth, Staffordshire in May 2018, and is the third new Doosan machine the company has acquired in the last four years.

The decision to invest in the Mynx 9500 was made, primarily, as a direct result of a growing order book and anticipation of a new business contract to machine high-precision titanium components for a defence sector customer.

To machine the parts, made from titanium plate, to the accuracies and surface finishes required and to hit the lead times demanded by the customer, Brown & Holmes determined that it needed to invest in additional in-house milling capacity.

Says Kevin Ward, Brown & Holmes’ joint managing director:

“We make regular investment in new, high-performance CNC machine tools, including machining centres and turning centres), and have a good range available at our disposal – installed at both our facilities.

“However, owing to a sustained and significant upturn in business experienced over the last few years, we realised we just didn’t have the right type of milling capacity available to fulfil the new business order.

“As a consequence we investigated the market and discussed our requirements with a select number of machine tool suppliers.”

The new machine tool checklist drawn up by Brown & Holmes contained a number of ‘must have’s’ that focused not just on the technical specifications and cost of the new machine – but also on the quality and responsiveness of the after-sales services and support provided by the machine tool builder.

As part of its decision making process, Brown & Holmes discussed its options with CNC Machinery Solutions, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland.

Explains Kevin Ward:

“We have a good relationship with CNC Machinery Solutions and in recent years have purchased a large Doosan Puma 600 lathe (2014) and a Doosan DNM 750L Mk II vertical machining centre (2017).

“We are also one of CNC Machinery Solutions’s Technical Partners and have worked in collaboration with them delivering customised turnkey and process improvement projects to a range of UK and Irish component manufacturers.

“We like and respect CNC Machinery Solutions’s approach. The emphasis the company places on customer service and after-sales support matches our own business ethos.

“Having discussed our requirements with CNC Machinery Solutions representatives we were introduced to the Mynx 9500 machine.”

Mynx 9500

The Mynx 9500 is a large-capacity vertical machining centre equipped with a powerful 50 taper high-torque, gear-driven spindle designed for heavy-duty machining operations capable of delivering high volumetric removal rates.

The machine’s rigid build and design, that includes box guideways on all axes, minimises deformation and improves accuracy.

The Mynx 9500 has large axis travels (X-axis = 2500mm; Y-axis = 950mm; Z-axis = 850mm) and can accommodate workpieces weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.

Says Kevin Ward:

“The Mynx 9500 is a brute of a machine – and it is also inherently versatile.

“The large working envelope means we can machine large components (as well as small parts) and its powerful spindle technology ensures improved part cycle times and the trouble-free machining of difficult-to-machine materials like titanium.

“The size, power and versatility of the machine makes it ideal for machining one-offs and small batches, and for parts requiring long machining runs.”

Since being installed the Mynx 9500 has been in continuous use and, according to Kevin Ward, “hasn’t missed a beat”.

After-sales service and support

A key issue affecting Brown & Holmes’ new machine tool investment decision concerned the type and level of after-sales service and support provided by the machine tool builder.

Comments Kevin Ward

“As an existing customer we had first hand experience of the after-sales services provided by CNC Machinery Solutions. In our estimation they are amongst the best in the business.

“The proactive approach taken by Mills’ Projects Team (which is responsible for fast and efficient machine tool delivery, installation and commissioning) ensures that nothing is left to chance and that last minute hitches do not occur. This was the case with the Mynx installation.”

Machine availability

A particular bug bear with manufacturers looking to purchase new machine tools is the length of time they can sometimes be expected to wait until the machine arrives.

Comments Kevin Ward:

“Some machine tool manufacturers are quoting lead times of six months and over for new machine deliveries. However, because CNC Machinery Solutions holds a high number of Doosan machines in stock at any given time at its Campus facility in Leamington – deliveries can occur in days (as opposed to weeks or months).”

Even with non-stock machines, as was the case with the Mynx 9500, the time taken from customer order to delivery was eight weeks.

Concludes Kevin Ward:

“The quick availability of the machine combined with its impressive technical specification and the support services provided by CNC Machinery Solutions all contributed to us deciding to invest in the Mynx 9500.”

The post Brown & Holmes invest in a large-capacity Doosan vertical machining centre from CNC Machinery Solutions. appeared first on CNC Machinery Solutions.

The CNC Training Academy has announced that it will be attending the MACH 2016 Show in April (Hall 5 Stand 5430), where it will promote and demonstrate the productivity and performance benefits manufacturers can expect to achieve when investing in proven and professionally-delivered CNC Programmer and Operator training.

Focusing on Fanuc Turning and Milling CNC Programmer & Operator Training, Heidenhain 3- , 4 – & 5-axis CNC Programmer & Operator Training, and Siemens Milling CNC Programmer & Operator Training – the Academy will also offer visitors introductory, practical sessions on conversational CNC programming software systems (e.g. Manual Guide i and ShopMill).

The intention behind the Academy’s attendance at MACH is to demonstrate, via interactive and one-on-one sessions, how manufacturers can get more from their CNC machine tools, and how investing in training can boost individual company’s productivity and competitiveness.

By covering the full range of its training provision at MACH visitors will be able to see that the Academy provides clear and recognised training progression (e.g. from CNC operator/setter through to CNC programmer), for customers.

As well as having a presence at MACH 2016 in Hall 5 – the CNC Training Academy is also one of a few select companies hosting a MACH Seminar during the week of the exhibition.

On Tuesday 12th April (from 10.00 am – 11.00 am) in Hall 4 of the NEC, CNC Training Academy Manager, Jeff Hart, will be presenting his views and commenting on skills shortages in the UK manufacturing sector and the ways that CNC training and re-training can help companies maintain their competitive edge.

Commenting on why visitors should take time to visit the CNC Training Academy at MACH, Jeff Hart says:

“We have a number of (wirelessly-linked) work stations on our Stand where visitors can see, understand and appreciate the productivity potential of our CNC Programmer & Operator Training Courses, and our advanced, specialist courses too.

“Our attendance at MACH means we are providing companies (and individuals) with the opportunity to meet directly with our training consultants to discuss their own specific training requirements and to identify how our standard and/or specialist courses can address and meet their short and long term training needs.

“Irrespective of whether you’re a relative novice or a seasoned pro – why not visit our Stand where, in a supportive and informal environment, you can find out more about the different training opportunities available.”

The post World-class CNC Programmer and Operator training at MACH! appeared first on CNC Machinery Solutions.