17th Feb 2019
Meeting the precision needs of its customers has seen a Huddersfield manufacturer make a number of large investments, including the acquisition of the latest CNC machine technology.
Thomas Brown Engineering, which recently celebrated its 35th birthday, has worked with the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) to install a new Hardinge Bridgeport XR760H to help it capitalise on recent contract wins within the aerospace sector.
The company will use the additional power and torque provided by the revolutionary GTW spindle to machine the toughest materials, whilst the Heidenhain TNC 640 control and Nikken 4th axis rotary table delivers increased accuracy, flexibility and repeatability.
It marks the latest stage in the company’s expansion, which has seen its turnover increase and new jobs created.
“We have always been big fans of Hardinge Bridgeport and the excellent performance the machines deliver, so it was no surprise when we updated our capabilities with the new XR760H,” explained Tom Brown, who founded the business in 1983 after serving an apprenticeship and working at a local firm.
“Aerospace is a growing market for us following our AS9100 accreditation and this helped us secure these important contracts, which required more capacity and shorter lead times.”
He continued: “We spoke to ETG about our requirements and came up with the XR760H, specifying it with a Nikken 4th axis rotary table to give us the opportunity to produce more complex components.
“It is a decision that is already paying off, with some cycle times reduced by as much as 20%. This makes a major difference to our productivity.”
John Brimblecombe, Regional Sales Manager at ETG, commented: “Thomas Brown Engineering operates at the highest tolerances and this latest investment gives it increased quality and accuracy…two attributes it needs when supplying customers in the aerospace sector.
