Advanced Machining Fulfilling Full-Range of Part Size Capabilities
To specialize in 5-axis CNC milling capabilities, a machine shop can’t have just one 5-axis machine. It also can’t have all 5-axis machines of a specific type.
That’s why Advanced Machining & Tooling has purchased a wide-range of 5-axis machines. On December 3, the Compass Precision operating company officially announced the addition of its newest one – a Mikron Mill X 400u from GF Machining Solutions.
”Advanced Machining is arguably one of the most technically competent 5-axis shops in the country,” explained Gary Holcomb, CEO of parent company Compass Precision. “This new Mikron Mill X 400u fills out its arsenal of 5-axis capabilities.”
This addition completes Advanced’s desire to have a variety of four 5-axis machines fully operational at all times. The unit is also the seventh +GF+ milling machine at Advanced.
The Mill X 400u performs the best at delivering small parts through unattended machining. Advanced President Keith Felts (pictured above with the new machine) said the operating company’s employees were “very pleased” to see the machine finally arrive.
The new mill replaced a similar 5-axis machine the Compass operating company had years ago.
“We had been talking about it for a while, and for a while, we’ve been using our larger machines to cut small parts,” Keith said. “They’re just not as fast. They aren’t as well suited for the task. This machine with its unique capabilities makes those tough jobs easier.”
The Mill X 400u has 18 pallets, which is key for a machine specializing in smaller parts. Smaller parts cut on a fast machine have short cycle times, so machines limited to five pallets wouldn’t run very long unattended.
With 18 pallets, the newest machine at Advanced can run completely unattended all night.
There have been improvements in technology since Advanced had its last 5-axis machine specializing in smaller parts. Keith described the newest Mill X 400u as “nicer, faster, better.”
Some of the machine’s other unique characteristics include a high RPM spindle and strong linear drive motors. Additionally, the unit still has spindle coolant, which is a little uncommon because of the high RPM spindle.
The coolant allows the machine to drill extremely small and deep holes very efficiently.
With the machine’s advantages, Advanced’s customers greatly benefit. They will experience improved quality, faster delivery and potential part cost reduction. Because of the machine’s ability to produce finer details and small deep holes, the Mill X 400u can also offer opportunities to be more creative with design features.
The Mill X 400u arrived at Advanced Machining in October. It became fully operational by the middle of November.
During that month, Advanced installed the machine and conducted troubleshooting. As is the case with all its new machine installments, Advanced Machining cut its shop floor and poured a dedicated concrete pad. The 14-inch pad provides vibration isolation and enhanced accuracy.
The Mill X 400u has wide applications, but Advanced will mostly use it for its customers in the aerospace and medical industries. The operating company will also use the unit for tooling.
Founded in 1985, Advanced Machining specializes in prototype and short to intermediate run production for customers requiring demanding, mission-critical components. The company’s capacities include 5-axis milling and turning, wire and sinker EDM, CAD/CAM, Zeiss CMM and grinding.
Advanced is experienced with a wide variety of materials, including all steel alloys, fully hardened steels, high-nickel alloys, titanium, aluminum, ultra-hard ceramic composites, non-ferrous alloys and polymers.
Advanced Machining was one of the original members of Compass Precision when the latter was founded in October 2019. Compass now has eight precision machine shops across the United States. Advanced and three of its fellow operating companies are located in the greater Charlotte, NC area, where Compass also maintains its headquarters.
The other four operating companies are situated in Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Oregon.
For additional information about Advanced Machining and its capabilities, please contact Keith Felts at [email protected]. To learn more about Compass Precision, email Vice President of Sales Jim Miller at [email protected].