|
|
Article: Improving productivity: Thinking big.(Komatsu UK)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Metalworking Production
- Article date:
- April 13, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Centaur Communications Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Large component machining processes are vital to Komatsu UK. The factory near Newcastle employs around 700 people to manufacture a range of 18 excavator models - totalling 4000 excavators per year.
The company reports that it is investing over #2.5M in developing its large component processes to support an increasing market share; and to pursue more efficient production. At the heart of the investment is a machining cell from Shin Nippon Koki (SNK), specifically developed for the cost-effective production of excavator revolving frame components.
The cell incorporates two 37kW spindles, that simultaneously work on one component to effectively halve ...