Vertical Turning Debut Boosts Productivity In Aerospace Application
Thomson Machine & Tool (Somerset, England) required a large-capacity turning center for machining aerospace components with diameters of up to 2,000 mm, in a range of materials including titanium and nimonic alloys.
Share




Thomson Machine & Tool (Somerset, England) required a large-capacity turning center for machining aerospace components with diameters of up to 2,000 mm, in a range of materials including titanium and nimonic alloys. Although this operation had previously been performed using a traditional horizontal lathe, the nature of the application suggested that a switch to vertical turning would provide advantages leading to significant improvements in productivity.
"After considering a number of options, we decided that a vertical turning center offered the right combination of capacity, rigidity and versatility for this application," explains Thomson Machine & Tool's managing director, Allan Thomson. "We chose a Webster & Bennett (Coventry, England) machine because of the company's expertise in vertical turning, coupled with the unrivalled reputation for performance and build quality enjoyed by its products."
Webster & Bennett supplied Thomson Machine & Tool with a two-axis vertical turning center with 72-inch table and 8-inch square ram, suited to machining large cylindrical components thanks to a maximum height under the cross rail of 57.5 inches, a ram stroke of 48 inches and maximum swing of 84 inches. The machine incorporates a range of features designed to maximize productivity while maintaining the quality of the components being machined.
With a maximum load capacity of 11,363 kg, large and heavy components can be supported on the machine's table and held in place using Webster & Bennett's four-jaw independent chuck, a setup that eliminates inaccuracies associated with the effect of gravity on horizontally clamped components. This inherent advantage of vertical turning, complemented by the inclusion of a Timken table bearing and ballscrews on the X and Z axis, has enabled Thomson Machine & Tool to achieve levels of machining accuracy and consistency that they could not match using horizontal lathes. Operators at the company have also noticed a significant improvement in the surface finish of components manufactured on the Webster & Bennett machine.
"Every aspect of the vertical turning center's design and construction contributes to its overall rigidity, resulting in a superior machining performance, which is reflected in the quality of the components we produce," says Mr. Thomson.
The machine's 18-station automatic tool changer enables multiple machining operations to be performed in a single setup. This is crucial in the manufacture of large and awkward components at Thomson Machine & Tool, and this benefit has contributed to a typical reduction in product cycle times of 20 percent. Another significant benefit of this versatility is the scope for product diversification it has provided. "The machine's ability to perform a wide range of machining operations quickly and efficiently has helped us to reduce throughput times while increasing our scope for diversification into new products and markets," Mr. Thomson explains.
Optimum metal removal is assured by the machine's wide speed range of 5-167 rpm, provided by a two-speed gearbox and 37.5 kw main drive motor, specified by the customer in order to provide the low-speed, high-torque machining required for the successful production of aero engine components. CNC controlled servodrives add to the machine's operational speed and ease of use and contribute to the consistency of its machining accuracy.
Another factor in the vertical turning center's overall appeal has been its trouble-free integration into manufacturing operations at Thomson, made possible by a combination of the machine's easy-to-learn Fanuc 18Ti CNC control system and integral swarf conveyor with coolant system. Mr. Thomson also drew attention to the high level of technical support provided by Webster & Bennett, which enabled the installation of the machine with minimal disruption to Thomson Machine & Tool's manufacturing operations.
Full working area guarding and ease of use have also played a part in the machine's popularity among operators at Thomson Machine & Tool, Mr. Thomson explains. "Those operating the machine have been amazed by the ease with which it can perform a number of high precision machining operations quickly, safely and with a minimal amount of setup, helping to streamline this particular manufacturing process in a way that traditional horizontal turning couldn't match."
"Making the switch to vertical turning with a Webster & Bennett has proved a major success for this demanding application, providing significant improvements in productivity and component quality, while simultaneously creating considerable scope for us to enter into new markets."
Related Content
Custom Motorcycle Parts Made Here: Video Tour of a Family-Owned CNC Machine Shop
Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.
Read MoreIndustry Analysis: Machining Semiconductor Components
With many machine shops anticipating long-term growth in demand from the semiconductor industry, it is worth the time to heed the advice of manufacturers who have already been servicing this end-market for years.
Read More3 Tips to Accelerate Production on Swiss Lathes with Micro Tools
Low RPM lathes can cause tool breakage and prevent you from achieving proper SFM, but live tooling can provide an economical solution for these problems that can accelerate production.
Read MoreFinding the Right Tools for a Turning Shop
Xcelicut is a startup shop that has grown thanks to the right machines, cutting tools, grants and other resources.
Read MoreRead Next
Shop Tour Video: You've Never Seen a Manufacturing Facility Like This
In the latest installment of our “View From My Shop” series, explore Marathon Precision’s multi-process approach to manufacturing, where blacksmiths and hand-forged dies meet state-of-the-art CNC machining. Discover how restoring classic muscle cars and building custom art projects creates a dynamic shop culture — and draws top talent to this unique and innovative metalworking facility.
Read More2025 Top Shops Benchmarking Survey Now Open Through April 30
91ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ÎÛ's Top Shops Benchmarking Survey is now open, offering metalworking and machining operations actionable feedback across several shopfloor and business metrics.
Read MoreSetting Up the Building Blocks for a Digital Factory
Woodward Inc. spent over a year developing an API to connect machines to its digital factory. Caron Engineering’s MiConnect has cut most of this process while also granting the shop greater access to machine information.
Read More