Machinery & Manufacturing | Issue 13 | Jan/Feb 2024

Aerospace manufacturing

STC1250 HD and its predecessors, Lee adds: “What hasn’t changed from previous models is the head configuration. The head is very stiff and rigid and it has a compact design with a range of spindles, particularly geared spindles. We have an impressive drive system in the spindle, which is a gear-driven HSK100 unit and we also have a dampening brake, so we can lock the spindle and stop it from swivelling when undertaking very heavy rough machining. This also helps with

dampening when machining in 5-axis mode. This provides very efficient heavy-duty machining capability that is perfect for aerospace structural components - it takes things to another level.” Looking specifically at titanium machining, Lee continues: “In the UK alone, we have around 30 STC installations, it is a very successful range. What we have seen from customers is a desire to prove the roughing capability of the machine with no compromise on finishing quality and

39 Machinery & Manufacturing

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