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either 30mm or 45mm in diameter. The assembly is sealed with a stamped retaining ring. As one of Alwayse’s core line products, the 805 units are kept in stock for rapid dispatch to customers. Customised solutions for global applications Alwayse collaborates closely with clients to design modular ball transfer decks using multiple 805 units arranged in a grid and mounted on steel top plates. These plates are affixed to fabricated frames built from strong, stable steel sections. The design of each deck depends on specific requirements such as aircraft cargo bay dimensions, unit load devices (ULDs), warehouse layout, and the type and weight of goods being transported, including cargo, baggage, and mail. In 2023, Alwayse began a full redesign of the 805 series. The project was driven by customer feedback and the company’s commitment to continuous improvement. With prototyping and pre- production testing now complete, Alwayse is ready to begin full-scale production of the new units. A longstanding relationship with Mills CNC Alwayse’s relationship with DN Solutions and Mills CNC began in 2006. The new Lynx 2100B joins five existing Lynx lathes already in use at the Birmingham site. These include two Lynx 220LCs, one Lynx 220C, one Lynx 2100LMSB, and one Lynx 2100A. Richard Cutler, Engineering Manager at Alwayse Engineering, said: “DN Solutions and Doosan machines have consistently delivered strong performance. They have enabled us to expand our machining capacity, improve accuracy and repeatability, and boost productivity through faster processing and reduced setup times. “Over the years, we have developed a reliable and collaborative relationship with
Mills CNC. In addition to supplying high-quality machines, they provide excellent delivery, installation, training, and after-sales support.” When Alwayse began searching for a new machine to manufacture the redesigned 805 units, three suppliers were considered. Mills CNC’s proposal, combined with the company’s prior experience and long-standing relationship, secured the order. “Given our history with the Lynx range and the service we’ve received from Mills, choosing them again made perfect sense,” said Cutler. Lynx 2100B: Key features The Lynx 2100B is a popular and compact lathe featuring a 15kW spindle with a maximum speed of 4500rpm and a 12-station, servo-driven turret for rapid tool changes. The machine delivers high-speed movement with 30m/min on the X-axis and 36m/min on the Z-axis, along with a maximum turning diameter of 350mm and a turning length of 330mm. The installation of the Lynx 2100B at Alwayse Engineering is a strategic investment that enhances machining capacity and prepares the company to meet growing demand for the updated 805 ball transfer units. The collaboration between Alwayse and Mills CNC continues to deliver long-term value, combining advanced technology with proven reliability in precision
manufacturing. n millscnc.co.uk
35 Machinery & Manufacturing
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