Cosworth

The Matsuura 63V machining centre that is the latest addition to the Cosworth aerospace manufacturing plant list, demonstrates the benefits of investing in the right tools for a job.

Commissioned to coincide with the start of the AEC manufacturing programme, the Matsuura 63V 5-axis machining centre produces the FADEC case for Rolls-Royce's BR725 jet engine in half the run time of the machine that it replaced. The resulting cases also achieve "all black" CMM quality reports on a consistent basis indicating that the components are within the ultra-fine tolerances required for the product.

The machine now runs "lights out" for up to 7 hours each night and steps are being taken to allow the machine to change tools and continue running when a tool becomes broken or worn. Looking ahead to 2012, plans are in the pipeline to add an automated pallet system, which will allow full automation over a weekend.