Strengthening precision capability with advanced mill-turn technology

Precision engineering specialist ANT Industries has reinforced its advanced manufacturing capability with a six-figure investment in a new Axile G8 mill-turn centre at its facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire. The new machine forms part of the company’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its position as a trusted supplier of complex components to the aerospace and gas turbine sectors. Designed to combine high-speed machining with advanced multi-axis control, the Axile G8 will primarily find use in the manufacture of high-value aero-engine components where precision, repeatability and surface quality are paramount.

According to Managing Director Shaun Rowley, early trials have already demonstrated the machine’s performance advantages in set up reductions and geometric accuracy: “From experiments so far, the machine is incredibly accurate and surpasses our other machines. In terms of speed, accuracy and ease of programming, it’s meeting every technical expectations. The combination of speed, computing power and axis control ultimately gives us greater accuracy when machining complex profiles.”

The machine’s design also delivers notable improvements in surface finishing, a critical requirement for high-performance aerospace components.

Shaun explains that the difference can often be seen in the final appearance of the part: “When you look at the surface finish of a component, you sometimes see small chatter marks that reflect the bearings in a machine spindle and slideways. Parts coming off this machine almost look like they’ve been ground rather than milled. The finish is so good that it gives a ground-like appearance.”

Beyond finish quality, the machine’s performance lies in its consistency.

“It’s accurate and the reproducibility is extremely high,” he adds.

A key feature of the Axile G8 is its centred trunnion construction, which provides enhanced rigidity and stability during machining operations. This structural design enables tighter tolerances and improved control when machining complex geometries typical of aerospace components.

“The construction of the centred trunnion gives superior stability and control; it really is quite unique. Its design makes it ultra-strong and a real differentiator for us in the market.”

While traditional manufacturing processes often involve moving components between multiple machines, the new mill-turn centre allows several operations to be completed in a single set up.

“If you have 10 parts that need milling and turning, throughput can be quite quick,” reveals Shaun. “Although one spindle is doing the work, geometric accuracy is higher because the part is not being moved between different machines. The main reason for investing in this technology is the accuracy achieved by eliminating multiple changeovers.”

For ANT Industries, the investment reflects the increasing demands placed on the aerospace supply chain, where component complexity, traceability and quality expectations continue to rise.

With the Axile G8 now operational, the company expects the new capability to enhance its ability to machine highly complex profiles while delivering the precision and repeatability required by global aerospace and gas turbine customers.