Toolmaker Invests in High-Speed Machining

Based in Ballymote Business Park, County Sligo, Ireland, Mito Precision Engineering provides specialist toolroom services to manufacturers in various industries. The company caters particularly to the medical devices and automotive sectors, supplying jigs and fixtures primarily for the medical and pharmaceutical fields. Since its inception in 2010 by founders Malachy Towey and Michael Taheny, Mito has consistently grown, expanding its manufacturing capabilities to encompass a broad range of machining processes, including surface grinding, turning, milling, and both wire and sink electrical discharge machining (EDM).

The company’s primary focus is to deliver high-quality tooling solutions at competitive prices while providing expert advice and guidance. Over time, Mito has cultivated long-standing relationships with customers across multiple sectors, gaining new business largely through referrals. The company’s success is rooted in its attention to detail and continuous investment in cutting-edge machinery and technology.

Central to Mito’s machining capabilities are the machines supplied by Hurco, which has been its preferred supplier since the company was established. Mito operates a total of 11 Hurco CNC machining centres and two Hurco CNC lathes, with models ranging from early VM10 milling centres to more recent investments like the TM8i turning centre, acquired last year. The latest addition to its fleet is the Hurco VMX42HSi vertical machining centre, equipped with a 20,000 rpm HSK63A spindle for high-speed machining. This investment is part of Mito’s strategy to enhance its machining capacity and meet the increasing demand for precision tooling in the industries it serves.

The VMX42HSi is the latest in a series of Hurco machines that Mito has invested in. Known as an industry workhorse, this one-metre X-axis machine is versatile, with a substantial Y-axis travel of 610mm and the same in Z, making it ideal for producing large mould tools. The machine can handle a table load capacity of 1,750 kg, adding to its suitability for a variety of complex and heavy-duty applications.

One of the reasons Mito continues to rely on Hurco is the balance the machines provide between ease of programming, power, and robustness. This makes them well-suited for manufacturing complex, one-off components in challenging materials such as tool steels and stainless steel, which are common in the medical and automotive sectors.

The Hurco VMX42 range has proven especially versatile for Mito. The company now operates three variations of this model. Recent design improvements in these machines include the use of direct drives in the X, Y, and Z axes, as well as roller guideways that enhance dynamic precision and rigidity. The machine’s design also incorporates a full washdown feature for the cabinet, in addition to a spindle coolant ring. Chip evacuation is handled efficiently via a swarf conveyor, which keeps the work area clean and optimizes machining efficiency.

This investment in advanced CNC technology has allowed Mito to expand the range of services it offers and improve the efficiency and precision of its operations. The introduction of the high-speed VMX42HSi, in particular, has bolstered the company’s ability to take on more demanding projects, including those that require high levels of precision and quick turnaround times.

Looking forward, Mito Precision Engineering remains committed to maintaining its position as a leading supplier of precision tools by continuing to invest in both technology and talent. By staying at the forefront of machining technology and delivering consistently high-quality products, Mito is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its clients in the medical, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors, and beyond.