Turning up competitive gain

Acting on a desire to produce parts with superior accuracy and increased complexity in a faster turnaround time, Ram Reman Ltd, a Dorset-based specialist in the production and refurbishment of hydraulic equipment, has invested in an XYZ 320 LTY turning centre.

Ram Reman started life as a family concern over 30 years ago, becoming part of the Rotec Group in 2015. Core business is the provision of hydraulic services, with the company designing, producing and repairing a host of components for sectors including defence, marine, aerospace and utilities, to name but a few.

In control

Exerting control over the manufacture of parts such as cylinders, manifolds, fittings and caps has been at the heart of Ram Reman for many years. These critical components have been produced on a range of manual and CNC machines, including a 6 m between centres manual lathe, a 2 m XYZ SLX 425 lathe and an XYZ RMX5000 bed mill with 1,500 mm travel in the X axis.

But pressure had been growing to make more with less and reduce costs, as Ram Reman Technical Manager Tony Foster sets out: “We manufacture many parts that need both turning and milling. Although our existing capacity is able to handle the work, we needed a solution that would help reduce manufacturing costs through less set ups and allow us to release other machines for jobs that suits them better.”

Landmark decision

The decision to purchase an XYZ 320 LTY came about following a visit by Russell Bedford, XYZ’s Area Sales Manager for Dorset.

“We had already started to investigate a potential machine purchase when Russell made one of his regular visits,” adds Tony. “We chatted to him about our requirements and he began outlining the features of the XYZ 320 LTY: its 78 mm bar capacity; turning capability up to 320 mm; a main spindle speed that was faster than our existing maximum of 3300 rpm; and the 32 kW main spindle motor.

“All these features, plus the advantage of having driven tools and a Y axis with 100 mm of travel, highlighted how we could accelerate production. Following a quote from Russell, we purchased the machine.”

World of difference

Among the differences experienced by Ram Reman since installing the 320 LTY are the speed and flexibility of machining operations.

“A recent component processed through the 320 LTY was a large stainless steel part, where we halved machining time compared with using our older machines,” recalls Tony. “Spindle power was key here, but the 12-station VDI turret allows for tool changing without operator intervention, which is highly beneficial. Even calibrating the tools is quicker thanks to the Renishaw presetting arm fitted to the machine.

“And there are plenty more examples of how we’re benefiting from our latest investment. The machine also allows us to think about the way we produce features such as the scroll on end caps. Traditionally we ‘threaded’ the face with a restriction on the depth of cut. But now, if we wish, we can mill the scroll into the face without depth limitations.

“The purchase of the XYZ 320 LTY has created opportunities for us to become more efficient and productive. With the help of XYZ we’re someway to improving our competitive capability.”