On Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th November 2024, we hosted our annual open house event at our European Technology Centre in Elland, West Yorkshire.
The open house, which had the title of ‘Multi-Axis Machining Event’, promised to be an unmissable showcase of the latest products and innovations. We showcased our latest CNC machine offering, including the all-new Tornado Sub-Spindle with Y-axis machining and Bridgeport 5-axis VMCs.
Feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors coming away feeling particularly impressed with the number and quality of machines on display. They were also pleased with the amount of machine demonstrations happening with our staff on hand to provide any additional information.
"Excellent open house and range of machines on display. The staff were also friendly, professional and knowledgeable." - anonymous survey response
All-New Tornado SL25 MSY with Y-axis machining
The new Tornado SL25 MSY machine, with its integrated sub-spindle and Y-axis, was a big hit at the open house. Its advanced 5-axis single-hit machining allows manufacturers to complete complex components with extraordinary efficiency. By automatically transferring the workpiece from the main spindle to the sub-spindle, the machine ensures seamless turning, milling, and drilling on both sides of the component, drastically reducing cycle times.
The addition of Y-axis machining further enhances its capabilities, enabling precise off-centre milling for keyways, flats, and contoured surfaces, making the Tornado SL25 MSY an essential asset for achieving superior accuracy and efficiency in any production environment.
Clock showpiece machined with Tornado SL25 MSY and laser marked on Lightning Laser Marking System
UK debut of Bridgeport 5-axis VMCs
The open house featured the UK debut of legendary machine tool manufacturer Bridgeport's new range of 5-axis VMC, which are to be distributed exclusively in the UK by Colchester Machine Tool Solutions. The high specification 5-axis VMCs are extremely compact and rugged CNC milling machines; developed for applications that require both the utmost in speed and accuracy.
Visitors were impressed with the miniature F1 car showpiece which demonstrated the full capability of these versatile machines.
Also on display was our renowned range of manual centre lathes, Storm VMCs, Student CNC lathe and turret mills. We extend our thanks to our trusted partners Siemens, LNS, Zerocob & Cutwel who were also present throughout the event.
A chip above the rest!
Throughout the open house we ran a golf darts chipping competition where the participant with the highest score over a certain number of shots would take away a £500 tooling voucher.
Scarlett was the deserved champion - she was the clubhouse leader halfway through the first day and no one else managed to beat her score by the end of the event!
Our area sales manager Andrew Darley travelled to Tees Components to present the prize. A first year apprentice with a keen interest for CAD/CAM, Scarlett scored a £500 tooling voucher thanks to our open house partners Cutwel.
Thank you to all who took part in the competition - you've got the best part of a year to scrub up your wedge game before the next one!