Havant-based advanced manufacturing specialist Formaplex has announced investment in CNC technologies which will bring new capability to UK advanced manufacturing.
The firm said it has ordered two new metallic 5-axis CNC machines including a DMU 100 eVo from Mori Seiki – the first such piece of kit to be installed in the UK.
Formaplex identified the need for new capacity in order to fulfil the demands of its Formula 1 clients and the new machines will work exclusively on F1 projects for the first six months after their installation.
They will then be used for machining of metallic tooling, manufacture of components, composite moulds, wind tunnel tooling and jigs and fixtures.
Luke Newman, technical sales manager, said: “The requirement for 5-axis machining is increasing as component design becomes more complex.
“These machines will help us to meet this demand, and the 100 eVo, the first machine of its size in the UK, enables us to provide a unique opportunity.
“These new machines will become part of our 24/7 production processes, especially for the more complicated components.”
The new equipment purchases will augment a range of 31 CNC machine at Formaplex’s six UK manufacturing sites.
Formaplex has enjoyed rapid growth since its inception in 2001.
The business was founded on the requirement for rapid manufacture of composite tooling and master patterns to support Formula 1 and other motorsport series.
The company now has a much wider service offering composite tooling solutions, injection-mould tooling, the manufacture and assembly of plastic components from presses between 55t to 3,500t, and large component machining and assembly for vehicles including the MOD’s Foxhound.
