Edinburgh-based Vert Rotors has revealed the installation of ultra-precision machinery for the manufacture of micro compressors used in satellites and medical devices, reportedly the first of its kind to be brought to the UK.
The DMG-Mori produced HSC-20 linear machine is hoped to enable Vert Rotors to produce compressors at an unparalleled degree of ultra-accuracy, increase its manufacturing productivity four-fold, and create new positions for three highly-skilled engineers specially trained to operate this complex equipment.
The latest generation 5-axis CNC machine has already allowed Vert Rotors to achieve unprecedented accuracy of 1-2 microns and take the manufacture of highly efficient and powerful micro compressors to a record new level. The project received a £46,000 Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) support grant from Scottish Enterprise, and helped Vert to realise £250,000 investment.
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CEO at Vert Rotors, Olly Dmitriev explained: “We have already shaken up the global compressor market by producing the world’s smallest screw compressor. Our innovative conical rotary design enables future space systems and innovative medical applications by providing the highest possible air pressure at low-vibration.
“As our products are such high-precision pieces of equipment, it was vital that we obtained manufacturing equipment to match our exacting standards. The second generation HSC 20 machine has allowed us to produce parts with an accuracy of 1-2 microns, which is far beyond capabilities of other manufacturing companies in Scotland.”
He added: “The £46,000 RSA award was a key support in bringing this pioneering technology to the UK. We are now able to ensure the high quality of our products remains consistent while we upscale production and develop our new range of micro compressors.”
David Bryden of DMG-Mori UK commented: “The HSC-20 linear 2nd generation CNC machine, is the most precise 5-Axis machine in Scotland, and the first such machine in the UK. This is the machine you must have to achieve tight tolerances and the best surface finish possible.
Founded in 2013, Vert Rotors is based in Edinburgh, and has already attracted international attention. Three-quarters of Vert Rotors’ customers are based outside the UK, including Fortune 500 manufacturers in both the EU and the US.
Dmitriev continued: “Scotland is brimming with talent and innovation, and we are determined to continue to manufacture here despite our plans to drive our sales internationally. It was very important to us to bring the new CNC machine here for that reason.
“With this game-changing new technology, we look forward to further developing our innovative screw compressors, extend our range of products and grow our manufacturing facilities, creating new jobs for skilled workers as we do so.”
The total global market for industrial compressors is expected to reach more than $17.5bn (£14.3bn) by 2017, with compressed air accounting for 10 per cent of industrial electricity demand.