First Dugard GTX620 is working well for Evridge Engineering

Evridge Engineering in Dartford has made the wise decision to add to their range of Dugard machines, recently taking delivery of a brand new Dugard GTX620 5 axis machining centre. 

MTDCNC.com made the trip to Kent for us to find out exactly what managing director Glen Molineux likes about the Dugard range.

Large capacity as well as flexibility

With one Dugard 5 axis machine already stretched to the limit, capacity was the motivating factor in buying their new GTX620.  Glen was pleased to discover that it comes with not only a 650mm table, but also quick change tooling, giving them the flexibility to run literally any of their jobs, big or small.

Evridge were keen to get a machine with all the bells and whistles; Renishaw tooling, process measuring, tool length and diameter measuring as well as floodwash, swarf conveyor and swarf management.  It’s a heavy duty 5 axis machine with heavy duty roller guides throughout, built on a supremely heavy cast base.

Evridge were keen to get a machine with all the bells and whistles; Renishaw tooling, process measuring, tool length and diameter measuring as well as floodwash, swarf conveyor and swarf management.  It’s a heavy duty 5 axis machine with heavy duty roller guides throughout, built on a supremely heavy cast base.

Heidenhain, Fanuc and Siemens control options

Evridge opted for the Heidenhain 640i control, and Glen told Paul from MTD how they were saving loads of time setting up jobs by programming them right there at the machine:

“… most of what we do is small volume and the guys on the shop floor, they actually find it really easy, simple to programme, and it’s not always easier than a CAD but we find it a lot more user friendly.”

The Heidenhan control gives full 5 axis simultaneous machining, as does the Siemens 840D option.  Of course some customers only need 5 sided machining (4+1), so they can save an impressive 20% on the overall machine price by choosing either Fanuc 0iMF or Siemens 828D control.

GTX620 – built for the job

Evridge’s Dugard V20/5 5 axis VMC has been very well utilised since they bought it, so they were looking for an overall step up – bigger capacity, more flexibility and a faster machine, and that’s exactly what they got with the GTX620.  Glen is really impressed by the 12,000rpm spindle and the 36m/min rapids:

“…we’re noticing a difference, particularly the rapids.  We’re cutting at similar speeds, but the movements, everything’s so much quicker, and we’re probably seeing a 5% reduction in cycle times on most things…It really shifts a lot of metal, we were doing high speeds, low depths of cut and it really takes the metal out quick, we’re probably running 5 or 6 metres a minute, and probably up to 10,000 rpm spindle speed.”

The trunnion table on the GTX620 is also proving to be a massive improvement, Glen continues:

“I think it’s built for the job, whereas the other one was really a normal vertical machining centre with an extra table on it.  But this is built for the job and it does seem a lot more robust.”

The tilting table is proving a hit, giving them the ability to use it to its full capacity, getting right to the extremities of the axes, Glen joked:

“Yes we are, we’re really pushing it, and plus a bit really!”

Superb access

The doors Dugard GTX620 open WIDE, with two doors meeting at the front corner and opening all the way to the back of the table, there isn’t an area you can’t reach for loading, checking and setting.  It’s also easy to access from above, so if you’ve got a particularly heavy job the workpiece can be craned in and out really efficiently.  Plus it’s fully enclosed – so the high pressure coolant through the spindle always stays inside the machine.

Excellent service from Dugard

The best news we heard from MTDCNC’s visit to Evridge is how happy they are with the service they receive from Dugard:

“We got the whole package, not only did they put this machine in, they basically moved my whole shop around, I think we only left 2 machines in place when they put this one in.  They put it all back, recommissioned all the others, supplied the whole lot… and I have found with Dugard, they support it well, any issues they address straight away, and there’s always someone there on the phone.”

So, if you would like more information on the Dugard GTX620 5 axis machining centre, or just want to discuss any project you’re working on give us a call on 01273 732286 or email [email protected]