Sheffield based CNC machine tool distributors Ward Hi-Tech quickly hit the jackpot after launching their new range of heavy duty, long bed CNC lathes manufactured by SFM of Taiwan.

Within a few weeks of launching the new agency Ward Hi-Tech struck a deal with a major supplier of machined forgings, to supply an SFM Model CHT56 for producing amongst other things a range of lengthy forged rods used in the manufacture of tracked vehicles.

The machine had to be rigid and powerful enough to cope with the arduous machining process and have the capacity to allow deep internal bores to be machined to a fine finish.

The CHT56 proved ideal. With a swing of 1420mm and heavy duty headstock, the machine comfortably accommodated the heavy adjustable fixture necessary to hold the customer’s range of components and the extremely robust boring station option allowed a 150mm diameter x 2.5m long Sandvik balanced boring bar to be utilised to produce the internal diameters to drawing finish with ease.

The CHT56 4 speed gearbox arrangement ensured high torque performance at low speed and enabled the machine process to be carried out without fear of stalling, which had been the problem experienced by the customer on a previous machine.

So successful was the initial reaction to the new installation that Ward Hi-Tech’s client quickly decided to return and order a further two SFM machines to similar specification and are looking forward to installing the additions in the near future.

UK Sales Manager of Ward Hi-Tech, Mike Burke, commented,

“Seldom have we had such an immediate positive reaction to the launch of a new Agency. Shortly after confirming this initial order for these 3 SFM lathes at a combined value of around £700K, we sold a model CST42 with 1070mm swing x 4000mm between centres valued at over £220K to an existing customer of ours based in the Midlands.

All in all we are over the moon with the results and by the reaction generally that we are getting to the SFM product range”.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/engineers-case-studies/Ward-Hi-Tech---SFM-CNC-Lathe_2011_9.asp