ASG Group invests in Coventry Centre of Excellence

Posted on 30 August, 2023 by Advance 

ASG Group has made a significant investment in CNC machinery and metrology equipment, centred at the ASG Arrowsmith Centre of Excellence in Coventry and set to revolutionise the company's machining capabilities and secure major machining contracts for a renowned global aero-engine manufacturer.

Above:

ASG Arrowsmith unveil their new Doosan Lynx 2100SY CNC machine investment.
Courtesy ASG Arrowsmith


Partnering with Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ machine tools in the UK and Ireland, ASG Arrowsmith has embraced cutting-edge CNC automation technology to enhance its machining prowess. The newly installed automated manufacturing cell comprises the Doosan Lynx 2100SY; a versatile and precision-driven lathe, which augment ASG Arrowsmith's existing automated manufacturing setup that includes a DVF 5000 simultaneous 5-axis machining centre, integrated with an automatic workpiece pallet changer made in August 2022. These state-of-the-art Fanuc-controlled lathes, armed with multi-tasking capabilities, empower ASG Arrowsmith to deliver rapid, high-precision machining of intricate and complex turned and milled aerospace parts.

The combination of powerful spindles, advanced turrets and remarkable processing speeds positions ASG Arrowsmith as a formidable contender in the aerospace sector.

Jason Aldridge, Managing Director of ASG Arrowsmith, emphasised the significance of the Lynx lathes: "Lynx lathes are really well respected and are both flexible and reliable. With their powerful, high-torque spindles, 12-station turrets, and impressive rapid rates, they deliver the high part accuracies and fast processing speeds required in the aerospace sector."

Installed at ASG Arrowsmith’s prestigious machine shop facility in Coventry in July 2023, the newly established automated cell is purchased to support growth in existing aeroengine production parts, plus the introduction and ramp up of new NPI components. ASG Arrowsmith has won work on civil military and business aviation components ranging from medium complexity engine components to higher volume C-class parts. Working with aero engine specified material grades, Arrowsmith’s 56 years of specialist knowledge on hard exotic metal manufacturing is instrumental. The investment continues to demonstrate the wider ASG Group specialism in in machining of hard, soft and exotic metals with both long and short bed capabilities.



Above:

Jason Aldridge, MD of ASG Arrowsmith with new Keyence metrology system.

Courtesy ASG Arrowsmith


In addition to adding to the firm’s machining capability; the firm also continues to elevate its commitment to excellence by investment in a new state-of-the-art Keyence IM Series metrology arm into its operations. This advanced Instant Measurement System, an automated optical comparator, boasts remarkable capabilities, enabling up to 99 dimensional measurements in under three seconds, all at the press of a button. The prowess of the IM Series is further accentuated by its seamless integration into ASG Arrowsmith's workflow. The system not only expedites measurement processes but also automatically captures measurement data and generates comprehensive inspection reports, streamlining quality assurance procedures.

ASG Group, Managing Director, Simon Weston, highlighted the company's dedication to refining their inspection facilities: "Our commitment to enhancing our inspection capabilities was unwavering, and we had meticulously pinpointed areas for enhancement. With our dedication to maintaining a cutting-edge environment, the acquisition of the IM Series by KEYENCE emerged as an indispensable asset. This technology has proven instrumental in our ongoing endeavours to exceed the expectations of our diverse customer base, which notably encompasses several Tier 1 aerospace entities."

By embracing the Keyence IM Series, ASG Arrowsmith not only fortifies its inspection infrastructure but also underscores its relentless pursuit of excellence in meeting and surpassing the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry. This investment echoes ASG Arrowsmith's dedication to quality, precision and innovation.