It's not just a question of microns - Part 2

Leading models

This is how Breton moved into the Aviolamer production site as of the end of 2010. The first centre was a Matrix 800 2t K25 which was then shortly  followed by an Eagle 1000 2t K45.

The Matrix has a work table measuring 3000x2000 mm with a carrying capacity of 10 tonnes per metre square.

Axis X has a travel of 2000mm, axis Y 2500mm and the 800mm in travelling height of axis Z is perfect for machining large size work pieces.

These machines have 5 axes which are indispensable for achieving successful results in this industry.  Travel along axis A is  ±105° whereas axis C in continuous rotation allows for producing complex profiles.

The model installed at Aviolamer is fitted with a 28000 rpm spindle, a output of 28 and 20 kW with a torque of 55/38 Nm in S6 (40%) or  in continuous operation.

The HSK-63A spindle chuck is designed for high speed operations and high milling performance.

To reduce downtimes , axis speed is 40m/min (20 m/min a long axis Z) and tool changeover takes just a few seconds.

Eagle has a worktable measuring 5000x2000 mm with a carrying capacity of 500kg/m², axis travel X/Y/Z are respectively 2500x4500x1000mm and axis A can rotate from 0 up to +115° and axis C travels ± 270°.

This model offers improved axis speed up to 85 m/min along X and Y and 50 m/min along Z.

The spindle is the same model as on the Matrix and ideal for milling and machining hard materials which are typically used in the aviation industry.

Immediate advantages

Thanks to these high-speed machining centres, Aviolamer has substantially reduced  production times and at the same time has  improved the geometrical quality and surface finish increasing this company's competitiveness  in this precise and difficult market. 

“ When we first approached Breton our aim was to produce complex parts in the shortest possible time, but we soon realised that not only this first objective was feasible but the margin guaranteed by Matrix and Eagles was significant and quite simply it really depended on the confidence the operator had with the machine". 

Introducing this type of machinery in a production site where no one has experience with working with continuous 5-axis equipment can be difficult.

Breton offered a support service to the operators so that in just a few days they were independent and could work to production requirements practically immediately.  But not only -  Mr Zaccone explains " When looking at  the last two work orders just completed there are certain machining details that we would never have achieved with the previous machinery. With the Sirius project, for example, these machines demonstrated their high performance and for the automotive business we produced most of the aluminium model for the production of the Fiat 500. This model is an exact replica of the vehicle which is used as reference for all the other suppliers for assembling their parts. It goes without saying, absolute precision is critical in this precise case." 

Multi-purpose instruments

“As part suppliers we are at the bottom of the production chain” Mr Zaccone continues “and as such we have to deal with product criticality. On one hand it's a disadvantage because we have to provide a combination of production flexibility, reduced production costs and precision but on the other it's this precise company  strength that has made Piaggio Aero, Agusta and Thales choose us as their suppliers."

The experience with Breton has brought us a number of important advantages and has opened to doors onto new opportunities:  “These two new machines have offered us an unexpected result even from a marketing viewpoint.  When our customers visit our production site to  understand who we are they are now placing important work orders with us because they have seen for themselves skilled operators and quality production machinery at work.”

“In future we are aiming at developing new parts. We already produce a number of parts for the Boeing 787 but there's a good chance of producing more complex pieces.  If the sales orders continue to increase" Mr Zaccone concludes “ we are thinking of buying  another Breton machining centre specifically designed for machining and milling titanium."Read Part 1 >>;

(courtesy of TM - Tecnologie Meccaniche)

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5 axis machining centers, aerospace machining, aviolamer, breton eagle, cnc milling machines, eagle, high speed cnc machining centre, high speed vertical machining centre, matrix

It's not just a question of microns - Part 1

Thanks to Breton machinery, Aviolamer, a key player in the aviation industry  has achieved successful results. But not only -  the two models purchased have opened the doors onto new and significant applications.

When talking about precision engineering to increase production capacity it is of utmost importance to invest in technology, know-how and training.  

On paper everything seems to work smoothly but in practice there are quite a few difficulties to deal with and to overcome.

The main problem is the capital to invest and the risk that the return on investment is affected by  negative market fluctuations in sales and orders.   Investing in latest generation technology means  increasing the possibility of adopting new production instruments and tools.

Looking up at the sky

The driving markets are those in which technology is the core element.   Therefore, it is not surprising why those  companies in the aviation business that invest  manage to maintain  their market share and continue to grow and expand. 

This is Aviolamer, a young enterprise built on solid foundations.  Aviolamer, founded in 1998, can draw on the thirty years of experience of its personnel.

“Our first approach towards the aviation business was that of producing spare parts in engineered materials for Finmeccanica and Alenia" Ermano Zaccone -  General Manager at Aviolamer – explains “ After which we began developing and producing more complex parts and  related equipment".

Today the core business is in aviation but the know-how and experience built over the years have allowed this company  to become a prime supplier to some of the major groups in the automotive industry as Fiat, Iveco and Psa Renault.

“Two years ago we expanded into the aerospace industry thanks to the collaboration with Alenia Space on the Sirius project" Mr Zaccone goes on to say " We received compliments from NASA  for the equipment produced for the walkways and access ladders for mounting the capsule  flooring. It was extremely exciting and wouldn’t have been possible without the use of high quality technological instruments and tools. In fact, the investment made in the Breton Eagle and Matrix machining and milling centres was spot on".

A winning choice

Working in the aviation business means high precision and minimum tolerances.

“The machinery and equipment we had were pushed to their limits” Mr Zaccone explains “and we found we had to buy new models”.

There are many companies on the market that offer similar machines:  Why choose Breton?

“Why? Because when you contact Breton you immediately get the impression that you are talking to company that truly focuses on customer specific needs and requirements. Despite the large size of this organisation, they know how to maintain contact with the market and end users, and have the right attitude to deal  with any doubt or problem you might have. We also had the chance to see Breton plants and equipment in operation in other sites both in Italy and abroad and the first impression was positive and later on confirmed.  And finally it’s an Italian company.  Aviolamer's policy is try and find solutions on the  domestic market and only when there are no other alternatives or options we  turn to foreign suppliers.  Being an Italian company it's satisfying when you are acknowledged for what you do and I believe we have to do the same with other buisnesses.”

But there’s more. “In the past we worked with other companies, that, unfortunately for various problems were not able to improve their products or even worse had to closedown”  Mr Zaccone goes on to say " Studying Breton you can see the desire to grow and expand by investing and innovating, offering state-of-the-art technologies without stopping and without 'resting on one's laurels'.  This is our  approach to  the market and this is why we work well with Breton." Read Part 2 >>;

(courtesy of TM - Tecnologie Meccaniche)

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5 axis machining centers, aerospace machining, aviolamer, breton eagle, cnc milling machines, eagle, high speed cnc machining centre, high speed vertical machining centre, matrix