Breton at EMO 2017 with fully redesigned machining centers!

The two main products that Breton will present at the next version of EMO Hannover are the latest versions of the ULTRIX 1200 EVO and MATRIX 1000, fully redesigned machining centers to ensure even better performance for our customers.

COME TO THE FAIR!

Breton offers you a free one-day entry to EMO 2017! To register your entry, fill out with your details the form on this page:

http://www.breton.it/landingpage/en/emo-2017

You will receive the link to complete your registration by email later.

For more details we are waiting for you at EMO 2017 in Hannover, from 18 to 23 September.

[Hall 13 - Stand C 24]

Regards,

Sergio Prior

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breton matrix 1000, emo hannover, matrix, Ultrix 1200 EVO

Machining materials that produce dust and fumes? We have just the solution for you!

A clear blue sky is over Breton machining centres. Protection is fundamental for the safety of the work environment:

but do you think this means doors? Wrong. 
Looking up can give us an idea of how chips, dust and fumes, some of which may be toxic, can be dispersed in the environment. That's why Breton mobile bridge machines like the Matrix, Flymill, Maxima and Eagle are fitted with full covers. 
The search for higher performance often pushes manufacturers to create rigid bridge machine-tools offering higher and higher performance, which at high speed can produce emissions. 

Let's take the Maxima as an example; it's one of the biggest machine-tools in the Breton range, and as a  consequence it has a large, light top cover that can be customized (in fact, the bellows constructions is modular), and it's always anchored to the bridge which follows its movements. 

The Matrix machining centre is often used to machine aluminium, titanium and steel, materials that can produce chips. 

While on the one hand customers want faster machines, on the other Breton has to make sure that in the upper covers, fast movements are silent and precise, instead of producing noise and vibrations. 
Thanks to the soundproofing material used to dampen the end-of-travel, the self-lubricating sliding blocks and polymer-coated metal rollers, there is no such risk. 

      

The Flymill is also used to machine resins, the dust of which can easily be sucked up by the bellows. To prevent this happening, all the covers installed on Breton machines have translucent fabric bellows (they look almost transparent and let light pass so you can see the machine working), with a very high resistance to abrasion, cutting, oils and high temperatures in general. 

Composite materials are also affected by these problems: in this case fumes and dust emissions. Without a doubt, the Eagle is the perfect machining centre for this type of process. 

The installation of the top bellows in this case prevents fine dust escaping, guaranteeing a controlled airflow so that the dust can be extracted.  

For info and requests write now to mail@breton.it.
We’ll get back to you promptly.
Well, that’s all for today, thanks for your attention.

Bye-bye

Sergio Prior

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aluminium, Breton machining centres, Composite materials, eagle, flymill, matrix, Maxima, steel, titanium

Breton Open House 2012

We perfectly know how important it is nowadays to be competitive, to make the most of the challenges the ever-demanding market throws down each day.

To do so, it's essential to use modern high-tech production systems, and keep constantly up-to-date with the latest technological developments.
It will therefore be an honour for me to welcome you on the 5th, 6th and 7th of July to show you some of the latest, interesting innovations in our works, with machining cells running specific applications for the aerospace, energy, automotive and transmission sectors. 16 installations, each with a high level of customization and the most innovative, efficient accessories.
For me, and the rest of the Breton staff, it will be a pleasure to welcome you.
Best regards
Luca Toncelli
President of Breton Spa

Don't miss:
Special materials such as carbon, resins, and fibres require specifically configured machines like the EAGLE range of machining centres, examples of which will be on show with fully-functional machines and detailed structural views.  

The XCEEDER 900RT 5-axis trochoidal machines also offer a solution for increasing productivity and reducing consumption.  

The reduction in setup times makes all the difference. You won’t believe how fast it is to change pallets on the FLYMILL gantries, the compact XCEEDER 900 RT, or how efficient it is to change the tool automatically on the ULTRIX 800 RT lathe-milling machine.

Not only is there a reduction in setup times, but also an exceptional increase in part accuracy and flexibility as on the MAXIMA 2000 K60, the big 5-axis turn-mill gantry.   

There have been new breakthroughs in the machining of gears and transmissions, thanks to the new Breton technological packages, which you'll be able to see at work on 2 ULTRIX 1000 RT machines.  

What's more, we'll be presenting the new version of our best seller, the MATRIX machine, a true evolution in design and performance.



Sergio Prior

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aerospace machining, automotive machining centre, breton vertical machining centre, change pallet, CNC turning and milling center, eagle, flymill, high speed cnc, matrix, Maxima, open house, ultrix, xceeder

Skills and technology to grow: ALESA & BRETON

The world of moulds and dies requires state-of-the art technology to be competitive in an evermore aggressive market. Alesa, an enterprise located in Brescia, is aware of this and over the last few years has invested in Breton multi-functional work centres.

 (by Andrea Pagani and Ernesto Imperio)

Alesa, specialist company in the thermoplastic  injection moulding industry for medium to large size moulds, over the years, step by step, has improved and upgraded its  production technologically offering  customers today an  immeasurable experience.  Gilberto Nicolini, the company owner, explained how the company has expanded and grown thanks to implementing advanced production technology and flexibility, cornerstones of an expansion strategy in a highly competitive market that demands superior quality products.  The company founded in 1979 in Paitone and as of 2007 located in Mazzano, Brescia, has increased its technology and skills to satisfy market requirements. “When we first set out on this business venture" Mr Nicolini explains, " We were a small business concern and only had milling machines for machining moulds but as time went by we began to grow diversifying our product range and investing in new equipment.  The story  of this company has been lived with passion and professionalism seeing how we have built our know-how day after day. I remember the first tool machines we had, then when we retrofitted our first machine for CNC machining, successively employing  the new machine tools available  and so on until we invested in our first high-speed machining centre -  a Breton NC 800 2T bought in 2000.” 

In 2003 Alesa took another stride forwards and bought a Breton Matrix 800 K16 and then in 2007 when the company moved to  the new premises in 2007 replaced the NC 800 2T with the newer improved K25 model part of the Breton Matrix range. "We were amongst the first in our area to invest in high-speed milling technology which proved to be decisive  for our business in terms  of technology and sales.  When we bought the NC 800 2T this was the start of a long-term partnership with the Treviso based manufacturer and which has led to the recent investment in two high-speed multi-functional work centres, the Matrix 800 K16 with Selca 4060 D CNC technology and the Matrix 800 k25 with Heidenhain TNC 530 CNC. 
 
Being competitive with Breton
Alesa implements stringent production and in-house quality control procedures to offer superior quality and precision engineered moulds for the injection moulding industry. The moulds are used across a broad range of applications from the automotive industry to household appliances, furniture, gardening and packaging.   The NC 800 2T work centre, replaced by the two newer Matrix models, was for Alesa important training in improving skills and experience in high-speed milling and the use of CAM technology. An experience which has led to closing significant orders both on the domestic and international markets and more in particular with German and Swiss customers. “We immediately noticed” Mr Nicolini goes on to say “The advantages of using high-speed technology.   This was the right direction to become more competitive offering a quality and improved product.  The two Breton Matrix centres allowed us to decidedly improve our quality.  Our know-how and skills and the improved features and functions of these work centres permit us to exploit all the power of these high-speed machines.  The quality surface finish is excellent thanks to the structural rigidity of these centres which combined with the possibility of employing 5-axis machining and head precision milling have allowed us to offer extremely complex products which we wouldn’t have been able to produce without these centres”.

With the Matrix 800 centres production times have been  reduced by two thirds.  An important aspect giving any company that competitive edge. “ Breton has been fundamental in helping us improve our production skills for two reasons, first they listen to our needs and then, in some cases, these needs are then incorporated into their machines and secondly they have offered us training in using the Heidenhain CNC technology which was new for us as we had always used Selca CNC until we bought the Matrix 800 K25.”

Matrix 800: the winning 5-axis solution
In the 90’s Breton, already an important name on the stone processing market for the machines offered, diversified production by introducing high-speed CNC work centres. A winning choice that placed the Castello di Godego based company, amongst the leading companies at an international level for milling machines.  Over the years Breton has developed a complete range of work centres which are now used across a number of applications for milling all the types of materials used in manufacturing industries. The skilled and expert Breton technical assistance service, which is built on the ability of responding to customer specific requirements, was definitely a winning point in favour when Alesa decided to invest in Breton machines. Alesa in Breton saw the ideal partner to work alongside with to achieve a farsighted project aimed at improving production technology and product quality. 

The Matrix 800 interpolated 5-axis high-speed machining centres are the ideal solution for milling medium size workpieces in steel, aluminium, composite materials and resin. Matrix 800, fast, flexible and compact, the ideal choice for die and tool manufacturing and producing precision parts for the aerospace industry, offers high performance and efficient machine  dynamics all in a compact design satisfying problems related  to  limited space and production logistics. The dual-drive gantry structure allows for optimising the work area guaranteeing machine operators maximum freedom of operation facilitating  workpiece positioning and machining offering maximum machine reliability, safety and performance. These latest models in arc welded steel with structural ribbing  offer improved all round structural rigidity. The flexibility in application and the power  of the MATRIX range are features guaranteed by the wide range of heads available which efficiently and ideally respond  to high-speed machining requirements.  The twist heads, all with axis “C” continuous rotation, and the user friendly programming allow this machine to perform complex  machining operations rapidly by milling  in three dimensions  simultaneously. Thanks to  the possibility of  axis A rotating  ± 105°, it is possible to machine  undercuts with the workpiece in the same position. The 5-axis model mounts high-performing electrospindles up to 55 kw with rotational speeds of 40,000 rpm perfect for high-speed machining  when performing roughing and finishing operations.  Thanks to the wide choice of optional accessories you can customise Matrix 800 to satisfy your specific machining and production requirements. 

Axis Y travel for the K16 and K25 models, installed at Alesa, are respectively 1,600 mm and 2,500mm whereas axis X and Z for both versions are the same, 2,000 mm and 800mm. Axis speed are 40 (X), 40 (Y) and 20 (Z) m/min. “We are extremely satisfied with both the Matrix machines “ Mr Nicolini declares  and concludes by saying " because we have seen a substantial increase in productivity and quality". We will continue to work in this direction and introduce new investment plans for machines which will provide us with greater production automation and allow us to produce large size moulds and dies."

Thanks go to TM - Teconologie Meccaniche and ALESA 
Click here for more INFO

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5 axis machining centers, aerospace machining, Alesa, breton machining centre, high speed vertical machining centre, high-speed machining center, matrix

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

Breton MATRIX - High-speed machining centres with five interpolated axes

Matrix 800-1000-1300

Matrix is a new range of machining centres with a gantry structure and moving cross beam designed and developed by Breton to satisfy the new and demanding manufacturing  requirements for  high-speed machining of complex and large size workpieces across various applications for die manufacturing, model making and styling.

Rigidity and high dynamics are distinctive features of this range making it ideal for machining a multitude of components and products at high speeds with maximum milling performance.
Matrix thanks to the speed of the linear axes which reaches up to 40 m/min, to the Direct Drive head with a rotational speed of up to 100 rpm and to continuous rotation of axis C,  this machining centre is the perfect solution for specific production requirements  as profiling complex workpieces with 5 continuous axes ensuring and guaranteeing maximum machining precision and performance.

The direct drive twist head, which can be positioned at any angle thanks to the powerful hydraulic operated brakes, allows for mounting 40kW spindles with rotation speeds of up to 28000 rpm providing this work centre with improved milling efficiency and performance.

The various available configurations of the Matrix range (travel X from 2500mm on Matrix 800 to 3900mm on Matrix 1300, Y from 2000 mm to 8000mm, Z from 1000mm to 1600mm) make these work centres the ideal solution for machining medium to large workpieces across a number of materials as steel, aluminium, resin and composite materials.

The closed structure and drive assemblies mounted on the top part of the machine, ensure maximum operator safety and maximum machining precision, performance and reliability.

Machining precision and quality are further enhanced  by the thermal symmetry of the machine  structure, and by the thermal stabilising system which stabilises and maintains the temperature of the balls nuts, bearings on axis Z and  axis drives  at the same temperature as that of  the machine structure.

Read more>>

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aerospace machining, automotive machining centre, breton machining centre, die, high-speed machining center, matrix, mould, vertical machining centre

Our customer FUTURAMIC

Futuramic is a ground-breaking American company which produces components for the aerospace, aviation, automotive and shipbuilding industries.

Futuramic was awarded the ISO 9001 Quality Certification in 1998, and is the qualified and approved supplier of the following customers:

Honda HMA, Honda MAP, Vought / Aerostructures Company, Karmax Heavy Stamping, BAE Systems, KTH Parts Industries, Bell Helicopter Textron, Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, Lockheed Martin Manned Space Systems, The Boeing Company, BMW, Magna Heavy Stamping, Bombardier Aerospace, Massiv Die-Form, Cessna Aircraft Company, Ogihara America, Daimler / Chrysler, Raytheon, Drive Automotive, Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Embraer, Thyssen-Budd Company, Ford Motor Company, Tower Automotive, General Motors, Vought Ind., Honda ELP (East Liberty, Ohio), Yachiyo of Ontario Mfg., Inc., and many others.
Futuramic owns a large fleet of high-speed machining centers including no less than six Breton's machines:
- n.1 Flymill 2000
- n.3 Matrix 800
- n.1 Matrix 1300
- n.1 Xceeder RT

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5 axis machining centers, aerospace machining, breton cnc 5 axis, CNC turning and milling center, flymill, high speed cnc, matrix, steel, superalloys, Vertical turning milling center, xceeder