The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) is a proud owner of a Leadwell T-7 AM CNC turning centre with live tool capabilities in the Z- and X-axis. This combines turning and milling operations in one machine.
The turn-mill is responsible for machining components for various medical devices such as wheelchair hubs. Other products include an extruder for a large scale 3D printer, tooling and general machining projects.
A hobby rocket enthusiast for example approached the PDTS to machine a few sets of rocket motors from aluminium. The client was pleased to manufacture the motors locally as his only other option was to import it at a more expensive cost.
The station utilises the turn-mill for one-off components to series production components.
The machine has a maximum clamping capacity of 200 mm and can accommodate work pieces of up to 500 mm in length. The maximum spindle speed is 4500 rpm.