Qioptiq specialises in the design, development and manufacture of electro-optical systems, sub-systems, modules and components to meet the needs of defence, aerospace, civil, industrial and space markets around the world. The product range includes some of the most sophisticated advanced optical technologies ranging from Night Vision Sights... to Head Up Display Optical modules... through to Laser Protection and Space Components.With a requirement to reduce component production times and to achieve more “lights-out” machining time, Qioptiq have invested in a new DMG 5-axis milling centre with an automated pallet changer from Erowa.
The machine shop at the St Asaph plant has good experience of the Erowa quick change pallet system over some years. Before the DMG 5 was implemented the system had to be manually loaded, with material billets being clamped to allow quick change of parts on the machines as well as interchangeability between processes, to avoid time consuming realignment.
Now, the Erowa Robot Compact allows operators to load pallets automatically to the DMU 50 eVo Linear providing Qioptiq with the ability to manufacture parts with fewer setups, longer unattended run times and batch sizes to suit requirements.
“Flexible manufacturing techniques are an absolute necessity in today’s competitive markets” says Machine Shop Manager, Jeff Bonning “and Qioptiq are continually assessing new technology to keep us at the forefront.”
