Thomas Dudley’s award-winning foundry is to be equipped with a third CNC machine.

The Company has invested in a new Dugard XP1600 CNC machine in response to demand, further expanding their ability to rapidly manufacture high quality patterns in-house.

Mick Cramphorn, Foundry Director comments: “At present, we are currently producing patterns up to 700mm wide. With this investment, we’ll be able to cut approximately 1150mm wide, larger patterns all in-house. The machine has a faster spindle, which will reach up to 15000rpm, offering enhanced finishes when cutting fine details such as text or texture on patterns.”

Mick added: “Our maximum feed rate at the moment on the table/movement (traverse) is 15000mm per minute, whereas installing the new machine our maximum feed rate will increase at to 20000mm per minute which is exactly what we need for projects that require a fast turn-around. The combination of advanced engineering technology, a uniquely skilled team and true ‘can-do’ attitude provides a level of flexibility that is simply unsurpassed. Producing new patterns with the Dugard XP1600 will enable us to provide even faster lead times, which are already unprecedented within the industry.”

The investment supports Thomas Dudley’s commitment to working in partnership with existing and new customers as a value-adding, strategic engineering partner. Unlike many other foundries, Thomas Dudley’s foundry division can call upon automated and air-set manufacturing facilities to provide a uniquely flexible, UK based production platform. This offers a reliable and extremely cost-effective source of supply, for any given requirement. For more information visit www.thomasdudleycastings.co.uk.