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Based in the North East of England, Redfox provides a range of engineering services to smaller precision engineers and machine shops that would normally only available through expensive investment in software, hardware and personnel.

At Almond Engineering, parts which were previously programmed and setup on CNCs during downtime are now being prepared offline. New part programs are now produced in hours rather than days, and the CNC’s can be machining other work while the new part is being programmed. Almond also has access to more complex 3D surface machining, which compliments the in-house CAM abilities. In addition, one of Almond’s existing machining centres which had previously been running simpler part programs can now be programmed to produce the same complex components as any of their other machining centres.

Almond Engineering’s managing director, Willie Scott said “This is a very valuable service with great potential”

Stuart Hogarth explains: “Businesses using our CAM service benefit in one of two ways. Firstly, we can add to their existing programming capacity so that they can increase their production levels or reduce their turnaround/lead times. Secondly, we can enable our clients to turn their machines from basic automated milling machines, into the all singing all dancing pieces of advanced technology that they have the potential to be. Either of these benefits means the client makes more profitable parts.”

The most popular service currently being offered is offline CNC programming, which is aimed at precision engineers and machine shops who tend to struggle with complex 3D geometries and multiple setup components. Redfox clients are given easy access to part programming for their machining centres. Most modern CNC machines will accept external programs offered via cable or floppy disk interfaces. These are the keys which can unlock the potential of the machining centre.

Redfox uses the latest advanced computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software to provide efficient part programs. The part programs provided will have the minimum amount of free air moves and will have been collision checked to reduce downtime and tool breakages. The engineers at Redfox can work with the clients existing machining parameters to ensure that in-house expertise is maintained where required. Often this method of programming will greatly reduce the number of setups required for part production.

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