"The automatic changer still required the added value of a zero-point clamping and palletisation system to give us the flexibility we needed as a specialist subcontractor", explained Nick Marks of Hemlock Engineering. "Delphin allows us to mount a range of highly diverse components, vices, chucks, cubes and workpieces in the pallet changer and then run each job within the cell."

As a subcontractor cutting mainly aluminium components Hemlocks work pattern covers a range of standard parts for customers Kanban requirements as well as one-off parts for its own prototyping company and specials for other customers. Much of its business comes from the automotive industry, especially the superbike sector, and development work often requires a range of individual parts for testing that may only vary by small amounts.

"The mix and match production facility that Delphin gives us has helped us penetrate markets that were hitherto unavailable to Hemlock, such as aerospace", said Mr Marks. "The repeatability and accuracy is so good that we are totally confident in programming the cells and leaving them to run unmanned overnight or over the weekend."

"Not only that, but if we need to interrupt production for one-off specials we can take off a part and be running again in minutes. Then on returning the part to the machine, production continues without a hitch."