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£D software and vertical machining centres allow Acro to produce complex bespoke heat sinks
Using SolidCAM technology to drive a vertical machining centre Acro can now produce highly complex heat sinks for use in military RF electronic systems.
“These heatsinks are very intricate designs that have to be machined to very high tolerances,” said Fred Pain, general manager at Acro. “Once again we are very pleased with our investment in the 3D machining capability. It would be very difficult and costly to undertake this project using traditional methods. Using digital data directly from the designer’s files enables us to eliminate programming errors and deliver a consistently high quality of component.”
Since investing in its 3D machining CADCAM package Acro has undertaken demanding projects within the oils and automotive sectors, as well as specialist project such as equipment for airport security. Until last year Acro was focused solely on the production of turned parts and it was a strategic decision for the business to invest in milling capabilities.
“We’ve always enjoyed a great deal of success in the field of ‘turned parts’”, said Mr Pain. “We run multi-spindles and sliding heads and can run lights-out production. Very often, components would need additional milling processes that we would sub-out. Our decision to buy in the milling equipment was mainly so that we could undertake additional processes in-house and have more control over quality and turnaround, so we could give our clients an even better service."
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