Ward CNC to Showcase ‘More Than Machines’ at MACH 2020

MACH 2020 will be the platform for TW Ward CNC Machinery Ltd (Ward CNC) to once again demonstrate why its stand at the UK’s showpiece event will be introducing one of the most innovative, expansive and high-quality range of machine tools at the show. On the 498m2 Stand, the Sheffield machine tool specialists will be introducing the very latest technology from globally renowned brands such as Hyundai-Wia, Soraluce, Hartford and Takisawa. The breadth of technology will be supported by Ward CNC’s ‘Customer Experience Zone’, which will be the MACH launch platform for the company’s ‘More Than Machines’ philosophy.

For any manufacturer that has been a customer of Ward CNC, the philosophy of ‘More Than Machines’ is evident. With machine tool sales being fully supported by a UK wide network of national service and application engineers, both mechanical and electrical technical support, a rapidly growing sales team, Sheffield and Redditch showrooms and a used machinery division; the company has the staff, the service and support network to instil the utmost confidence in UK manufacturers when purchasing technology from Ward CNC. Furthermore, Ward CNC has recently obtained ISO: 9001 certification that underpins the processes and both the operational and managerial structures that guarantee quality, not only in the machine tools, but every element of the business.

Maximum spindle utilisation and continuous production is central to any machine tool investment, and the combination of the ‘More Than Machines’ service along with machine tools of exceptional build-quality and reliability, will be a key message at MACH. From the Hartford stable of machining centres at MACH, Ward CNC will be introducing the Hartford SW216 and the Hartford LG500. Perfect for larger capacity work, the SW216 is a double column bridge type travelling table VMC with a 2m by 1.45m table that can support the machining of parts up to 7000kg. With an X, Y and Z axis travel of 2m by 1.6m by 780mm, this 50-taper spindle workhorse has a powerful 18.5kW spindle motor for heavy cutting operations, regardless of the material type.

The SW216 offers the perfect blend of flexibility, rigidity and performance for the machining of large components. From an optional perspective, the SW216 is available with 22 and 26kW spindle motors, a 32, 40 or 60 position ATC and the choice of FANUC, Heidenhain or HARTROL PLUS CNC control. As always, Ward CNC engineers will be on hand to understand the needs of every MACH visitor.

As a popular mainstay from the Hartford stable, the LG500 will be on show at MACH. This high-quality, robust and capable 3-axis machining centre has a competitive price point and as with all Hartford products, the build quality is guaranteed. With a 24 position ATC, and an 8000rpm high-torque 5.5kW spindle motor and a BT40 spindle taper, the Hartford LG500 is perfect for any machine shop.

Available with a FANUC or HARTROL PLUS CNC interface, the Hartford LG500 is offered with a list of options. The HARTROL PLUS interface has a 19-inch touch screen control with an ergonomic angular operation panel. Behind this, is the facility for five groups of value-added APP that include program management, operational assistant, machine monitoring, utilisation rates and maintenance support, all with a vast array of options that ensure ease-of-use with unparalleled levels of functionality.

 Reverting back to the theme of heavy-duty machining, Ward CNC will also be presenting the impressive travelling table type bed milling Soraluce TA-A35. The Soraluce TA-A35 is an exceptionally high-performance machine with unsurpassed technology advancements that permits the machining of component loads up to 7800kg with unsurpassed levels of productivity.

The specifications of the Soraluce TA-A35 include a table area of 3.7m by 1m with 3.5m by 1.25m by 1.2m X, Y and Z-axis travel, a powerful 28kW spindle motor, a robust ISO-50 with a maximum speed of 4000rpm. Despite the robust build quality of the machine, the Soraluce TA-A35 demonstrates its speed and flexibility with rapid traverse rates of 25m/min and a tool carousel with 40 tool positions. Each of the mentioned parameters can be optionally upgraded.

Beyond the standard specifications, the Soraluce offers so much more; and at MACH 2020 Ward CNC will be on-hand to discuss the opportunities with manufacturers. Beneath the spacious work area is a remarkably heavy-duty cast iron construction that absorbs vibration and provides the bedrock for stable performance and exceptional surface finishes when undertaking heavy cutting. This is supported by high-precision linear guideway technology with fully automatic air/oil cooled indexing head, automatic tool changer and NCRT options.

The fundamental benefits of the Soraluce are its outstanding productivity levels and cutting performance that are afforded by a meticulously detailed design with high-quality components. Upon this construction is Soraluce’s Advanced Automatic Head Technology that demonstrates the precision and flexibility of the machine with universal indexing heads that offer 2.5, 1.0- & 0.001-degree indexing. Soraluce is well established on the global stage and this is underpinned by Ward CNC having many of the worlds’ most recognised brands as customers. This success is credit to the quality and capability of the machines, but also the extremely diverse range that incorporates everything from floor and bed-type milling boring machines, portal and gantry machines, horizontal borers and vertical turning centres – all available from Ward CNC.

Commenting upon Ward CNC’s appearance at MACH 2020, Mr Stephen Bodsworth, Executive Director says: ”Our entire focus is built around the customer. Whilst the initial focal point may be the machine tool, its build-quality and capability; the key to the success of a longstanding business with a proud heritage like Ward CNC, is the service we provide our clients and the relationships we cultivate. We have unwavering confidence in our product lines, but for our customers to share this confidence in our business, we have launched our ‘More Than Machines’ proposition. We have invested heavily in new staff, training, methodologies and new business structures, which includes ISO: 9001. Very few businesses have a 140-year history like Ward CNC and the ‘More Than Machines’ philosophy that we will discuss in the dedicated ‘Customer Experience Zone’ will emphasise how we are building the brand as we continue to Create & Shape our Future.”