The machining capacity and capability, as well as the quick delivery of a two-axis semi-CNC lathe enabled Colcrete Eurodrill to meet urgent demand for over 11,000 drilling and casing systems.
The machining capacity and capability, as well as the quick delivery of a Hankook Protec two-axis semi-CNC lathe from Ward CNC has enabled Colcrete Eurodrill to meet an urgent delivery demand for over 11,000 Eurodrill drilling and casing systems used in the geotechnical and exploration industries. With a maximum working diameter of 950mm and a distance between centres of 3000mm, and fitted with 800mm diameter four-jaw independent chuck, the Hankook Protec 9NF was needed by the company quickly to enable it to satisfy the substantial order intake for mini piling systems, and was initially used for threading applications on steel casings of 244mm diameter then in the production of 460mm diameter casings. One of a number of Hankook two-axis horizontal lathes available from Ward CNC’s Sheffield site, the Protec 9NF has a swing over the bed of 950mm, a swing over the crosslide of 630mm and a spindle speed of 3 to 400 revs/min.

It has a four-position toolpost.

Based on a double-walled and ribbed one-piece meehanite cast iron bed, the machine boasts induction hardened and ground precision slideways for maximum stability and accuracy.

It combines the accuracy and productivity of user-friendly CNC turning with the simplicity and versatility of a manual machine by offering CNC and dual electronic handwheel control.

Machining programs can be created using simple menu keys and easy-to-follow displays.

Control system options include Fagor-8055TC, Siemens 810D CNC or Fanuc.

Standard features also include servo motors on both axes, four-jaw independent chuck, square tool post with curvic coupling, cooling equipment, machine lighting, two-speed tailstock quill adjustment and infinitely variable feed rates.

Options include various chucks (hydraulic and three-jaw scroll-type), automatic tool post and live centre.

At its Clay Cross site in Derbyshire, Colcrete Eurodrill produces rotary duplex/mini piling systems in a standard range with outside diameters from 114mm to 660mm and in lengths of 500mm to 6m.

Specials up to 915mm diameter can be manufactured to order.

The casings accommodate either drill rods or augers.

According to Mark Rex, Colcrete Eurodrill’s operations and engineering manager: ‘The Hankook provided the extra capacity just when we needed it, and it has performed well in enabling us to meet the delivery deadline for 11, 500 tubes.’