LoneStar Fasteners Hydrobolt Ltd (LSFH), a prominent global manufacturer and distributor of high-specification fasteners and precision machined components, has announced a repeat order for additional turning centers to enhance its CNC turn-milling capabilities at its Wednesbury facility.
The company is allocating £1.5 million to acquire six twin-spindle Y-axis lathes produced by Biglia in Italy. These machines will be supplied by Whitehouse Machine Tools, the exclusive agent for Biglia in the UK and Ireland, based in Kenilworth.
The new machinery aims to streamline production processes, allowing LSFH to manufacture nearly every component more efficiently in a single operation, rather than requiring multiple processes as was the previous standard.
LSFH’s investment in Biglia lathes was driven by their robust construction and high spindle power, which facilitate the machining of challenging materials like stainless steel, titanium, and high nickel alloys. These materials are vital for industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation, all of which are served by LSFH. To protect the surface finish of components and minimize post-machining damage, each lathe is equipped with a parts catcher and conveyor system.
Robbie Beckett, the operations director at the Wednesbury site, noted that the initial two machines, installed in early 2023, were B620YS single-turret turning centers with an 80 mm bar capacity. He stated that these lathes have successfully lowered production costs, enhanced surface finish, and boosted productivity.
Beckett remarked, “They performed exceptionally well over their first year of operation, prompting us to order four additional turn-mill centers from the same supplier.”
The upcoming machines, set to arrive in May 2024, will include a Biglia B750YS with a single turret and a 100 mm bar capacity, as well as a B465T2Y2, which features twin turrets for added functionality. Another B750YS and a BMX45T2Y2, equipped with superimposed machining capability to enable three tools to cut simultaneously, are scheduled for delivery in August 2024.
“Prior to making our selection, I visited the manufacturing facility in Italy to observe the production process and meet the team. I was highly impressed with the build quality and the company’s exclusive focus on lathe manufacturing,” Beckett explained.
He added that reliable after-sales service was a key factor in their decision. “We were confident in the support we would receive from both the OEM and the UK agent, who offers unlimited training and applications support.”
This substantial investment highlights LSFH’s commitment to technological innovation and its ambition to maintain its status as a global leader in the fasteners sector. According to Beckett, the Biglia lathes will enhance their ability to produce complex parts with exceptional precision, significantly improving operational efficiency and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products to customers, on time and within budget.