#SwarfandChips – A massive lathe making aerospace components – 01/02/2019 – Ep 112

This week the team are dispersed throughout Europe, with Joe visiting Italy, while Paul and Colin visit Kigass Aero to look at an enormous turning machine from Hwacheon, a truly remarkable piece of kit!

Joe visits FIDIA in North Italy where he discusses the machinery on display with Tim Stour of TDT Machine Tools, including the FIDIA 5-Axis GTF 35, a great machine which combines the latest technology with traditional engineering powered by FIDIA’s own control software. Other machines on display at the huge showroom in Italy included the colossal GTF 40 and the smaller GTF 22, all of which are manufactured by FIDIA themselves after the company could not find a manufacturer to meet their requirements.

Colin caught up with James Beddoes from Pattern Fasteners Ltd to discuss precision turn parts, all of which are manufactured at their headquarters rather than imported. The company bought a second-hand citizen L20 when beginning CNC work, improving efficiency greatly.

After his trip to Europe, Joe visited Frazer and Nash to discuss their most recent investments in 5-Axis machines including the Mazak i500, the Varaxis i-700 and discuss the sturdiness of the i-600 machine which has bought the company success for a number of years. The company are keen to make many further investments in 2019 despite Brexit looming, they are very optimistic for the future.

Paul also offers a sneak peek into our spacious new offices, which are in the final stages of building and will be ready to move into in March, with a much large studio for future Swarf and Chips episodes.

We also visit our friends at Sodick in the Midlands and reflect on our gruelling defeat from last week, we hope you enjoy the show!

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