Opportunity knocks

While the rest of the economy struggles to find efficiencies wherever it can, the engineering sector can at least rely on continual technical innovation from equipment suppliers to help it meet the challenges of tough times.

This is particularly true of production technology, where the latest developments in both hardware and software can make the difference between just scraping by and making a healthy profit.

When opportunities do arrive in a difficult economic climate a company needs to be able to respond quickly. Subcontractor

was faced with the need to expand machining capacity to meet the demands of its customers in the motorsport and aerospace sectors.

Tooling represents a significant cost for companies and minimising that outlay is an important method of increasing profits for firms such as B-Tech.

Brian Turner, managing director of B-Tech, said the speed and rigidity of the Mori Seiki NH5000 DCG gave it the edge over the other options his company considered. DCG gives two ball-screws on each linear axis, which, according to the manufacturer, eliminates out-of-balance forces and keeps vibration to a minimum.