In this guide we have tried to give
a detailed overview of our operations which will give buyers
of all levels and expertise the pertinent information they
need to understand how Wilco may be able to benefit them.
The brochure breaks down into self explanatory
sections covering the various aspects of Wilco Manufacturing
and can be kept as a guide to the company as a whole.
Turned Parts
Wilco manufacture an enormous variety
of turned components in all materials. We have tried to categorise
the majority into sections that may exhibit the range of parts
that can be manufactured. Many of the secondary operations
are performed during the initial machine cycle to reduce cost
and decrease lead times.
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To the right are examples of threaded components.
Threads can be added by cutting, rolling or chasing
to suit the dimensions of the component.
Sizes vary enormously but the available range is somewhere
between M2.5 - M32 and all imperial sizes in between.
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The photo to the left exhibits a range of dowels and
rivets.
Precision ground ring and solid dowels are used to
locate two mating parts together, for example in engines
and gearboxes.
The rivets shown generally fix pressings and plates
together where the steps act as spacers to ensure free
movement.
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Shafts and spindles are utilised in products such as
window hardware and hinges.
Wilco utilise magazine fed machines where possible
to take advantage of fast cycle times on longer components.
Bushes and spacers are produced in diameters from 3mm
to 52mm. Areas of use are wheel hubs, compression limits,
spacers and guides.
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The other items shown fall into the "odds and
sods" category. The versatility of Wilco's machining
ensure that most designs can be accommodated.
Decorative knobs, hydraulic plugs, ball knobs and connectors
are among the components illustrated here.
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Combined with the wide range of parts that
can be manufactured, Wilco also try to offer the widest possible
range of volume production. Quantities from 500 off to over
1,000,000 of per annum can be produced competitively to suit
our customer's requirements.
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The majority of Wilco's plant consists
of single spindle automatic lathes, which are extremely
quick and accurate.
The machines are cam controlled and
obtain short cycle times by combining operations on
the turret slide with the cross slides.
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Coupled with the fast cycle times, Wilco has
a range of attachments for the machines which allow us to;
high speed drill, turret mill, off centre drill, cross drill,
pick up and back drill, deburr, slot, generate shapes and
thread chase.
Multi-spindle machines are also available
for very high volumes where six bars can be machined at once.
Although taking longer to set up, these machines can produce
even faster cycle times where the volumes permit.
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Operations are combined on the turret and cross slides
similar to that of the single spindle machines. The
operations can be further broken down or shared out
however amongst the spindles available.
For low volume production, easy to set EMI-MEC sprints
compliment the range of turning capacity. They allow
fast set ups for small batch runs and can double up
as convenient secondary operation machines if required.
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Completing the turning capacity are some new
CNC machines. The Superswift CNCs are quick to set up and
achieve appreciably faster cycle times than conventional machines.
With the additional benefit of lights out machining and some
integral secondary machining they are particularly beneficial
for tighter tolerance work and more complex designs. Star
sliding head CNCs are multi-axis machines that can complete
complex components requiring multiple operations in one hit.
With superb accuracy, 24Hr running and overlapped operations,
they are a cost effective solution to high specification parts.
Star sliding head CNCs produce complex components requiring
multiple operations in one hit. This gives benefits in terms
of consistency and lead time.
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Superswift CNC |
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Cincinatti Arrow 750 CNC |
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Secondary operations and general machining
take advantage of various techniques depending on the complexity
and volumes of the components. More complicated machining
involving several operations utilise CNC machining as pictured
above right or rotary transfer machines (pictured below) to
do multiple drilling and milling operations simultaneously.
Automatic lathes can also be used as effective
secondary operation machines. By utilising the multi-station
turret and cross slides these machines become a self contained
machining centre for multiple secondary operations. An added
advantage is that the machines can often be magazine loaded
utilising the front slide to introduce blanks for machining
thereby making the whole operation automatic.
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Conventional capstan and drilling machines take care
of simple secondary operations or compliment machining
and assembly cells as required.
Wilco manufacture work holding devices in house to
facilitate the operations and ensure rapid production.
In house tool making capability allows Wilco to maintain
and improve jigs as required.
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