The Hermle cells at the Knowsley factory operate round the clock, boasting an impressive Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) exceeding 90%. These cells, comprising the first two in the lineup, collectively yield approximately 2,000 parts monthly. Notably, one cell handles about two-thirds of this workload, spanning across 15 distinct part numbers, while the second cell manages a more varied workload characterized by smaller batch sizes.
Presently, all milling operations adhere to a 3+2 axis configuration, rendering 4- or 5-axis interpolation unnecessary. Despite this, the manufacturing process maintains stringent tolerances, including some remarkably tight specifications such as bore diameters as low as 12 µm and surface finishes achieving a remarkable 0.4 µm. Furthermore, length tolerances, dictated by the machines’ axis motions rather than the tool, must adhere to a total of 25 µm.
With close to 100 skilled personnel, the firm predominantly focuses on turned parts production, marking automated prismatic parts machining as a significant step forward for the family-run business. This transition signifies an exciting phase of further growth and expansion, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
