A&G Precision
'We take design information in any form and translate this data into a precision machined component.'
Hardware
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Commitment to quality is taken as read
The sign on the wall of A&G Precision’s machine shop reads ‘Quality is your responsibility’, a constant reminder of the Preesall, Lancashire company’s toolmaking origins and its continuing emphasis on individual skills. Founded in 1989 by the current managing director, Arthur Pinder, every one of the company’s machinists is time-served and this 34-employee sub-contractor even runs its own apprentice training scheme to ensure that skill levels are maintained.
A&G Precision specialises in high-precision, complex components for the aerospace industry, using a mix of CNC and manual/CNC machines supplied by XYZ Machine Tools of Burlescombe, Devon. Accompanying this extensive investment in machine tools – eight vertical machining centres, one bar-fed turning centre and two CNC lathes – has been the installation of 2D/3D CAD/CAM computer software and CATIA 2D/3D modelling facilities, a prerequisite to achieving preferred supplier status with major aerospace customers like BAE Systems.
Batch sizes range from one-offs to hundreds-off and components, machined in materials from aluminium to stainless steels and titanium, are 100 per cent inspected and subject to full traceability. “We take design information in any form,” says Wayne Richardson, Works Manager, “and translate this data into a precision machined component, with our commitment to quality backed by registration to ISO 9001:2000 and AS/EN 9100:2001 and numerous customer approvals.”
The latest additions to A&G Precision’s capacity list are two XYZ Mini Mill 560 compact vertical machining centres delivered in October 2006 that, according to Wayne Richardson, Works Manager, “have performed well and have been backed by excellent after-sales service and support”. All four of A&G Precision’s 13 hp/8000 rev/min XYZ Mini Mill 560s installed in its machine shop are equipped with the easy-to-program Siemens conversational ShopMill control, a 10/12 station tool changer and a 610 mm by 370 mm table capable of holding components weighing up to 300 kg. And despite its surprisingly large 560 mm (X) by 400 mm (Y) by 500 mm (Z) work envelope, each Mini Mill 560 occupies a mere 1.9 m by 2 m footprint.
Further machine tool investment is planned for this year but A&G Precision’s immediate priority, having purchased the freehold of its former windmill premises, is completing the renovation of the listed buildings. A glass frontage to new offices and reception area, an extension to the machine shop and a new car park to the rear are all in hand. “We are aware that image is an important factor as far as our customers are concerned,” says Wayne Richardson, “but this ambitious project also reflects A&G Precision’s intention to continue providing precision machined components that satisfy today’s demanding supply chain requirements.”