Hornet Precision Engineering, based in Leicestershire (United Kingdom), has strengthened its production capabilities by adding a second CMZ lathe. In its search for a machine that combined robustness and precision, the British company evaluated different options available on the market. Its main requirement was clear: to find a lathe capable of performing high-speed milling operations while maintaining consistent accuracy. The TA series met all these demands thanks to its ability to work at 12,000 rpm in continuous service (S1).
CMZ lathes deliver top performance and high torque thanks to their built-in direct drive motors, capable of reaching 12,000 rpm in milling operations. They stand out for their excellent value for money.
NAME: Hornet Precision Engineering
LOCATION: Leicestershire (United Kingdom)
ACTIVITY: Machining
SECTORS: Agriculture, Automotive, Energy, Food Processing, Pharmaceutical, among others.
MACHINES:
Founded in Leicestershire, Hornet Precision Engineering is a British subcontract machining company specialising in the manufacture of precision components such as rollers, axles, spacers, hubs, pins, and shafts, among others. Thanks to its solid technical expertise, the company has positioned itself as a trusted supplier across diverse sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
Its collaboration with CMZ began in 2021, the year Hornet Precision Engineering acquired its first TA-20-T-640. This was a milestone for a company that was just starting out and needed a rigid, accurate, and versatile machine. Following a recommendation from a colleague, they discovered the TA series, whose performance and capabilities convinced them to fully commit to the brand. It became not only their first CMZ, but also the first CNC lathe in the workshop at that time.
As activity grew and production volumes increased, Hornet Precision Engineering needed equipment that provided greater rigidity in milling operations and allowed them to work with a bar feeder. Batch sizes became larger and tolerances tighter, but their existing machines did not offer the robustness required.
Having already witnessed first-hand the reliability of the TA series, the company decided to expand its production capacity, and CMZ became the obvious choice. As Thomas Horne explains, "After having experienced the limitations of other machines in milling performance and seeing the rigidity of our CMZ in turning, the choice was clear. We couldn't find another box guideway machine within that price range, and certainly none with features like direct-driven motors and 12,000 rpm milling."
After their positive first experience, Hornet Precision Engineering once again placed their trust in CMZ, opting for a TA-20-TY-640. This model broadens machining possibilities thanks to its Y-axis and high milling capacity, being capable of working at 12,000 rpm in continuous service (S1). The company received the machine ready to operate and within the agreed timeframe, making the acquisition and installation process swift and straightforward.
Hornet Precision Engineering highlights the robustness, direct-driven motors, and prismatic guideway construction of the TA series, which ensure stability and precision even in the most demanding machining operations. Its milling performance stands out significantly compared to other manufacturers. Additionally, the machines feature an advanced tool load monitoring system, enabling lights-out operation without the risk of damaging the machine.
Since incorporating their new TA-20Y, Hornet Precision Engineering has achieved a significant reduction in cycle times and improved process reliability. Moreover, the milling performance of CMZ lathes delivers results comparable to those of a vertical machining centre (VMC).
Among the most notable benefits, Hornet Precision Engineering highlights:
CMZ machines combine robustness, precision, and reliability. They compete in a price range typical of linear guideway lathes, while retaining the advantages of a prismatic guideway architecture. Among others, these include greater impact resistance, as even under heavy loads or impacts, neither the guides nor the kinematic elements are displaced.
With over 80 years of experience in the machine tool industry, CMZ continues to strengthen its presence in the United Kingdom. As a European manufacturer of CNC lathes, it offers machines with a service life of more than 20 years, backed by personalised attention. CMZ's philosophy is clear: to take care of the entire process from start to finish. To achieve this, it provides its UK customers with a dedicated sales and technical support team. The partnership between Hornet Precision Engineering and CMZ is built on a shared commitment to innovation, precision, and productivity. Here's to many more years of collaboration!
LMC opens its doors to tell us about his experience with CMZ cnc lathes. For them, CMZ is not only a machinery supplier, it is a first-class technological partner.
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