Modern Machine Shop

JUN 2014

Modern Machine Shop is focused on all aspects of metalworking technology - Providing the new product technologies; process solutions; supplier listings; business management; networking; and event information that companies need to be competitive.

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mmsonline.com June 2014 MMS 73 feature O ne of the many things that QFS Technologies Ltd., a prototype shop in Birmingham, UK, does well is generate small batches of die-formed sheet metal parts that virtually match their pro- duction-run counterparts. This service enables QFS's customers in the automotive sector to quickly test and evaluate component design. This is an interactive, back-and-for th process. The shape of the formed part may undergo several revisions and engineering changes as the auto- maker moves aggressively to launch a new car, truck or SUV. It's up to QFS to keep up by supplying updated versions of the part in short order. For this com- pany, a critical capability is re-machining press die surfaces to reflect the latest revisions from the customer. This means quickly analyzing new geometry from design engineers and generating appropriate toolpath data for the multi-axis CNC machining centers that will do the work. QFS relies on integrated CAD and CAM software to make this happen. In this case, the software of choice are PowerShape and PowerMill from Delcam, whose world headquarters are located on the other side of this sprawling UK city. The Keeps Its Customers Moving Quickly updating tool paths to remachine die surfaces enables this shop to provide short runs of prototype formed sheet metal parts. This fast response to engineering changes and design adjustments helps its customers adhere to tightly scheduled vehicle launch programs. By M a r k a lB e rt integration of this CAD and CAM software helps streamline the vital reprogramming process. It's routine for the company to get the revised parts out the door in a week or 10 days. The same combination of CAD and CAM sof t ware also enables QFS to manufacture the original short-run dies in about four weeks. With QFS as one of their best prototype par tners, some of the biggest names in that UK auto industry, including Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin, are bringing vehi- cles with bold, market-leading styles to showrooms around the world in record time. a MOdel ShOp A lthough Q FS str ive s to be a compa ny with exceptional, even unique, capabilities, it is also broadly emblematic of many other shops and specialty machining companies in that country. Like QFS, their emergence reflects the strong revival of manufacturing in the UK. Once given up for dead by many of its pundits, manufacturing is clearly on the rebound there. Led by a resur- gence in the aerospace and automotive sectors, this revival has inspired a new generation of s m a l l - a n d m e d i u m - s i z e d m a n u f a c t u r i n g companies that are, by necessity, highly depen- dent on multi-axis CNC machine tools, strong CAD/CAM support, and lean, nimble operations. QFS (Facing Page) Producing prototype sheet metal parts made in low volumes is one of QFS' specialties. 0614_MMS_QFS.indd 73 5/14/2014 9:52:15 AM

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