Somers Forge Invest £1million in New CNC Vertical Borer
Tuesday, 23rd November 2021
Since July 2021, Somers Forge has been adding to their impressive machine shop by investing over £ 1 million on new CNC Vertical Borer.
This investment has been made from their continued success in the marine sector, the investment will further increase their machining capabilities and capacity.
By adding this machine to their unrivalled range of lathes, it will allow Somers Forge to continue to exceed in producing quality finished machined components. After a three-month building process, the new CNC vertical borer is up and running and with the capability to machine diameters up to 2510mm! As well as bringing Somers a new grinding capability.
Somers Forge is a leading open die forge, suppling items from black forgings to critical finished components across sectors including nuclear.
What is a CNC Vertical Borer?
A CNC Vertical Borer is a sophisticated machining tool designed for the precision manufacturing of large, heavy-duty components. Unlike conventional lathes, a vertical borer or vertical turning lathe (VTL) positions the workpiece vertically, supported by a robust table that rotates while the cutting tool moves along multiple axes. This design is particularly advantageous for working with oversized, heavy components as it ensures stability and precision, reducing vibrations and allowing for consistent, high-quality machining.
Incorporating CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology, vertical borers offer enhanced automation and accuracy. CNC programming allows the machine to perform complex cutting, boring, and shaping tasks with minimal operator intervention, delivering high precision and repeatability. This capability is essential for industries requiring intricate and reliable components, such as the marine sector.
Applications in the Marine Industry
In the marine industry, CNC vertical borers are indispensable for producing and maintaining critical components used in shipbuilding and repair. These include:
- Propeller Hubs: Large hubs require precision boring to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
- Engine Casings and Turbine Housings: Key parts of marine propulsion systems demand tight tolerances for operational reliability.
- Rudder Stocks and Bearings: These components must withstand immense stress and harsh marine environments.
CNC vertical borers are also used for refurbishing and maintaining these components, ensuring that marine vessels operate efficiently and safely. Their ability to handle heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, and specialised alloys makes them ideal for producing parts that endure the extreme conditions of marine operations.
The precision and versatility of CNC vertical borers contribute significantly to the marine industry’s ability to meet stringent performance, safety, and environmental standards. By enabling the production of high-quality, long-lasting components, these machines play a crucial role in advancing marine engineering and technology.
You can watch the full building process on their website.
