Monard Precision Engineering has turned a customer surge into an automated Rugby turning cell.
Monard Precision, based in Rugby, bought the DN Solutions machine from Mills CNC with a bar loader and rotary parts accumulator after an existing laser machine tool customer lifted screw batches to 4000-off. A used Lynx 220L covered immediate work, and the new cell is aimed at unattended running.
The trigger was an industrial laser machine tool manufacturer moving fine adjustment screws from 100–200-off batches to 4000-off. Kevin Hotchkiss, Managing Director at Monard Precision, said: “It was crunch time for us. We needed to acquire additional machining capacity, and we needed to do it fast.”
A used Lynx 220L lathe added immediate capacity in Rugby, while the new Lynx 2100LSYB multi-tasking lathe, Hydrafeed Multifeed 65 short magazine bar loader and Hydrafeed Rotary-Pro parts accumulator cleared backlog for existing customers and now support lights-out, unattended operations.
Frequently asked questions
What specific challenges did Monard Precision face due to increased demand for high-precision turned parts?
Monard Precision faced challenges due to a significant increase in demand for small, high-precision turned parts, particularly from an industrial laser machine tool manufacturer and other customers in industries like F1, motorsport, and pharmaceuticals. This led to backlogs and difficulties in meeting lead times with their existing machining methods and resources.
What are the key features of the new Lynx 2100LSYB lathe that Monard Precision invested in?
The Lynx 2100LSYB lathe features an 8-inch chuck with a 65mm bar capacity, a 18.5kW/6,000rpm main spindle, a 5-inch chuck 7.5kW/6000rpm sub-spindle, a +/- 52.5mm Y-axis, and driven tooling capabilities at 6000rpm. It also includes a 12/24-station turret and an advanced Fanuc 0iT control with a 15-inch touchscreen iHMI.
How will Monard Precision's investment in automation impact their future production capabilities?
The investment in automation, including the Lynx 2100LSYB lathe, bar loader, and parts accumulator, will enable Monard Precision to achieve lights-out, unattended operations, significantly increasing their in-house machining capacity and efficiency. This will help them meet larger batch sizes and reduce lead times, positioning them for future growth and improved customer satisfaction.
What role did Mills CNC play in Monard Precision's investment decision?
Mills CNC, as Monard Precision's preferred machine tool supplier and the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, recommended the investment package comprising the new Lynx 2100LSYB lathe, bar loader, and parts accumulator. They have a history of providing reliable machines and excellent pre- and after-sales service, making them a trusted partner for Monard Precision.
What types of parts is Monard Precision machining for their pharmaceutical and brewing customer?
Monard Precision is machining a range of different sized, high-precision scientific instruments and annular probing system parts made from Stainless Steel 316 tube or solid bar for their pharmaceutical and brewing customer. These parts are machined to tight tolerances and exacting surface finishes.
What is the significance of the acquisition of the used Lynx 220L lathe for Monard Precision?
The acquisition of the used Lynx 220L lathe with a bar loader in February 2026 was crucial for Monard Precision as it provided immediate additional turning capacity. This allowed them to develop and prove out a transferable one-hit machining process, helping them address the backlog of work and meet the demands of their laser machine tool manufacturing customer.
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