Big Pimpin’
McConaghy Boats has recently completed the installation of a new significant investment into CNC equipment at its China facility.
The new investment includes three German made Kuka 6-axis robotic CNC machines, a large scale 17mtr CNC fiber cutter and digitiser, industry leading 3D software, large flat panel 30 tonne press and state of the art non destructive testing (NDT) equipment. The new equipment compliments the existing CNC machinery and autoclaves already in operation within the company.
Two of the new 6-axis CNC machines have a working area of 5m x 5m with the third having a cutting envelope of 2.7m wide x 3.7m high and a length of 21m, with the ability for future expansion beyond 45m. This new equipment provides the ability to machine complex moulds, tools and parts in a range of materials including graphite, aluminium, carbon and glass composites as well as foams to a surface tolerance of 0.2mm.
The CNC Fibre Cutter will be used for computer controlled accurate cutting of all carbon and glass fiber fabrics and prepregs with the ability to cut foam cores and thin composite panels. The 1.6m wide x 15.8m long bed enables full length cutting of laminate used in our MC38 mast building, kits for MACH 2 moth production, and cutting fiber for custom projects. Photographic digitisers used in conjunction with the fiber cutter allow for all templates created on the shop floor to be recorded and reproduced by the fiber cutter with extreme accuracy and repeatability. Computerised nesting of shapes dramatically reduces wastage while repeatable kitting and labelling assists with quality control.
A new hydraulically operated press will allow production of composite panels up to 8m x 3m. Panels can be pre-finished with gelcoats, veneers or other surface treatments. Working in conjunction with our 3 axis CNC flatbed routers these panels will be cut to designed shape and used for structural bulkheads or high quality light weight interior fitout.
