At a time when increasingly more Norwegian industrial companies are moving production to low-cost countries, Finnøy Gear & Propeller is choosing to focus on robotisation and automation in order to keep its propulsion systems production in the country and reduce costs.

Finnøy utilises five-axis machining to help it achieve smarter production for increased quality and control of delivery times. It is the first in the country to acquire the fourth generation of DMG MORI DMC 80 FD duoBLOCK, which is a five-axis lathe and milling bench.

The machine is characterised by functionality and high quality to help create sustainable solutions from receiving orders, process planning and 1:1 simulation for machining of finished workpieces and delivery of complete propulsion systems.

"Thanks to the positioning accuracy of the duoBLOCK mill-turn's universal machining center, all work pieces meet the strict quality requirements we have," said Kurt Idar Harnes, programmer at Finnøy Gear & Propeller.

Speedy pallet changer

The duoBLOCK model is equipped with a high-speed pallet changer that contributes to the degree of automation and a universal machining centre. FD-t technology drills provide speeds of up to 800 rpm and 2050 Nm provide higher machining properties.

“The technology gives us the versatility we need for our custom-made solutions. Large workpieces of up to 900 mm in diameter and 1 450 mm in height and a maximum load of 1,400 kg are machined,” Mr Harnes added.

Other recent developments include investment in the Gurutzpe multifunction lathe, and a collaboration with Trond Svartdal at Jærtek, who has assisted the company in providing solutions for equipment utilisation and streamlining of work operations using Edgecam.

The CAM solution makes it possible to develop and test production processes virtually, leading to large time and cost savings even before the first component is manufactured.