We’re delighted to welcome the newest addition to our machine family, our second turn-mill center from German manufacturer INDEX. Marking another milestone in our journey towards smarter, more efficient production.
One of the key advancements in our newest setup is the integration of a Fanuc 200iD robotic arm and a 3-meter barfeed; enabling continuous, unattended operation — keeping production running around the clock with minimal manual intervention. The robot handles component loading and unloading with exceptional speed and accuracy, supporting leaner workflows and shorter lead times for customers.
The FANUC 200iD is a compact, high-speed six-axis robot designed for handling small parts in tight spaces, offering a perfect match for the G200’s versatility. Its precision and repeatability ensure consistent quality across every batch, allowing our operators to focus on process optimisation rather than manual handling.
The INDEX G200.2 turn-mill center is engineered for complex, multi-axis machining. It combines high torque and dynamic performance with excellent thermal stability, making it ideal for tight-tolerance aerospace and advanced engineering components. The twin-spindle design allows for simultaneous machining on both sides of a part, significantly reducing cycle times while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
This system also provides outstanding rigidity and vibration damping, critical for maintaining dimensional stability during long production runs. With its ergonomic design and intelligent control systems, the G200.2 supports faster setup times and easier changeovers between jobs, further improving efficiency on the shop floor.
Our partnership with INDEX began around five years ago with the installation of our first G200, followed by a compact C100 to increase small-part capacity. These machines have delivered consistent performance and quality, helping us expand our capabilities. The addition of this new, fully automated G200 represents the next step in our smart manufacturing strategy across our operations.
“The addition of the second INDEX G200.2 turn-mill center, especially with the full integration of the FANUC 200iD robot arm, marks a pivotal moment in our long-term growth strategy. This isn’t simply an equipment upgrade, it’s a fundamental investment in the future efficiency of our entire operation. The capacity for continuous, unattended operation, keeping production running around the clock, is what truly unlocks our potential for scaling. It directly addresses the need for shorter lead times and higher output volumes that our customers now demand.
By automating component loading and leveraging the G200.2’s twin-spindle, multi-axis capabilities, we are dramatically improving core processes. Our skilled operators are now freed from manual handling tasks to focus on optimising and monitoring complex process parameters, ensuring both the exceptional quality and high thermal stability needed for tight-tolerance aerospace components. This strategic adoption of intelligent automation strengthens our competitive edge, ensuring we can deliver complex, high-value parts faster, more accurately, and ultimately, far more sustainably.”- Nick Mort, CNC Manager.
By continuing to invest in world-class equipment and intelligent automation, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver complex, high-value components faster, more accurately, and more competitively than ever before — supporting not only our growth but the broader North West aerospace and manufacturing supply chain.
