The path to setting up a subcontract machine shop couldn’t have been more obscure than the tale of Ben Goodwin. Three years ago Ben was well remunerated for his dangerous skills as a deep sea welder and fabricator, but realising the danger and relatively short life expectancy, Ben quit the day job, bought a machining centre and set up BRG Developments.
With little experience in a machine shop, the odds were stacked against Ben, who at the young age of 25 went out and bought a Hurco 3-axis VM10 machining centre and a suite of low-end CAM software. Taken on a massive learning curve, the small business owner is now making a huge success of his business venture and this is credit to Ben’s vision, drive and also the subsequent help of OPEN MIND CAM software. As Ben explains: “I bought the Hurco and a 3-axis CAM package and even with my limited machining knowledge at that time, I quickly realised the first CAM Package I bought was holding me back. The 3-axis software was slow, laborious and despite my limited experience, I was getting frustrated with the tool paths. I needed to upgrade and hyperMILL® was the only long-term choice for my business.”
As an extremely ambitious business owner, Ben has his sights set upon building major success and OPEN MIND’s hyperMILL® software is a core aspect of this vision. As Ben continues: “Realising the previous CAM software was unsuitable, I did my homework on the vendors, watched YouTube videos and eventually bought a seat of hyperMILL® at MACH 2014. hyperMILL® is the most capable, user friendly and prestigious 5-axis CAM package available; so finding it very competitively priced was another huge bonus.”
The ambition and vision of BRG’s owner is evident in his software selection, opting for the leading 5-axis CAM package when only having a 3-axis machine. Alluding to this, Ben says: “Despite only having a 3-axis VMC, our business has huge ambition and we will be moving to 5-axis machining in the near future. When we get there, we will be prepared with experience on the leading 5-axis CAM package, which will reduce our learning curve. In addition, hyperMILL is a modular package, so we can add what we need as we progress.”
The optimised tool paths and strategies of hyperMILL® has drastically reduced non-cutting times and the software enables the Yorkshire subcontractor to maximise the capabilities of its SGS solid carbide end mills and Chick One-Lok vices to truly drive productivity gains.
As a company we are delighted with hyperMILL® and the support from OPEN MIND has been first class.
Tel: 01869 290003
Mob: 07867971519
Email: adrian.smith@openmind-tech.com
www.openmind-tech.com
