Der Spindeldoctor, a german spindle maintenance and repair service, has worked alongside Newbury-based Progressive Technology Ltd on several occasions. Their Improvements Engineer, Ashley Mizen, is extremely satisfied with our service and took some time to talk to us about his experience.
Progressive Technology was established in 1977 and has grown from a small toolmaker into an important supplier for Formula 1 teams. The company now supplies the majority of the teams on the grid. Running from their highly recommended machining and composite centre in Hambridge Lane, Newbury, Berkshire. With their recent aquisition of 3D printing specialists Innovate 2 Make (i2M), shows the companies commitment to growth and dedication to remain at the forefront of advancing manufacturing technologies.
Now with the ability to combine metal additive manufacturing with their established multi-axis machining division in one facility, the company can create highly engineered lightweight parts. This allows the manufacture of complex parts which previously were impossible or not economically viable to make using traditional techniques.
Progressive Technology operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, utilising CNC machining centres and 5-axis CNC machines from Mikron – HPM 600U, HPM 450U and DMG / Mori – 40, 50, 60 and 70 Evolution, alongside other manufacturers machines. A key priority is to ensure the machines are running continuously and to prevent collisions or other breakdowns leading to unscheduled downtime. Der Spindeldoctor plays a great part in managing this concern and was first recommended to them by Phase 3 CNC, who represent Der Spindeldoctor in the UK.
The relationship with Der Spindeldoctor has worked well from the beginning. In the majority of cases, our service was required because of sudden spindle failures. However, Mr. Mizen adds that „We did have a spindle replaced due to clamp force issues“. He believes that Der Spindeldoctor service is “nothing short of excellent” and extremely swift.
Besides the promptness of Der Spindeldoctor‘s service, Progressive Technology also praises the low prices and the long warranty of the service. Mr. Mizen sums up that “The quality is very good“ and affirms Der Spindeldoctor and Phase 3 CNC as “good reliable companies for the installation of spindles”.
In the past, Progressive Technology has not only used Der Spindeldoctor‘s repair service, but also utilised some spindle optimisation. This includes fitting a Spindeldoctor rotary coupling on a 60 Monoblock, 18000 RPM, Kessler spindle. Installation was completed with the additional protection offered by a Power Filter. This experience can be summarised with one word: “Excellent”. Progressive Technology emphasized that they have recommended Der Spindeldoctor to other machine shops and will continue to recommend us in the future.
The latest Spideldoctor catalogue can be downloaded by clicking the image above.
www.progressive-technology.co.uk
www.spindeldoctor.com
www.phase3cnc.co.uk
