Tigfusion Ltd., a leading manufacturer of high precision vacuum chambers, is the first company in the UK to order a next generation CV5-700 5-axis machining centre from Yamazaki Mazak.
Hastings-based Tigfusion, which began trading in 2013, has invested considerably in its manufacturing capabilities over the last five years, having tripled the size of both its manufacturing facility and its headcount.
Now, Tigfusion is keen to build on this momentum, with the introduction of Mazak’s new CV5-700 machine to its workshop floor, through which it aims to expand throughput substantially.
“Having invested in a 5-axis machine from another supplier four years or so ago, we’ve already greatly expanded our capabilities,” explains Jack Walsom, Tigfusion’s Managing Director. “Our focus has been not only on increasing our output by orders of magnitude, but also on optimising the quality of our products and delivery time; two major focuses for the company.”
Produced at Mazak’s European manufacturing facility in Worcester, the CV5-700 is part of the next generation of Mazak’s highly popular CV5 series of UK-made 5-axis machining centres, which also includes a revamped CV5-500. The CV5-700 is capable of handling large workpieces up to ∅700 mm by 450 mm (H) and 400 kg in weight. As well as a new aesthetic from renowned industrial designer Ken Okuyama, the new model benefits from an optimised machine structure to enhance its static and dynamic rigidity, resulting in greater performance, accuracy and thermal stability.
“The old machine had an extremely large bed, which effectively meant you could be machining an item that’s only the size of a cup lid on a bed that’s two and a half metres wide. This essentially restricted you from boring certain chambers that could be very important for us as a business,” continues Mr. Walsom. “By purchasing the new CV5-700 from Mazak, our goal was to push capacity ever further while continuing to focus on premium quality. The fact that simultaneous 5-axis machining comes as standard on this model was a big pull factor and it opens the door to producing other parts and finishes that we couldn’t do before. It will also enable us to offer a more standardised product range for our customers, most of whom are UHV system builders.”
Jason Butler, UK Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “It is fantastic to see the success that Tigfusion has enjoyed over the past decade. We are delighted that they have decided to invest in the next generation of 5-axis machining with the CV5-700. This investment marks the first UK purchase of this cutting-edge model, and we are proud to be playing a part in the continued growth of a great British manufacturer. We look forward to working with Jack and the wider Tigfusion team for many more years to come.”
The CV5-700 at Tigfusion’s facility in Hastings is the first to be purchased in the UK
Tigfusion’s Managing Director, Jack Walsom, tests out the new CV5-700
(L-R) Jack Walsom, Managing Director of Tigfusion and the company’s founder, Rick Walsom
