tools-only PlantCapability - MNMUK Machine Shop
Purpose: Instant feasibility checks and machine selection for quoting and planning.
When to Activate
- "Can we make this part?"
- "Which machine should we use for...?"
- "What's our tolerance capability on...?"
- "Can we turn/mill a part that is..."
- "Do we have capacity for..."
- Part feasibility questions during quoting
MNMUK Plant List
5-AXIS MACHINING CENTRES
| Machine | Envelope (X,Y,Z) | Tolerance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMG MORI NMV3000 | 470 x 350 x 510mm | ±0.010mm | 114 pallet automation |
| DMG MORI DMU50 | 650 x 650 x 550mm | ±0.010mm | 10 pallet automation |
| DMG MORI NHX500 | 650 x 650 x 750mm | ±0.010mm | Twin pallet, 4-axis |
Best for: Complex geometries, multi-face machining, aerospace/medical components, batch production with pallet systems.
4-AXIS MACHINING CENTRES
| Machine | Envelope (X,Y,Z) | Tolerance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical 4-Axis VMC | 700 x 500 x 450mm | ±0.010mm | Rotary table |
Best for: Parts requiring indexing, larger prismatic components.
TURNING CENTRES
| Machine | Max Diameter | Bar Capacity | Z-Travel | Tolerance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMG MORI NLX2500 Twin | Ø200mm | Ø95mm | 250mm | ±0.010mm | Twin spindle, live tooling |
| DMG MORI NLX2500 Single | Ø200mm | Ø80mm | 700mm | ±0.010mm | Single spindle, live tooling, long parts |
| DMG MORI ALX2000 | Ø150mm | Ø50.8mm | 375mm | ±0.005mm | Higher precision |
| HARDINGE Twin | Ø270mm | Ø50.8mm | 350mm | ±0.003mm | Best turning tolerance |
Best for: Rotational parts, shaft work, parts with milled features (live tooling).
SWISS-TYPE MACHINES
| Machine | Max Diameter | Bar Capacity | Z-Travel | Tolerance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITIZEN Sliding Head (Laser) | Ø50mm | Ø38.1mm | 300mm | ±0.003mm | Laser head, twin spindle, live tooling |
| CITIZEN Sliding Head LFV | Ø50mm | Ø38.1mm | 300mm | ±0.003mm | LFV chip breaking, twin spindle |
Best for: Small precision parts, medical components, high-volume turned parts, difficult chip-breaking materials.
EDM MACHINES
| Machine | Envelope (X,Y,Z) | Tolerance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MITSUBISHI Wire EDM | 350 x 350 x 350mm | ±0.004mm | Wire erosion |
| MITSUBISHI Spark EDM | 350 x 350 x 350mm | ±0.050mm | Sinker/spark erosion |
Best for: Hardened materials, complex internal profiles, sharp internal corners, die/mold work.
FAST RESPONSE CELL
| Machine | Envelope/Capacity | Tolerance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haas Mini Mill | 250 x 250 x 250mm | ±0.050mm | Quick setup |
| Haas Tool Room Lathe | Ø180mm x 200mm | ±0.050mm | Prototypes, one-offs |
Best for: Prototypes, urgent one-offs, simple parts, proving out before production.
Capability Decision Logic
Tolerance Selection Guide
| Required Tolerance | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| ±0.003mm or tighter | HARDINGE turning, CITIZEN Swiss, Wire EDM |
| ±0.005mm | DMG MORI ALX2000, Swiss machines |
| ±0.010mm | Standard DMG MORI turning/milling |
| ±0.050mm | Haas fast response cell |
| Looser | Any machine, optimize for cycle time |
Part Type Routing
Turned Parts (rotational):
IF diameter > 200mm → CANNOT MAKE (max Ø270mm on Hardinge)
IF diameter > 150mm AND tolerance < ±0.005mm → HARDINGE only
IF diameter ≤ 50mm AND high volume → CITIZEN Swiss
IF length > 700mm → CANNOT MAKE (max Z700mm on NLX2500 Single)
IF tolerance ≤ ±0.003mm → HARDINGE or CITIZEN
ELSE → DMG MORI NLX2500 (twin for short parts, single for long)
Milled Parts (prismatic):
IF any dimension > 700mm → CANNOT MAKE
IF 5-axis required AND part ≤ 470x350x510mm → NMV3000 (best automation)
IF 5-axis required AND part ≤ 650x650x550mm → DMU50
IF 4-axis sufficient AND part ≤ 700x500x450mm → Vertical VMC
IF simple prototype → Haas Mini Mill
Complex Geometries:
IF hardened material (>50 HRC) → EDM route
IF sharp internal corners required → Wire EDM
IF through-profile cuts → Wire EDM
IF cavity/pocket in hardened steel → Spark EDM
Material Considerations
| Material Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | All machines, optimize speeds |
| Stainless (303/304/316) | Consider CITIZEN LFV for chip breaking |
| Titanium | 5-axis mills, reduce speeds, rigid setups |
| Inconel/Hastelloy | Reduced feeds, consider EDM for features |
| Hardened steel (>50 HRC) | EDM only for machining, or machine before hardening |
| Plastics/Delrin | Swiss machines excellent, watch for heat |
| Brass/Bronze | All machines, free-machining |
Capacity Limits Summary
| Capability | Maximum | Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Largest turned diameter | Ø270mm | HARDINGE |
| Longest turned part | Z700mm | NLX2500 Single |
| Best turning tolerance | ±0.003mm | HARDINGE, CITIZEN |
| Largest milled part | 700 x 500 x 450mm | 4-axis VMC |
| Best milling tolerance | ±0.010mm | All DMG MORI mills |
| Smallest precision parts | Ø50mm max | CITIZEN Swiss |
| Hardened material machining | Via EDM | MITSUBISHI |
Example Queries and Responses
Query: "Can we turn a Ø150mm x 400mm shaft in 316SS to ±0.008mm?" Response: YES - Use DMG MORI NLX2500 Single Spindle
- Diameter OK: Ø150mm < Ø200mm capacity
- Length OK: 400mm < 700mm Z-travel
- Tolerance OK: ±0.008mm achievable (machine capable of ±0.010mm)
- Material: 316SS fine, consider live tooling for any milled features
Query: "Can we make a 5-axis aerospace bracket 500x400x300mm in Ti-6Al-4V?" Response: YES - Use DMG MORI DMU50
- Envelope OK: 500x400x300 fits in 650x650x550mm
- 5-axis capability: Yes
- Material: Titanium requires reduced parameters, rigid fixturing
- Note: NMV3000 too small (470x350x510mm)
Query: "Small precision medical pin Ø3mm x 25mm, ±0.002mm tolerance, 10,000 qty?" Response: MARGINAL - CITIZEN Swiss closest but tolerance challenging
- Size OK: Well within Ø50mm capacity
- Volume: Swiss machines ideal for high volume
- Tolerance: ±0.002mm tighter than ±0.003mm capability
- Recommendation: Discuss with engineering - may need post-process grinding or accept ±0.003mm
Response Format
When answering capability queries, use this structure:
## Feasibility: [YES / NO / MARGINAL]
**Recommended Machine:** [Machine name]
**Analysis:**
- Envelope: [OK/Issue] - [details]
- Tolerance: [OK/Issue] - [details]
- Material: [OK/Issue] - [details]
- Features: [OK/Issue] - [details]
**Alternatives:** [If applicable]
**Risks/Notes:** [Any concerns or special considerations]
Quick Reference Card
TURNING:
Max Ø270mm (Hardinge) | Max Z700mm (NLX2500 Single)
Best tol: ±0.003mm (Hardinge/Citizen)
MILLING:
Max 700x500x450mm (4-axis VMC)
5-axis max: 650x650x750mm (NHX500)
Best tol: ±0.010mm
SWISS:
Max Ø50mm | ±0.003mm | High volume
EDM:
350x350x350mm | ±0.004mm wire | Hardened materials
FAST RESPONSE:
Prototypes | ±0.050mm | Quick turnaround