Freeform Technology’s 5-axis CNC machining facility specialises in high precision composite patterns and moulds. After many years supplying predominantly into motorsport, the company is now beginning to supply into new areas of the composites industry.
Back in 2013, Freeform Technology invested in a DMU 65 monoBLOCK 5-axis CNC machining centre, capable of machining the highest quality tooling block patterns, along with the ability to machine metallic materials. Freeform concentrates on machining the patterns from tooling board, while also having the metallic capability available to cater for the occasional requirement from its customers.
However, in recent years the goalposts have moved. Freeform’s customer base has highlighted a demand for metallic machining, which has therefore influenced the change in this particular machine’s output. This DMU has changed its roots to now become a dedicated metallic machining centre, supplying clients with quality aluminium mould tools, inserts and components.
Following on from this capability expansion, Freeform Technology has increased its capabilities further by investing back into the business, expanding factory space with a new unit, two new machining centres, along with other new equipment and employees. Freeform Technology says that since early 2017, it is now a top supplier of carbon inserts to the motorsport sector. The dedicated carbon machining cell provides a full quality service from billet to delivery.
Bust the dust
As an advanced engineering facility that is always focusing on the future, Freeform Technology also understands its huge responsibility in ensuring it provides a safe and clean working environment for its employees. Throughout 2017, the company worked with Dust Control Systems (DCS) to optimise a completely new extraction system for its main pattern machining facility, along with a brand-new extraction unit for the carbon cell. Schuko provided both extraction systems, which were both installed by DCS. The new systems provide the employees with a cleaner and safer environment, both inside and out of the machining areas.
“We are very happy with the new extraction systems installed by DCS,” states Freeform Technology’s business development manager, Will Gulliver. “They have improved the cleanliness of the workshop and machining areas, providing a safer and more efficient working area for the employees.”
Looking to the future, Freeform Technology says there is a passion for growth and reinvestment, made evident by the recent introduction of the carbon machining cell. Freeform Technology is looking to increase its aluminium machining capacity to enable to machining of components in excess of 1m2.
The decision to increase the requirement for aluminium machining has come from a new internal drive to push the company into different sectors of the composite market, including marine, medical, automotive and aerospace. With new processes coming to light and the increased requirement of UK sourced machining, the introduction of this capability to Freeform’s already impressive armoury, will help it become more competitive and secure larger projects.
Freeform Technology is keen to establish new relationships with clients looking to take advantage of its full turnkey service from design to manufacture and delivery of UK-made aluminium tooling.
