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

Best for: Complex geometries, multi-face machining, aerospace/medical components, batch production with pallet systems.

4-AXIS MACHINING CENTRES

Best for: Parts requiring indexing, larger prismatic components.

TURNING CENTRES

Best for: Rotational parts, shaft work, parts with milled features (live tooling).

SWISS-TYPE MACHINES

Best for: Small precision parts, medical components, high-volume turned parts, difficult chip-breaking materials.

EDM MACHINES

Best for: Hardened materials, complex internal profiles, sharp internal corners, die/mold work.

FAST RESPONSE CELL

Best for: Prototypes, urgent one-offs, simple parts, proving out before production.

Capability Decision Logic

Tolerance Selection Guide

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

Capacity Limits Summary

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