Tekniplaz Completes Major Investment Programme to Expand Toolmaking Capacity

Nottinghamshire precision injection mould toolmaker Tekniplaz has significantly expanded its manufacturing capacity following a major 12-week investment in new machinery, automation and factory infrastructure.

The factory-wide investment programme has included two new EDM machines, upgrades to four existing machines, new tool-presetting technology, and a complete upgrade of the factory’s compressed-air system. The factory floor has also been restructured to accommodate the new equipment and improve the movement of work through the facility.

Together, the investments increase capacity and efficiency, reduce setup and machining times, extend automated and unattended production, and strengthen Tekniplaz’s ability to manufacture complex, high-precision injection mould tooling.

Tony Marsh, Founder of Tekniplaz, said:

“The scale and pace of this investment programme have been significant. Within 12 weeks, we have added major new machining capacity, upgraded several existing machines and improved the infrastructure supporting production across the entire factory.

“Each investment addresses a particular stage of our manufacturing process. Together, they allow us to prepare work more efficiently, run machines for longer periods and give our experienced team greater flexibility when managing complex tooling projects.

“Recruiting skilled toolmakers and engineers remains difficult, so increasing automation is an important part of our plans. It allows our team to focus their expertise where it adds the greatest value while making more productive use of our machinery throughout the working week and during unattended periods.”

The largest addition is a brand-new Mitsubishi MV2400R wire EDM, which significantly expands Tekniplaz’s wire erosion capacity alongside its existing Mitsubishi MV1200.

The MV2400R uses linear shaft motor technology across its X, Y, U and V axes. It provides greater capacity in workpiece size and depth, increased cutting speeds and a larger wire supply, enabling the machine to operate for longer periods without interruption.

The new MV2400R is equipped with Mitsubishi Electric’s Angle Master ADVANCE II upgraded configuration, enabling Tekniplaz to produce taper cuts at angles of up to 45 degrees. The company has also installed this capability on its existing Mitsubishi MV1200, increasing flexibility across both machines when producing complex tooling features.

Automation has also been increased on Tekniplaz’s existing Sodick AG60L die-sink EDM. The installation of a 32-station automatic tool changer has raised its total electrode capacity from six to 38.

The additional capacity enables the machine to complete longer sequences of operations automatically, supporting extended periods of unattended machining.

A new Sodick K3HN high-speed CNC EDM hole drill provides a dedicated solution for producing start holes and machining hardened and difficult-to-cut materials. The machine supports Tekniplaz’s wider wire erosion and mould tool manufacturing operations while releasing capacity elsewhere in the facility.

Upgrades have also been made to two Hurco VMX42 machining centres, providing greater flexibility for hole-drilling operations and additional capacity to support the requirements of a major customer.

Alongside the principal machining investments, Tekniplaz has introduced a NIKKEN E460A tool presetter. Cutting tools can now be accurately measured and prepared away from the machining centres, reducing the amount of setup work completed while production equipment is idle.

This focus on external tool preparation will help reduce setup times, minimise machine downtime and improve consistency across Tekniplaz’s machining operations.

The wider programme has included the installation of a new SCR30APM variable-speed compressor and replacement compressed-air pipework throughout the factory. These upgrades have doubled the facility’s compressed-air capacity, ensuring its supporting systems can accommodate the demands of the new machinery and future production requirements.

Installing the equipment required a full restructuring of the factory floor. The revised layout has been organised around Tekniplaz’s updated production requirements, helping machinery, tooling and work move more efficiently through the facility.

Tony continued: “Our workload is growing, and the technical requirements of the tools we manufacture continue to increase. This investment gives us the capacity, automation and supporting infrastructure required to meet those demands while maintaining the precision, quality and reliability expected by our customers.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Tekniplaz designs and manufactures precision plastic injection mould tools for customers across a range of industries. Its in-house capabilities also include precision engineering, product development and prototyping, alongside mould tool modification, maintenance, and repair.

The completed programme represents one of the company’s most substantial periods of investment in recent years, bringing together increased machining capacity, greater automation and upgraded factory infrastructure.

For more information about Tekniplaz and its UK injection mould tooling, product development and precision engineering capabilities, visit www.tekniplaz.com or call them on +44 (0) 1623 880400.

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