Permali invests in 3D CNC router, waterjet cutter for composites machining

As part of the company’s long-term business growth strategy, Permali (Gloucester, U.K.) has added a new CMS tecnocut idroline S2040 five-axis waterjet cutter and CMS MX5 gantry five-axis CNC machining center to its manufacturing facilities in Gloucester. This capital investment has expanded Permali’s production capacity and upgraded its in-house 3D machining capabilities to machine large, more complex components from composites, metals, ceramics and other high-performance engineering materials.

The CMS waterjet cutter has a 4,650 x 2,050 millimeter bed size, designed to ensure high cutting accuracy. To increase operator safety and reduce over-spill, this latest model has automatic sliding glass barriers. The five-axis cutting head features CMS jet drive compensation (JDC) technology which reportedly minimizes conicity, providing high-quality finish and size tolerance 3D machining capabilities. The proprietary JDC cutting head features include: infinite rotation for nesting cuts without breakpoints; cutting from 0° to 62°; automatic taper compensation up to 60° tilt angle; 3D machining; profile countersinking and chamfering; and monitoring of cutting component wear.

Alternately, the CMS MX5 gantry five-axis machining center has a large 4000 x 3,200 x 700 millimeter work envelope, designed with a highly stable monobloc unit structure and fitted with CMS’ latest generation motors, drive systems and moving part technology. The MX5 provides Permali with productivity performance, precision and reliability, even when machining challenging engineering materials.

According to the company, the five-axis waterjet cutter and CNC machining center additions enable it to target new business in both defense and civil markets.

“Our three-axis and new five-axis water jet cutters and CNC milling and routing machines are now being used to develop new applications, particularly for more complex composite parts,” says Fraser Rankin, director of sales and marketing, Permali. “[Furthermore] applications are surpassing established air, sea and land defense customers, and are increasingly for non-military market sectors, such as medical, motorsport, civil aerospace, rail and automotive.”   

Fraser gives the example of Permali’s recent development of complex-shaped, vacuum-infused FRP moldings for use on London Underground rolling stock train. EN45545 fire safety standard-compliant, the parts in question are said to take full advantage of the enhanced vertical integration capabilities that Permali used in-house on this project. These included 3D scanning, reverse engineering, CAD/CAM manufacturing, vacuum infusion, five-axis machining and painting.

Permali designs, manufactures and supplies a range of bespoke FRP composite panels, components, and systems, based on a wide variety of resins, fibers, cores, and adhesives. The Permali product range also includes standard and bespoke Tuftane aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastic films.