J P Forrest & Son has just completed the installation of a large 5-axis Horizontal Boring machine from Italian manufacturer Alesamonti. The machine, which has X-axis travel of 4000mm, Y-axis travel of 3000mm and a table size of 3000mm x 2000mm, and 18 tonne capacity, is fitted with Heidenhain iTNC 530 5-axis control.
Due to continued demand for high quality precision-machined heavy fabrications, J P Forrest & Son of Worksop, Nottinghamshire has recently completed the installation of a large 18 tonne capacity 5-axis Horizontal Boring machine from Italian manufacturer Alesamonti. The machine, which has X-axis travel of 4000mm, Y-axis travel of 3000mm and a table size of 3000mm x 2000mm, is fitted with Heidenhain iTNC 530 5-axis control. Managing Director Martin Hodgkinson says: “This machine was selected for its impressive working envelope, excellent build quality and superb accuracy. The machine is the central part of a £1m expansion project which includes the building of an extension to the company’s premises, almost doubling the effective floor area of the existing Machine Shop.” The expansion plan also included the installation of a 20-tonne overhead crane in the Machine Shop.
The company, which is accredited to BS EN ISO 9001:2008, specialises in the manufacture of welded fabrications, machining and assembly to customer specific requirements of equipment such as gear cases, housings and mainframes and already has six horizontal borers working on two shifts, but recent enquiries from several key clients for heavier components has led to the strategic decision to invest in a heavy fabrication and machining capability.
The company currently employs 30 people at its Worksop site, most of whom have been with the company for many years. The company was founded in 1863 as Whitesmiths by Mr H.P. Forrest, and has progressed over the years to Blacksmiths, Ironmongers, Agricultural Engineers and since 1974 predominantly Heavy Engineers, maintaining traditions of quality, craftsmanship, design and innovation throughout and working with new as well as traditional industries, such as mining, steel making, offshore oil & gas, marine, power generation and recycling. A key factor in the company’s considerable success is its continuous investment in modern technology.