Northamptonshire-based Great Central Plastics Ltd (GCP) has enhanced its production capabilities with the acquisition of a MACH MDV 855-S three-axis vertical machining centre (VMC), supplied by MACH Machine Tools Ltd. The investment aims to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and optimize workflow in the company’s toolroom.
Installed in December 2024 at GCP’s 10,500ft² facility in Woodford Halse, the new machine has already delivered tangible benefits, enhancing productivity and streamlining the production of high-precision mould tool components. This marks a significant milestone for GCP, as it is the company’s first CNC-controlled machine tool in its 27-year history.
Strengthening Toolroom Capabilities
The decision to invest in CNC machining followed an internal operational review that identified the need for improved efficiency in the toolroom. According to Kiron Phillips, Business Development Director at GCP, the toolroom is a crucial part of the company’s workflow, ensuring seamless injection moulding production.
“We simply could not allow our toolroom to be the weakest link in our process chain,” Phillips stated.
By integrating advanced CNC technology, GCP has significantly improved the manufacturing speed and accuracy of mould tools, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing overall operational performance.
Technical Advancements and Key Features
The MACH MDV 855-S is a high-precision, production-oriented VMC, equipped with:
- DynaPath CNC control with a 15.6-inch touchscreen
- 1,100 x 500mm worktable for large mould tool components
- 11kW, 12,000 rpm BT40 spindle with through-spindle coolant
- 24-tool automatic tool changer (ATC) for faster cycle times
- 36m/min rapid traverse speeds for increased efficiency
- Remote service and diagnostics via Wi-Fi-enabled troubleshooting
This rigidly designed machine enables GCP to manufacture complex mould tools faster, improving quality and reducing downtime.
Future-Ready Manufacturing
Since installation, the MDV 855-S has been instrumental in machining bolsters, plates, cavity and core inserts, and supporting fixtures for custom-designed mould tools. These tools are then transferred to GCP’s state-of-the-art mould shop, which houses 14 injection moulding machines capable of handling quick tool and material changeovers.
The new CNC investment aligns with GCP’s broader strategy of continuous improvement and technological advancement, ensuring the company remains competitive in the sustainable injection moulding industry.
“This machine is proving to be a great investment,” Phillips concluded. “It has significantly improved our floor-to-floor times and customer lead times, ensuring our injection moulding operations no longer wait for mould tools to be completed.”
With enhanced efficiency and improved production capabilities, GCP is well-positioned to meet growing demand while maintaining its reputation for high-precision, sustainable injection moulding solutions.