A Worcester-made machine tool is helping to boost productivity for a growing UK manufacturer.
The CV5-700, a 5-axis machining centre built by Yamazaki Mazak in Worcester, has been purchased by Hastings-based Tigfusion Ltd to support its ongoing expansion.
Tigfusion, which specialises in high-precision vacuum chambers, is the first company in the UK to order the new CV5-700 model, part of Mazak’s next-generation CV5 series.
Jack Walsom, managing director of Tigfusion, said: “Having invested in a 5-axis machine from another supplier four years or so ago, we’ve already greatly expanded our capabilities.
“Our focus has been not only on increasing our output by orders of magnitude, but also on optimising the quality of our products and delivery time; two major focuses for the company.
“By purchasing the new CV5-700 from Mazak, our goal was to push capacity ever further while continuing to focus on premium quality.
“The fact that simultaneous 5-axis machining comes as standard on this model was a big pull factor, and it opens the door to producing other parts and finishes that we couldn’t do before.”
Jack Walsom (Managing Director, Tigfusion Ltd) with the Mazak CV5-700 5-axis machining centre (Image: Andy Butler)
Tigfusion has invested heavily in expanding its operations over the past five years, tripling both its workforce and manufacturing space.
The company hopes the addition of the CV5-700 will significantly increase production capacity and further improve product quality.
Mr Walsom said: “It will also enable us to offer a more standardised product range for our customers, most of whom are UHV system builders.”
The CV5-700 can handle large components up to 700 mm in diameter, 450 mm in height, and weighing up to 400 kg.
Featuring a new aesthetic from renowned industrial designer Ken Okuyama, the machine benefits from an optimised structure to enhance its static and dynamic rigidity, resulting in greater performance, accuracy and thermal stability.
Jason Butler, UK sales director at Yamazaki Mazak, welcomed the investment.
He said: “It is fantastic to see the success that Tigfusion has enjoyed over the past decade.
“We are delighted that they have decided to invest in the next generation of 5-axis machining with the CV5-700.
“This investment marks the first UK purchase of this cutting-edge model, and we are proud to be playing a part in the continued growth of a great British manufacturer.
“We look forward to working with Jack and the wider Tigfusion team for many more years to come.”
