Precision and Efficiency: The Key to Avant Manufacturing’s Success
Wisbech-based Avant Manufacturing, founded in 2021 by Dominic Roach, is a sub-contract manufacturing company specialising in laboratory equipment for the scientific and pharmaceutical industries. With a background as a senior production engineer at a large Haas CNC machine tool user, he had the knowledge and experience to establish a successful business.
Mr Roach said: “My local Haas sales manager was instrumental in helping me to start the business. He acted as a consultant and gave some invaluable advice in several areas, including machine size, necessary speeds, and workholding.”
The company specialises in manufacturing high-precision optics and optomechanical systems, such as microscopes, using the CNC machines supplied by Norwich-based Haas Automation Ltd. He continued: “When I started out, some of my customers were amazed we could produce such quality on a small mill. We make a lot of tolerance-critical parts, and we regularly work to 10µm with no problems.”
To achieve this level of precision and efficiency, Mr Roach’s first CNC acquisitions were two Haas Mini Mill vertical machining centres, which he equipped with four-axis rotary tables and wireless probing options. The Mini Mill is a compact, high-performance vertical machining centre designed for small parts. The Mini Mill features a compact footprint, a 406 x 305 x 254mm work envelope and a 10-station tool changer, it is perfect for both prototyping and production work.
“Offering quicker turnround is something we pride ourselves on. We use standardised set-ups and tooling as well as Quick-Point vices. The four-axis rotaries compliment these, reducing set up times and enabling us to do side work.”
A year after its foundation, Avant Manufacturing has continued to grow and expand. The company has recently invested in a Haas VF-2 vertical machining centre featuring an 8,100rev/min spindle, high-speed machining, and high-pressure coolant.
Mr Roach added: “The Haas controls are identical, so it is easy to swap jobs between the two machines. The difference we have found with the VF-2 is, because the machine is larger, the rigidity is better and we can take bigger cuts. The high-speed machining option gives us faster cycle times and makes the surface finish even better.”
The team at Avant Manufacturing, all of whom possess prior experience with Haas machines, have all received specialised training from a Haas applications engineer who tailored the training to meet the specific needs of the team, equipping them with the essential skills to efficiently operate the machines. Additionally, the company adopted the use of Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software, which was seamlessly integrated into their system.
Mr Roach concluded: “Throughout the entire process, Haas has been a constant support for us, providing valuable advice and assistance every step of the way. Our clients are confident we can ensure the highest quality of our laboratory equipment and continue to meet their needs. We feel established now — the orders are coming to us rather than us chasing them.”
