Thetford-based RKE Engineering and its sister company ROTOSHIM are benefitting from the arrival of a new ProTURN RLX 1630 lathe, supplied by XYZ Machine Tools. The machine joins four other XYZ models on site, including an RMX 2-OP portable machining centre. Technical Partner and Founder Craig Harvey is a career-long fan of XYZ’s ProtoTRAK®-controlled machines thanks to their ease-of-use and reliability. A core activity of the machines at RKE Engineering is the production of parts for pre-war vintage cars, including iconic classics such as Ford Model A and Model B automobiles.
RKE Engineering was established in 2018 as a precision subcontract machine shop, taking on a wide variety of projects. As a machinist at his previous company, Craig Harvey became very familiar with XYZ machines and their ProtoTRAK® controls. This experience led him to choose XYZ as the preferred machine for RKE.
“From the outset we were always going to invest in XYZ machines,” he says. “The machines work well and are so easy to use. We have five XYZ models now, all bought from new with the exception of a pre-owned Edge 2000 turret mill. Even though that machine is nearly 25 years old, it gives me virtually no problems whatsoever, which speaks volumes.”
The core business at the six-employee company is largely R&D work, alongside maintenance and repair jobs. Production machining is typically the territory of ROTOSHIM, which produces vintage car parts, including shock adsorbers, oil pumps, water pumps, pulleys, and flywheels.
“We invested in the new ProTURN RLX 1630 because we needed another lathe to undertake our shock absorber work,” explains Craig. “We originally started making dampers for vintage cars to fill dead time in the workshop, but it soon turned into a beast of its own. We supply parts to customers around the world now. I knew the RLX 1630 would fit the bill perfectly, offering plenty enough performance to undertake both our production and R&D turning work.”
The XYZ ProTURN RLX 1630 offers 400mm swing over bed, 760mm between centres, a 54mm bore and a 2,500 rpm spindle benefiting from constant surface speed capability. Complementing the machine is the ProtoTRAK® RLX control, with users able to enjoy rapid production of programs thanks to its conversational programming software on the 15.6-inch touchscreen. The machine is helping RKE Engineering and ROTOSHIM increase capacity, efficiency, and output due to its ability to operate either manually or under full CNC control.
“I love the ease-of-use that ProtoTRAK® controls provide,” says Craig. “New operators get up to speed very quickly. I can also step in if required. It doesn’t happen often but with ProtoTRAK® it’s like riding a bike – you never forget. I’m not sure I could say the same if we used any other type of control.”
Business at RKE Engineering and ROTOSHIM is currently strong, with vintage car work performing particularly well. The company manufactures parts that are no longer commercially available for classic vehicles, including three variants of the Ford Model A: 1927-31; 1932; and 1933-34.
For example, the design of the ROTOSHIM lever-arm shock absorber uses the essential elements of telescopic dampers: steel shim stacks control fluid flow, while pressurised oil prevents cavitation. These elements combine to allow damper tuning and provide the optimal ride based on vehicle weight and spring stiffness. The company supplies the dampers pre-set without any need of adjustment – just bolt on and drive.
“One of our operators machines the aluminium damper body from a drop forging on the XYZ 2-OP,” explains Craig. “We complete these high-precision components, four at a time, in two operations using just eight tools. During machining, our operator can walk away and get on with something else. This approach makes it a very cost-effective part for us.”
A full in-house design and consultancy service allows all vintage car components to be overhauled to improve characteristics such as strength and performance. This combination of traditional engineering excellence with modern, forward-thinking solutions is a real market differentiator. Importantly, all ROTOSHIM products undergo a stringent QA process, including testing to failure under extreme conditions.
“Our passion lies in enhancing the driving experience by pushing the boundaries of classic car part technology to meet modern standards for vintage car enthusiasts.”
A recent case-in-point involved a racing shock absorber for an Austin 7. With the help of its new shocks, the Austin 7 was able to ride the apex of bends much better and break the lap record in its class by 12 seconds. The car went on to win several first places in a series of significant races.
“Due to achievements like this I can honestly say we never lose a customer,” concludes Craig. “The XYZ machines are a big part of that success. Having these machines in-house means we can offer a wider range of services and attract the best staff, which in turn promotes growth.”
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