A precision engineering firm in Lancashire has made a twin investment in Yamazaki Mazak machine tools as it sets out ambitious plans for growth. Founded in August 2024 by owner and Managing Director James Bolland after more than 15 years working at engineering firms in the North West of England, Radical CNC has quickly developed a reputation as a go-to supplier for general subcontract and motorsport components.
Key to the Barnoldswick-based company’s initial success has been its investment in two machine tools from Yamazaki Mazak: the UK-designed and developed CV5-500 5-axis machining centre, complete with a robot automation system, and a QUICK TURN 200MSY turning centre.
James comments: “I have worked with Mazak machines for the past decade, so when it came to starting my own engineering firm, I knew who I wanted to work with. The CV5-500 stood out as an affordable 5-axis machining centre, and the ability to integrate a robot has given me a lot of flexibility. Rather than spending time loading and unloading the machine, I’m able to quote jobs, order tooling and see customers, all while the machine is running.”
The company plans to add further automation to its QUICK TURN turning centre, which is proving critical in helping James manage both volume jobs and more challenging applications.
James continues: “I’ve been able to run the QUICK TURN lights out, machining steel bushings for one job and then change over to EN24T steel for the next – it gives me the ability to machine parts quickly if I need to but also have the capacity to handle heavier work while meeting tight tolerances. The fact I can program directly on the machine also helps to reduce downtime between jobs. We are looking at adding a robot loading system to the QUICK TURN to increase our flexibility even further.”
With James currently the only full-time employee at Radical CNC, the support he has received from Mazak during the first six months of operation has proved invaluable. He concludes: “Karl Hargreaves and the Mazak service team have been very supportive throughout the entire process. We’ve made a strong start, and I am looking forward to taking on more 5-axis work. My long-term plan is to grow the team here and add both more machines and more automation, and I am confident Mazak is the right machining partner to do that.”
Jason Butler, Sales Director at Yamazaki Mazak UK & Ireland, added: “James is a fantastic example of what one person can achieve on their own. Starting a new engineering company can be a daunting prospect but we were determined to help him get up and running with the right machines as quickly as possible. The combination of a compact CV5-500 5-axis machining centre with robot automation is perfect for achieving high output from a small team. We look forward to working with James over the coming months and years to help Radical CNC meet its ambitious growth plans.”
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
