Oil Tool Grinder Unveiled At MACH 2006

Yorkshire Machine Tools (YMT) has unveiled its prototype Yorky oil tool grinder at MACH 2006. The innovative machine, which weighs 11,500kg, is specifically designed for the frequently harsh and demanding tasks of grinding oil tools and has been developed by YMT after years of supplying the industry with adapted conventional machine tools. The Yorky has received official praise in the shape of a government based Smart award for its design and manufacture. The new machine delivers high productivity, maximising machine utilisation and lowering workshop space requirements. It clearly reduces overheads by providing a single machine for a task that has traditionally involved the use of several, demonstrating the company's philosophy of providing customers with practical, cost-effective solutions. Designed to be used either manually or electronically, the Yorky is powered by the latest in machine tool control and drive technology. It can provide electronic shape control, automating the process for Melon profile stabilisers or tapered ends and cambered profiles. The simple user-friendly interface provides a high degree of automation using minimal data entry allowing any level of operative to use the machine quickly and easily. The machine capacity will accommodate drill pipe up to 40ft long and stabilisers up to 10ft in length and 42in in diameter' The worktable has a hollow spindle workhead and tailstock with the top section of the latter interchangeable with 3-point steady allowing longer components to be fed through the machine. Paul Procter, YMT managing director, said: 'After so long working in the industry we have used our extensive knowledge to provide a simple and easy to use machine that meets all manufacturing requirements for the latest generation of oil tools. Heavy duty, quality, grinding machines are becoming increasingly scarce and we have produced the Yorky to plug that gap.' He said: 'We are thrilled to have produced the machine, which I am also proud to say is wholly designed and manufactured in the UK, after many years of planning and are delighted to be showing the prototype at MACH 2006.'