Metalform elevates rail part fabrication with LAGUN BM 3 CNC machine

Metalform, a leading Australian manufacturer, sought to expand its CNC machining capabilities to handle large, complex rail components. Existing equipment was insufficient for multifaceted, angled, and oversized parts, causing workflow bottlenecks.

With Headland Technology’s expertise and the recommendation of the LAGUN BM 3 CNC machine, Metalform streamlined production, improved precision, and achieved higher efficiency across its operations.

About Metalform

Industry: CNC Machining and Fabrication
Location: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Experience: 15+ years

Metalform is an established manufacturing company specialising in precision CNC machining and fabrication for industries including rail, mining, building, and power generation. The company prioritises high-quality production standards, material traceability, and on-time delivery. Its advanced manufacturing systems allow real-time tracking of components throughout the production process, ensuring consistent output and client satisfaction. More about Metalform

Challenge

Metalform’s primary goal was to expand CNC capabilities for larger, intricate rail components. Existing machines were limited in work envelope, unable to efficiently handle angled, multifaceted, and oversized parts.

Key challenges included:

• Reducing time-consuming setups and manual interventions.
• Maintaining precision for parts where even minor deviations could impact performance.
• Ensuring production efficiency without compromising quality or safety.

To remain competitive, Metalform needed a highly rigid, accurate, and versatile CNC machine capable of performing complex machining in a single setup.

Machinery requirements

Metalform required a machine that could:

• Handle large and heavy components
• Perform multifaceted and angled machining in a single setup.
• Achieve tight tolerances
• Reduce workflow bottlenecks and simplify programming.

The ideal solution would support rail industry standards, enhance productivity, and maintain operator safety with a clean, enclosed work area.

Headland’s solution

Headland Technology recommended the LAGUN BM 3 CNC machine, a high-performance horizontal boring and milling centre. Key features include:

• Enhanced rigidity and accuracy, ensuring tighter tolerances.
• Capability for single-setup multifaceted machining, reducing cycle times.
• Large working envelope suitable for oversized rail components.
• User-friendly programming interface and enclosed work area to enhance safety and focus.

This configuration allowed Metalform to create complex parts efficiently, improving precision and repeatability while streamlining production.

Implementation

Headland guided Metalform through the entire project, including:

• Machine selection and customisation to meet specific rail fabrication requirements.
• Project management and planning, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.
• On-site training and support, enabling operators to maximise machine capabilities.

The implementation process ensured minimal downtime, efficient adoption of new procedures, and fast ramp-up to full production capacity.

Outcomes

Since installing the LAGUN BM 3, Metalform has achieved:

• Reduced production time through single-setup machining.
• Improved precision and part quality, meeting tighter tolerances.
• Simplified programming and a safer work environment increasing operator productivity.

“The LAGUN BM 3 has significantly improved our production process. Its precision and rigidity allow us to deliver complex parts efficiently and consistently. Headland’s expertise made the implementation seamless,” said Susie Li, Production Assistant, Metalform.

Advice for others:
For manufacturers tackling large or complex machining tasks, investing in the right CNC technology with expert support is crucial for efficiency and quality.

Ready to tackle larger, more complex machining projects?

Contact our CNC experts to explore the right CNC solutions for your operation. Our team will help you select, implement, and optimise machinery to maximise productivity and precision.