A Machine Shop on Wheels
Page 25
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T. give on-the-spot demonstrations of its machine tools, A. C. Wickman, Ltd., Coventry, has recently put into service a mobile unit embodying a number of interesting features. The fact that three heavy machine tools are carried in permanently installed positions for demonstration purposes, is sufficient Ind:cation of the ambitious nature of the project.
The complete outfit is the result of the combined efforts of Wickman engineers, Fodens, Ltd., the maker of the chassis, and J. H. Jennings and Sons. Ltd., Sandbach, the bodybuilder.
The chassis used is a Porten FO 6/12, Mich is powered by a Gardiner 6LW oil engine, and has a five-speed gearbox and double-drive rear bogie. Driven from the power lake-off of the gearbox by four g-in. V-belts is a 30 kva. alternator mounted on a steel base behind the driver's cab.
To eliminate vibration when the engine and generator are running, special precautions had to be taken, otherwise the fine limits of finish of which the machine tools are capable; might have been seriously affected.
As the vehicle is being used overseas and materials required in demonstrations might be difficult to obtain, the outfit has so far as possible been made self-contained. Provision has been made to accommodate 11 tons of bar material, over 150 gallons of coolant oil, as well as all necessary spare parts and tools, and the demonstrators' personal kit..
It is expected that, thus equipped, the
unit will be able to operate away from base for at least two months at a time. The machine tools carried are a Wickman 11-in. multi-spindle bar automatic, a 7/16-in. sliding-head automatic, and an optical profile-grinding machine.
It is the intention to demonstrate each machine on normal production work, such as it would perform if installed in a factory in the normal way. Also carried on the vehicle is a display of 'Wimet tungsten-carbide tools, including reamers, drills, press-work dies, and form tools.
Mudguard Protection
The whole of the framework of the body is in hardwood, the exterior panelling being in heavy-gauge light alloy sheets, with all joints heavily moulded, " The mudguards are beaten out of aluminium, and as a protection for the undersides, steel stone guards are fitted.
Included in the interior equipment arc a desk, large show case, leaflet racks and fluorescent lighting. Current for lighting is supplied from the main generator, but when this is not running, 24-volt tubular lamps can be brought into tise.
When demonstrating, the lower sides of the side panels and end panel are let down, being supported horizontally by substantial duralumin outriggers. Access to the interior is gained by steps which are arranged at the fore end of the off-side platform.
. The exterior finish is in cream cellulose, Virth lettering in stainless steel on the front, rear and sides. Interior finish is in blue and white, with inlaid floor covering to match
Shipped at Dover on May 2, the unit will visit Italy, Switzerland, France; Scandinavia and Spain during its tour 537