CNC Milling
R E Thompson's key strength is its CNC milling capacity. Equipped with 6 horizontal multi-pallet CNC machining centres and 5 vertical twin pallet CNC machining units we have the capacity for high volume close tolerance production CNC machining working directly from solid models with offline programming.

Horizontal CNC Milling
Equipped with 6 horizontal CNC milling machines we are able to offer high volume production around the clock. Because multiple jobs can be loaded onto each pallet we are able to machine parts at a much faster rate than on a vertical CNC machining centre and by using twin pallets the machine never stops cutting. Horizontal CNC milling is ideally suited to carrying out deep pocket milling and multi-plane CNC machining of small parts (upto 300mm x 300mm) and requires minimal operator supervision. Each machine is equipped with a chip conveyor for collecting high volumes of stock removal and a tool breakage detection system which combined with active SPC means that exacting precision can be guaranteed. Maximum billet size 500mm x 500mm and 700kg.

Vertical CNC Milling
For larger & heavier billets for more intricate machining we have 5 vertical CNC milling centres with multi axis machining capability, each with twin pallets for quick loading. Our largest machine has a working envelope of 1200mm x 500mm and a loading capacity of up to 1000kg. For the Matchmaker 800 we also offer a Jones & Shipman powered rotary table.

Machine Overview
The matrix below offers an overview of our CNC milling capacity (all machines have twin pallets):