HPL Prototypes Installs 10m Kimla 5-Axis CNC Router

HPL Prototypes required a large format CNC solution for specialist prototype work in the automotive sector. The application called for a machine capable of handling long bed machining, high Z axis clearance, 5-axis flexibility and a variety of materials, including epoxy model board and aluminium.

For this type of prototype work, the machine specification was critical. Projects often involve complex geometry, large components and fast turnaround requirements, so the chosen CNC router needed to give the team more control over production while reducing the need to send specialist machining work out to subcontractors.

The requirement was not straightforward. HPL Prototypes needed large scale CNC capability, but the installation site presented significant access challenges. The machine had to be installed into a workshop with restricted access, with listed building constraints making the project more complex. This meant the solution had to work not only from a machining perspective, but also from a delivery, handling and installation perspective.

Following discussions with Daltons, a Kimla 5D 10 metre 5-axis CNC router was specified. The machine offered the combination of bed size, 5-axis capability, high Z axis capacity and value needed for the application. With its 10 metre bed and large working envelope, the Kimla provided the space required for larger components, while also allowing the bed to be used more flexibly for different production setups.

The ability to machine in 5-axis was central to the decision. Prototype and model work often involves complex surfaces, deep forms and detailed geometry that cannot be handled efficiently with 3-axis machining alone. In this case, 5-axis capability allowed the Kimla to support complex geometrical work for automotive prototype and model applications, including interior package models and other development projects.

The material range was also important. The machine was specified primarily for epoxy model board, including lower and higher density boards used in prototype and modelling work, but it also needed the strength and rigidity to machine aluminium where required. This gave HPL Prototypes a more flexible in-house platform for a wider range of work.

For Daltons, one of the standout elements of the project was the scale and complexity of the installation. The machine had to be delivered into a difficult site where access was restricted and surrounding structures placed limits on how the equipment could be moved. The installation required dedicated project management, detailed planning and precise handling, including the use of cranes to lift and position the machine safely into the workshop.

Andy Walsh, Sales Director at Daltons, comments:

“Our team provided a seamless installation of a huge machine with the tightest of access, delivering a solution for the customer who thought it may not be possible. The Kimla 5D was the right fit because it combined the large bed capacity, high Z axis and 5-axis flexibility needed for this type of prototype work, while offering excellent value and availability.”

Once installed, the Kimla 5D provided a significant step forward in large format CNC capability. The 10 metre bed allowed longer components to be machined more easily and opened up the opportunity for pendulum machining, where work can be set up at one end of the machine while machining takes place at the other. This helped increase throughput through the CNC department and gave the team more flexibility in how jobs were planned and processed.

The machine also helped bring more work in-house. By increasing available CNC capacity and expanding what could be machined on site, HPL Prototypes was able to reduce reliance on outsourcing for certain specialist jobs. This is particularly valuable in prototype environments, where lead times, confidentiality, flexibility and fast response can all be important.

Post-installation support formed an important part of the overall solution. A planned preventive maintenance agreement was included to help maximise machine uptime, maintain consistent performance and provide priority access to technical assistance when needed. Given the machine’s scale and critical role within the production process, dependable ongoing support was essential for protecting productivity and giving the team confidence in its day-to-day operation.

Daltons combined the right CNC specification, expert project management and technical support to deliver complex large-format machining capability with confidence.

For more information on the Kimla CNC routers, contact Daltons on 0115 9865201, email info@daltonsmachines.com

Watch our video case study with HPL Prototypes.