Innovation has been a constant part of our business here at Mini Sport. Since our incorporation, (when our founder, Brian Harper, created an improved throttle linkage for the original models), our Mini specialists have regularly pushed the boundaries of automotive design. Each change we’ve made in the machinery, techniques or materials we use has solely been to improve the effectiveness and durability of the parts we manufacture.
One of the major changes we’ve experienced over the years has been the introduction of CNC (Computer-Numerical Control) equipment, leading to us to establish an additional, specialised service – M.A.D (Motor Sport Advanced Development). Proving popular with rallying enthusiasts and restorers alike, M.A.D are able to create replica, improved or even customised parts to optimise the driving experience of the classic Mini.
Mini Specialists Establish ‘Motor Sport Advanced Development’
In 2003, we established M.A.D to work alongside Mini Sport Ltd to supply CNC-produced precision-engineered components for the Mini. Working closely with our in-house technicians and customers, M.A.D has come to understand the engineering requirements of each of our clients, even helping to shape their ideas to create their ideal Mini parts.
How CNC Machines Work
CNC machines are high-precision tools that are computer-controlled and make repeated, accurate movements. They do so by taking computer-generated codes and converting them through the software to produce electrical signals. These signals are what controls manufacturing machinery and directs their motors to move across materials in small increments that are highly precise and repetitive.
Common terms used in regards to CNC machines are ‘CAM’ (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design). CAD is software that creates, modifies, analyses or optimises a design, whilst CAM translates those designs into the numerical instructions that the CNC machine requires to produce the design in physical form.
As a result of their high qualities, the manufacturing industry of today heavily relies on CNC machines to create products for tasks that once used engineer-operated equipment (such as routers, vertical millers, shaping machines and centre lathes).
Product manufacturers in many industries choose CNC machines for their fabrication and manufacturing qualities; they’re able to provide an efficient and precise production capacity that is ideal for creating large and higher-quality quantities of items that are normally produced with the myriad of equipment mentioned above.
What Are The Advantages of Using CNC Machinery To Create Mini Parts?
- Precision and Endurance. By using a digital template and autonomous machining, CNC can practically eliminate human error, achieving exact accuracy on every single piece it creates. As they’re able to work around-the-clock every day, during the weekend and throughout holiday periods, the only rest that the machines need will be for maintenance or repair.
- High Quality Production, Scalability and Capability. Once the design information and specifications have been entered into a CNC machine it will consistently execute large quantities and even afford flexible scalability. This not only helps to produce several great quality products to the customer’s specifications but also helps to cut down on material wastage too. This vastly drives down manufacturing costs, resulting in a more cost-effective purchase for the customer.In terms of the machine’s capabilities, CNC’s give Mini specialists the ability to create outputs that cannot be replicated by manual machines. Even the most talented engineers cannot produce any size, shape or texture needed with conventional machines, than what advanced software can do with CNC machines.
- Design Retention. When a design has been loaded into the software and the ideal prototype has been created, the program can easily reload the design to run the production repeatedly. This ‘master file’ ensures that regardless of external factors (such as a change in the machine operator), the CNC’s machining process produces an exact match every single time.
- Versatility. CNC machines can create virtually any Mini component you can imagine. This provides a limitless array of versatility for the customer – from replicas of (and often, better functioning than) the originals to customised Mini parts geared towards a certain style or taste.
Thanks to these advantages, M.A.D can offer a complete precision engineering service including prototyping and high volume production, then the deliverance of fully-finished precision-engineered components.
Interested in learning more? Make sure you get in touch with our Mini specialists today!
Choose Mini Sport & M.A.D For Precision Engineered Parts For The Classic Mini.
Having been retailing high-quality Mini parts and accessories since the 1960s, Mini Sport have established a leading reputation on the subject of ‘everything Mini’. Our well-equipped CNC machine shop houses a comprehensive range of precision machining, milling and turning equipment that allows us to meet the exciting ideas of our customers.
So, no matter your requirements, our Mini specialists would be pleased to hear from you. Give them a call today on 01282 778 731 or send an e-mail to sales@minisport.com and they’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.