PECM Issue 27 2017 | Page 90

Colpa precision wins new customer that Re-Engineers vintage or redundant components General manager Martin Branch says that they were approached by a company that wanted to replace the distributer in 1952 255 GT Ferrari as parts were no longer available and the drawings couldn’t be sourced the only option was to Scan the existing part and redraw and reverse engineer this. We were asked for 20 units although their requirement was for 2 completed units they were confident that they would be able to sell the extra 18 units as this engine requires of two these units. One of the main problems was that the customer wanted the main shaft and outside flange to be made from one solid billet of material whereas the original was made of 5 parts both turned and pressed components With some careful programming on one of our twin spindle Doosan machines and the experience of our engineers, we proved that it was more than able to cope with producing the complex part. The diameters on both ends of the shaft were ground between centers and bearings were fitted. The main body was also to be made from a single billet of material so yet again it was scanned and redrawn before any machining could be done. The Points Cam again had to be scanned and redrawn this had to be perfectly machined as if it was quarter of a degree out of position the engine would not start and this could result in serious damage to the engine. Again some complex programming was involved, yet again our twin spindle machine and experienced engineers coped with this. The parts were then checked by Colpa Precision’s inspection department and were passed off ready for dispatch. Within a couple of hours after the parts had been collected by the customer he came back to let us know that when he assembled the twin distributers to the 1952 255 GT Ferrari and fitted it, the car roared into life first time . For a quote or additional information call us today on 01923 237596 or e-mail [email protected] www.colpa.co.uk Colpa Precision Engineering Ltd, Unit 7 Paramount Industrial Estate, Sandown Road, Watford, WD24 7XG 90 PECM Issue 27