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name: Plantcapability description: MNMUK machine shop capability checker. Answers "can we make this?" queries against the plant list. Recommends optimal machine selection based on part requirements. USE WHEN user asks 'can we make', 'which machine', 'capability check', 'feasibility', 'what can we hold', 'tolerance capability', or describes a part to quote.

PlantCapability - MNMUK Machine Shop

Purpose: Instant feasibility checks and machine selection for quoting and planning.

When to Activate

• "Can we make this part?"
• "Which machine should we use for...?"
• "What's our tolerance capability on...?"
• "Can we turn/mill a part that is..."
• "Do we have capacity for..."
• Part feasibility questions during quoting

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MNMUK Plant List

5-AXIS MACHINING CENTRES

Best for: Complex geometries, multi-face machining, aerospace/medical components, batch production with pallet systems.

4-AXIS MACHINING CENTRES

Best for: Parts requiring indexing, larger prismatic components.

TURNING CENTRES

Best for: Rotational parts, shaft work, parts with milled features (live tooling).

SWISS-TYPE MACHINES

Best for: Small precision parts, medical components, high-volume turned parts, difficult chip-breaking materials.

EDM MACHINES

Best for: Hardened materials, complex internal profiles, sharp internal corners, die/mold work.

FAST RESPONSE CELL

Best for: Prototypes, urgent one-offs, simple parts, proving out before production.

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Capability Decision Logic

Tolerance Selection Guide

Part Type Routing

Turned Parts (rotational):

CopyIF diameter > 200mm → CANNOT MAKE (max Ø270mm on Hardinge)
IF diameter > 150mm AND tolerance < ±0.005mm → HARDINGE only
IF diameter ≤ 50mm AND high volume → CITIZEN Swiss
IF length > 700mm → CANNOT MAKE (max Z700mm on NLX2500 Single)
IF tolerance ≤ ±0.003mm → HARDINGE or CITIZEN
ELSE → DMG MORI NLX2500 (twin for short parts, single for long)

Milled Parts (prismatic):

CopyIF any dimension > 700mm → CANNOT MAKE
IF 5-axis required AND part ≤ 470x350x510mm → NMV3000 (best automation)
IF 5-axis required AND part ≤ 650x650x550mm → DMU50
IF 4-axis sufficient AND part ≤ 700x500x450mm → Vertical VMC
IF simple prototype → Haas Mini Mill

Complex Geometries:

CopyIF hardened material (>50 HRC) → EDM route
IF sharp internal corners required → Wire EDM
IF through-profile cuts → Wire EDM
IF cavity/pocket in hardened steel → Spark EDM

Material Considerations

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Capacity Limits Summary

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Example Queries and Responses

Query: "Can we turn a Ø150mm x 400mm shaft in 316SS to ±0.008mm?" Response: YES - Use DMG MORI NLX2500 Single Spindle

• Diameter OK: Ø150mm < Ø200mm capacity
• Length OK: 400mm < 700mm Z-travel
• Tolerance OK: ±0.008mm achievable (machine capable of ±0.010mm)
• Material: 316SS fine, consider live tooling for any milled features

Query: "Can we make a 5-axis aerospace bracket 500x400x300mm in Ti-6Al-4V?" Response: YES - Use DMG MORI DMU50

• Envelope OK: 500x400x300 fits in 650x650x550mm
• 5-axis capability: Yes
• Material: Titanium requires reduced parameters, rigid fixturing
• Note: NMV3000 too small (470x350x510mm)

Query: "Small precision medical pin Ø3mm x 25mm, ±0.002mm tolerance, 10,000 qty?" Response: MARGINAL - CITIZEN Swiss closest but tolerance challenging

• Size OK: Well within Ø50mm capacity
• Volume: Swiss machines ideal for high volume
• Tolerance: ±0.002mm tighter than ±0.003mm capability
• Recommendation: Discuss with engineering - may need post-process grinding or accept ±0.003mm

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Response Format

When answering capability queries, use this structure:

Copy## Feasibility: [YES / NO / MARGINAL]

**Recommended Machine:** [Machine name]

**Analysis:**
- Envelope: [OK/Issue] - [details]
- Tolerance: [OK/Issue] - [details]
- Material: [OK/Issue] - [details]
- Features: [OK/Issue] - [details]

**Alternatives:** [If applicable]

**Risks/Notes:** [Any concerns or special considerations]

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Quick Reference Card

CopyTURNING:
  Max Ø270mm (Hardinge) | Max Z700mm (NLX2500 Single)
  Best tol: ±0.003mm (Hardinge/Citizen)

MILLING:
  Max 700x500x450mm (4-axis VMC)
  5-axis max: 650x650x750mm (NHX500)
  Best tol: ±0.010mm

SWISS:
  Max Ø50mm | ±0.003mm | High volume

EDM:
  350x350x350mm | ±0.004mm wire | Hardened materials

FAST RESPONSE:
  Prototypes | ±0.050mm | Quick turnaround