Denford Ltd celebrates 80 years in business.
In an exciting landmark, 2024 sees Denford celebrating eight decades in business. A family-owned organisation based in Brighouse, Denford was officially incorporated in March 1944 by engineer Horace Denford. Having relocated to Yorkshire from London to escape the Blitz bombing campaign of World War 2, Horace established Denford Engineering at Box Tree Mills in Halifax, before moving to Birds Royd in Brighouse the following decade. We moved to our current premises, an 18,500 sq. ft facility on Armytage Road Industrial Estate, in 2010. Founder, Horace Denford During our eight decades in business, Denford has gained a renowned reputation as a specialist provider of educational machine tools – famous for the Viceroy lathes which were a staple in many Design & Technology classrooms, our pioneering introduction of Computer Numerical Controlled machines to education, and the founding of the international F1 in Schools STEM competition, for which we are the official equipment supplier. Now supplying to over 80 countries across globe, our reach expands far beyond our Yorkshire roots, with Denford machines present in some of the most prestigious organisations in the world, including Columbia University, UCL, YAS Marina Circuit, and Herriott Watt University. The Denford and F1 in Schools teams outside their office on Armytage Industrial Estate, Brighouse To celebrate our eightieth anniversary, Denford is set to launch a new website in the summer of 2024. Marking the start of an exciting era in our business and brand, the development will see the integration of e-commerce to enable customers to buy a range of Denford’s most popular products online, alongside the introduction of several other new features. Commenting, Andrew Denford, Chief Executive of Denford, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to have been in business for eight decades, and something we’re incredibly proud of. As one of the last remaining manufacturers of CNC machines in the UK, we are committed to ensuring the next generation of engineers is provided with the equipment and knowledge to flourish in industry, and we look forward to seeing what the next 80 years bring, both for Denford, and the students we support.”
Engineering T-Levels: Powered by Denford
Designed with teaching and learning at their core, Denford’s high quality, intuitive machines are ideal for colleges providing Engineering-based T-Levels. The perfect tools to provide students with an in-depth understanding of CNC manufacturing, turning, and milling, these machines ensure pupils are equipped with the experience they need to progress into industry. With prices starting at just £6,235, and products tailored to Entry, Advanced and Professional skill levels, there will be the right option for your classroom. Download Brochure Entry: Denford Duo The perfect products to teach the principles of programming and manufacturing, the Denford Duo is a combined entry-level CNC Milling & Turning package. Providing students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the operation of machinery, the product is provided with a totally enclosed locking guard for the ultimate in student safety, alongside easy-to-use CAD/CAM software. Denford Duo: Explore here Advanced: Turn 270 Pro Containing all the features of the entry-level Microturn Pro, the Turn 270 Pro also has a powerful 1.5KW motor, spindle bore of 25mm, 8 station programmable turret, spindle encoder, thread cutting capability, and a maximum component length of 270mm. Turn 270 Pro: Explore here Advanced: VMC 1300 The advanced option for students, the VMC 1300 contains all the features of the entry-level Micromill Pro, with a 1.1KW spindle motor which makes it capable of cutting steel, and a larger work area to allow bigger components to be produced. VMC 1300: Explore here Professional: Turn 370 Pro Ideal for colleges delivering courses which will see students manufacture larger components. the Turn 370 Pro contains all the features of the Turn 270 Pro, with improved capacity. Turn 370 Pro: Explore here Professional: VMC 1300 Pro Suitable for heavy duty manufacturing, this CNC milling machine has all the features of the VMC 1300, with extra power. With a 1.6KW servomotor and a variable spindle speed up to 6000RPM, this machine is ideal for cutting alloys and materials where higher spindle power and speed is required. VMC 1300 Pro: Explore here
5 reasons to try the Wazer waterjet cutter
The world’s first desktop waterjet cutter, the Wazer is compact, affordable, and capable of cutting almost any material. Bringing advanced engineering technology to the classroom, the machine is exclusively available to education from Denford. Here, Steve Oddy, Managing Director of Denford, talks through just 5 of the fantastic benefits the Wazer brings to schools, colleges, universities: Cut (almost) any material: There’s no other machine that cuts as wide a variety of materials as a waterjet cutter, so the Wazer brings an incredible amount of manufacturing freedom to schools. Capable of cutting everything from stone, glass, plastic, metal, carbon fibre, and composites, as well as softer materials such as rubber and foam, the machine expands the range of materials that a typical laser or router can accommodate.In terms of technical specifications, the Wazer can cut stainless steel to 4.5mm, mild steel to 6mm, carbon fibre to 6mm, porcelain to 9mm, aluminium to 12mm, and glass to 19mm. The flexibility this provides means that teachers and students are almost entirely unrestricted when it comes to project work. Bring industry-capability to the classroom: The Wazer is truly a revolution. Until now, waterjet cutting machines were reserved exclusively for large-scale manufacturers due to their power and size. The Wazer has brought this industrial capability to the classroom, meeting schools’ requirements from both a space and budgetary perspective: it fits with ease inside classrooms, and prices start from just £7,999. Teach students key skills: Equipping pupils with the real-world knowledge and skills they need to progress in the modern workplace, the Wazer is invaluable in setting students on the path to successful careers in everything from product design to mechanical engineering.Pupils are able to use their existing CAD (computer aided design) software to create DXF files (a type of vector), while the Wazer’s own CAM (computer aided machining) software, WAM, makes creating cut paths simple - the CNC (computer numerical controlled) program is simply transferred by SD card to be cut by the Wazer. Ease-of-use: User friendly by design, the Wazer is a machine that students and teachers alike love to use. A step-by-step process guide teaches everything from how to install through to how to cut, and each element has been developed for speed and ease - while its fast-clean nature means that there is minimal set-up and shut-down time required, so class after class can be up and running within minutes. Get creative: Our young people have truly astounding ideas, and so much of what they can conceive is hampered by the tools they have access to. The Wazer unleashes the potential of our future innovators by providing them with the ability to make the most creative of concepts a physical reality. Key Benefits Cuts both hard and soft materials Compact in size, fits in any classroom Teaches students real-world engineering skills Easy-to-use software and interface Simple workpiece clamping Easy-to-set datum and relocate cut file [embed]https://youtu.be/D5ziiX_235Q[/embed]
Leading automotive supplier Transcal chooses VLS laser
Leading interior trim supplier Transcal designs, engineers and manufactures seating structures and interior trimmed components for some of the world’s largest transportation organisations. From Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce and Gordon Murray Automotive through to Alstom, Great Western Rail, and Singapore Airlines, Transcal solutions can be found across road, rail, and aviation. The company recently purchased a VLS laser from Denford for use in their custom creations. We spoke with Commercial Director Dawn Hornby to learn more about the ways in which Transcal is using the laser, and the benefits it has brought to their production line. Why did you decide to purchase a VLS laser? “We had an older laser on-site, but it lacked the power to create a consistent, high-quality finish, so we knew we needed to invest in a newer model – the only question was which one. We did a large amount of research to determine which would be most suitable, and the VLS laser was recommended to us by a university, so we reached out to Denford to discuss our requirements further – and the team there was exceptionally helpful in determining exactly what we needed.” Could you tell us about the quotation and installation process of the equipment? “To ensure the machine would be able to deliver the results we needed, we provided a CAD pattern to Denford and they created and returned a physical sample within days. We were delighted with the finish, and they actually helped us to meet a production order by delivering a full batch for use in a project! They really went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with the machine and its capabilities, and when we were able to go ahead with the order, the installation was equally smooth. The laser was plugged in and ready to go within an hour and, thanks to its user-friendly software and interface, the Transcal team have had no issues in using it - it’s actually been in near-constant use since we purchased it.” What benefits has the VLS laser brought to Transcal? “The VLS laser provides Transcal with an exclusive in-house laser technique that we haven’t been able to find anywhere else – this means that, in addition to embroidery and debossing, we’re now able to provide our customers with another option for their fabric and material detailing. We’re able to create truly intricate patterns that elevate our seating covers and deliver a bespoke aesthetic and, as it can be used on a variety of fabric sizes, we’re using it on everything from 550 – 850 mm pieces, so it’s very flexible.” Key Benefits • Easy-to-use laser • Wide range of capabilities • Compatible with multiple material types • Seamless quotation and installation service • Fast delivery Explore the range of VLS lasers here.
