Product category:
General Machining Subcontracting Services
News Release from: Unicut Precision | Subject: CNC automatic lathes
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 December 2007
Small parts CNC machining service
expands
Four more CNC automatic lathes have been added to a small parts machine shop extension at a UK subcontractor, following a 12% increase in sales during 2007.
Unicut Precision is expanding its multi-axis CNC small parts machining premises by almost 40%, which will enlarge the machine shop area to over 18,000ft2 Being added are two of the latest Citizen K-16 CNC sliding head autos, ordered during the EMO exhibition in Hannover in September, to operate alongside a pair of K-16 machines that were commissioned earlier in 2007
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 27 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Subcontractor invests in systems integration
To raise productivity a small precision parts machinist has invested some GBP 25,000 in an integrated central communications and production management system.
No blues sung at subcontract machinists'
Such has been the upsurge in the fortunes of Unicut Precision that July and August have set record sales and profit levels for its precision sub-con tract machining business.
Joint managing director of Unicut Preciusion, Jason Nicholson, reported that the company's sales had grown by 12% during 2007.
He added that profitability had increased owing to a continuous investment strategy in machine tools, support equipment and upgraded management systems.
He said: "We have also invested heavily in training that is adding to our success and we plan to continue this right across the company during 2008".
Further reading
Big order led to new machine purchases
Following the winning of a 12 month contract for three million components from an American fastener company, Unicut Precision immediately ordered two CNC sliding head automatic lathes.
Machining solution was a burner for gas fires
It was the capability of subcontract machinist to provide single operation turning solutions that took some 20 per cent out of the price of gas fire burner heads and ensured total consistency.
Unicut invested well over GBP 350,000 during 2007 in equipment and has increased the workforce at Welwyn Garden City, Herts, UK, from 24 to 30 people.
In addition to the four new Citizen machines the company has added the following.
* An automated tool crib system has been installed and integrated into the management system.
* An OGP non-contact video-based measuring centre has been installed in the inspection room.
* A new 'green' compressor has been fitted.
* Computer systems have also been upgraded.
Further improvements to enhance productivity and quality have resulted in a Durr Minio 85C programmable component washing centre installed in 2004, being replaced with the latest improved system.
A Miyano ABX-64 TH2 multi-axis turning centre, only installed in 2006, has been exchanged for the latest version.
This upgrade in technology with improved control system and programming, also adds tool probing, tool load monitoring on every tool giving faster setting and higher security when running under unmanned conditions.
* USA sales - over the past six years, sales to the US have more than doubled to account for almost 30% of turnover.
Confidence is running high as the company has had all its long term contracts renewed plus an 18% uplift in the supply of one particular aerospace component.
Joint managing director of Unicut Precision, Charles Kenny, said: "We have continued to invest to try and offset the effect of currency shift with improved productivity.
While we have been able to agree slight price increases, our strategy still keeps us very competitive when factors such as consistency of quality, a 100% record is still being maintained, and delivery are included in our assessment by the customers".
For 2008, shorter term orders are rising making the order book look very healthy through January and February.
This area of production will be a focus for further improvement over the next 12 months using a machine replacement programme to help increase productivity further and achieve faster changeover of jobs to maximise spindle utilisation.
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