Unicut Precision: Applying modern technology to improve production efficiency (Part 1)

Unicut Precision is one of the UK’s leading precision parts manufacturers with 30 years of experience in precision machining. The company is currently supplying products for many high-tech industries such as aerospace, electronics and telecommunications, automobile manufacturing, medical equipment manufacturing and scientific research equipment.

Since the establishment of Unicut Precision in 1990, Jason Nicholson – Director of the company has said that: Modern technology is the key to help businesses build a foothold in the market. In the same year, Nicholson spent £ 5,000 on used and cam-driven machinery, building the first automation platform for Unicut Precision.

After gradually going into stable operation, in 1999, Nicholson continued to invest in additional Cincom 12 li sliding head lathes to improve the ability to meet customer requirements. Over the next year, three 32-inch lathes were installed. While lathes are supplied from Cincom, every Nicholson purchase takes a rigorous analysis of the machine costs and achievable cycle times to ensure the lowest cost per part produced and make fastest profitability investment. Ease of integration, ease of use, rapid service delivery, and component quality are also paramount considerations.

Accordingly, CNC lathes have replaced lathes controlled by cam. The CNC equipment then achieves the same cycle times as cam type lathes, with the additional advantages of being higher quality and running unattended including overnight, leading to corporate profits as well. is significantly improved.

Over the years, Nicholson has purchased 104 CNC lathes, 93 of which are Citizen Cincom or fixed head lathe models from Miyano, merged with Citizen in 2011. Unicut currently operates 22 Cincom lathes with up to 13 CNC axes, 80 cutting tools and 2,000psi cooling pressures, as well as eight Miyano machines deploy up to 72 cutters. Machines are usually replaced every five to seven years to take advantage of the high value of lathes of that age.

In 2017, the company diversified into prismatic machining with the purchase of a multi-pallet processing unit, then quickly purchased one more part. A 3rd part is ordered for delivery by the end of 2019. These machines combine two twin spindle lathes, an identical twin turret with a milling component and a Y-axis on the upper turret provided at the end. in 2017, and they form the manufacturing component of highly efficient complex parts for the hydraulic industry which accounts for a large proportion of Unicut’s business. This creates a unique advantage that helps Unicut steadily build its position in the market.

(To be continued)

Productivity and Quality Office