12 October 2011
Leading precision subcontractor invests in four new Doosan machines.
Luton-based precision subcontract specialist UPE (Ultra Precision Engineering Ltd) has recently invested in 4 x new Doosan machines supplied by Mills CNC.
The machines (2 x Puma 2600 new series lathes, and 2 x DNM milling machines), were installed at the company’s 17,600 sq ft facility in April 2011 and are being used to machine high-precision, complex components used in the aerospace, defence, medical, electronics and leisure sectors.
The new machines (specifically the new Puma 2600Y lathe with its bar feeder) are also being used to manufacture JAG high-performance, high-specification fishing tackle equipment. (JAG Products is a Trading Division of UPE and its fishing equipment is sold, via a network of distributors, worldwide).
Parts and components manufactured by UPE are varied – but are all characterised by their high precision and complexity.
The company has the know-how, technology and skilled people in place to manufacture everything from prototypes and one-offs through to much higher volumes (e.g. several thousand), and the diversity of its customer base means that UPE is adept at machining a variety of materials – Aluminium, Stainless, Titanium etc.
UPE manufactures parts and part features to high-accuracy (typically +/- 20 microns or better), and exacting surface finishes (e.g. Ra 0.4µm – Ra 1.6µm), and the company has built its reputation on providing high quality and quick turnaround times.
To maintain its market-leading position the company invests in reliable, cost-competitive and often multi-tasking machine tools. (One of the recently purchased Doosan Puma 2600 lathes has a Y-axis, and one of the Doosan DNM vertical machining centres was supplied with a 4th-axis).
Says Steve Wickens, Operations Director:
‘We operate 24/7 and work to stringent quality requirements and delivery timescales.
‘As a consequence we expect a lot from our machine tools and, from experience, believe that Doosan machines backed by Mills CNC’s after-sales support represent great value and are hard to beat.’
Since the company was first established in 2001 – UPE has invested in 10 new Doosan machines (from Mills CNC) and the latest arrivals have provided the company with much needed additional machining capacity and capabilities to meet the growing demand for its high quality manufacturing services.
The new machines
UPE has invested in 2 x new series Doosan Puma 2600 (10” chuck/76-mm bar capacity) lathes, first introduced by Mills into the UK in 2010.
One of the lathes, the Puma 2600Y, has +/- 51-mm Y-axis capability and driven tooling (5.5Kw/5,000rpm) and was supplied with a bar feeder, and as such provides UPE with increased turning flexibility and greater productivity.
The 2 x new vertical milling machines are from Doosan’s popular and versatile DNM range and consisted of a DNM 650 and a DNM 400. The large DNM 650 was supplied with a 4th –axis unit which again provides UPE with extra production capabilities and the ability to complete parts in one hit and with fewer setups.
UPE’s growth and success over its 10 year history is impressive and reflects the company’s forward-thinking attitude and approach to all aspects of its business.
A forward-thinking company
Starting with 8 employees in 2001 UPE now employs 27 staff and, to help address the problem of finding (and retaining) skilled, qualified engineers has recently developed its own in-house Apprentice Programme. The two Apprentices currently on the Programme will learn all aspects of UPE’s manufacturing business – machine operation, setting, programming, inspection etc.
In May 2011 the company completed its relocation to bigger premises. Through considerable investment in its new facility (prior to moving in) UPE certainly looks the part and now benefits from having spacious office and meeting areas; a purpose-built, thermally-controlled inspection department: a modern (and spotless) 8,000sq ft manufacturing shop floor (where the new Doosan machines are located); and a state-of-the-art design department which uses the latest 3D CAD systems and software packages.
To further differentiate itself from the competition - UPE has AS 9100 Revision C & BS EN ISO 9001:2008 certification.
In addition to providing a range of machining services (milling, turning, grinding etc), UPE also offers a number of other secondary services to customers which include – shot blasting, ultra-sonic cleaning, heat treatment, plating, testing and assembly.
The future
UPE is an ambitious company and one of its business objectives is to double its turnover in the next two years.
With the skilled people in place and regular investment in the latest, advanced machine tools you wouldn’t bet against them achieving its targets.
