Multi-axis machine helps Datum diversify
A
Mikron product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
May 17, 2002
In late 2001, Datum Precision Tooling completed a GBP 300,000 investment, the centrepiece of which is the Mikron UCP 1000.
In ten years, Datum Precision Tooling has grown from scratch to become a major one-stop press tool manufacturer serving a range of industries including the automotive and telecomms sectors.
The Hampshire-based company has built its reputation as a one-stop shop for press tools, covering design, manufacture and trialling, but Datum wanted to move its business up another gear.
In late 2001, the company completed a GBP 300,000 investment, the centrepiece of which is the Mikron UCP 1000 high-performance machine, specifically to help it create new business opportunities.
The UCP 1000's characteristics are ideally suited to Datum's core business, which includes producing intricate engine components and gasket tooling for motor manufacturers.
Investing in the five-axis high-speed machining centre, Datum has opened up new opportunities, slashed lead times and, with around 20% extra productivity thanks to the UCP 1000, is now diversifying into subcontract work.
Automation and five face machining in one set-up produce very significant time savings, while the machine's 1000kg workpiece capacity greatly boosts the range of projects Datum can handle.
The five axis capability also ensures that Datum can now produce tools of higher quality and accuracy than before.
The new technology has been combined with a Renishaw Probe and linked software, to ensure absolute accuracy of the setup.
To complement the new faster abilities of the Mikron, Datum also invested in a Charmilles Robofil 440 submersible EDM to further boost speed and capacity.
Before the UCP 1000's arrival, Datum was running at capacity using a Fanuc Robodrill.
While it is too early to quantify all cost savings, the Mikron machine has already slashed lead times, allowing Datum to give customers a maximum wait of only four weeks.
Datum Sales and Marketing Manager Gary Gibbs, taken on specifically to reap the new business opportunities made possible by the investment, explains: "Datum was ready to take the step up to the next level of business and the UCP 1000 is core to this strategy.
Before we were working at capacity.
Now we have the ability and capacity to diversify into new sectors and areas, such as subcontracting that before were not possible.
The UCP 1000's increased speed, accuracy of three-dimensional machining make it ideal for almost any part.
The shorter lead in times that result are a significant benefit to our customers, allowing us to produce even higher quality tools in less time".
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