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The Latest 'Turned Parts' News from Acro... Below are listed some of Acro Precision Technology's recent
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"Lights Out" Machining is Secret to Acro's Engineering SuccessCatfield based precision engineering company, Acro, have announced that 2008 is already proving to good year and that they have won several new contracts and have also further invested in modern 3D machining technology. Key to their recent success has been the use of 24 hour unmanned 'Sliding Head' machines. Known in the industry as 'lights out' production, these machines can work un-manned all night and even all weekend.
"This has been our key to competing with the likes of China," said Fred Pain, General Manager. "Unmanned machines enable us to remove the labour content from the component cost and leaves us pretty much on par with Far East manufacturing prices. To some extent, the rise in the price of oil and the price of metals has also helped us close the gap and I think this is what's probably driving much of the current success at Acro and the wider UK engineering sector." One of Acro's unmanned machines is a Tornos 10 axis Sliding-Head machine that is capable of rapidly machining complex parts in a minute or less. Known for their accuracy, the Tornos sliding head enables a number of machining processes to be undertaken on the component at the same time. The material is automatically fed into the machine using a 'bar feeder'. The finished components are then ejected out of the other end. "Learning to program these machines is a very steep learning curve," said Fred. "We've found them much tougher to program than many of our other machine tools but once the programming is done, they are very reliable, very fast and very accurate. These machines are ideal for orders from 500 pieces up to 10,000 and they can handle square and hex bar, as well as round – up to a diameter of 26mm." Acro machines a number of different metals including stainless steel, mild steel, brass, and titanium. Its customers are in industries such as medical, oil and energy, automotive, construction, electronics and defence. The company also works in specialist hard materials such as stainless steel 316, monel and more recently a very hard material called E26-W. Acro sees this kind of ‘lights out’ engineering as the only way the UK can compete on volume production and expects further investment in this kind of machinery in coming years. In addition to this, Acro is also investing in computerized 3D machining equipment, enabling it to undertake very complex high value machining projects. About Acro Precision Technology With over 30 years' experience in the machining of precision engineering components, Acro represents one of Europe's leading suppliers to the engineering and technology sector. Acro offers specialist low volume prototype development as well as high volume manufacturing and is equipped with a broad range of modern CNC [Computer Numerically Controlled] machinery: - · CNC lathes with live tooling and 24 hour unmanned production Customer projects have included components for sports cars suspensions, bomb disposal robots, hospital beds, forecourt petrol pumps, the London Underground, equipment for off-shore oil exploration and production and components for the construction industry. back to top>>Multi Spindle Technology Puts Acro in Pole Position for High Volume Component ManufacturePrecision engineering company Acro are celebrating the 8 millionth component to be made on one of their multi-spindle machines. The machine is a Wickman multi-spindle automatic lathe that they have owned for the past seven years. Acro uses this technology for their high volume turned parts orders, due to its very fast cycle time and consistent quality of production.
"These machines are really 6 machines in one,” said Fred Pain, General Manager. “Being able to undertake a number of machining processes at the same time gives them a very fast cycle time and a low cost of production. For one customer we have been machining 800,000 stainless steel components each year. Multi-spindle technology is very much key to our high volume turned parts production strategy.” The majority of Acro's higher volume work has been in stainless, brass and mild steel, which is loaded into the machine via a bar feeder. Once programmed these unmanned-machines are then able to start churning out components and are often run for many months undertaking a single project. Acro can provide this kind of high volume production for parts up to 45mm. "It's fair to say that it takes us longer to program and set up a multi-spindle," said Fred. "In fact it can take a lot of experience and expertise to get right, but for higher volume projects, this is easily the most competitive of our machines. The fact that it can run unmanned and is so reliable, means that we can compete with the likes of China for these kinds of projects, as the labour cost is such a minimal component of the price." For lower volume and mid-volume turned parts production Acro employs a range of advanced CNC machines that include 24 hour unmanned machining centers. Having been in business for over 30 years, Acro supplies a range of industries such as automotive, architectural, electronics and energy. “The multi-spindle technology is an important compliment to the CNC machines,” said Fred. “It really is the ultimate machining technology for high volume component work, it enables us to take projects from prototype right through to mass production. It also means that we can offer consistent quality and reliable delivery at world market pricing.” Contact Acro : www.acro-eng.co.uk About Acro Precision Technology With over 30 years' experience in the machining of precision engineering components, Acro represents one of Europe's leading suppliers to the engineering and technology sector. Acro offers specialist low volume prototype development as well as high volume manufacturing and is equipped with a broad range of modern CNC [Computer Numerically Controlled] machinery: - · CNC lathes with live tooling and 24 hour unmanned production Customer projects have included components for sports cars suspensions, bomb disposal robots, hospital beds, forecourt petrol pumps, the London Underground, equipment for off-shore oil exploration and production and components for the construction industry.
Acro Shapes Its Future with 3-D Machining Capability East Anglian precision engineering company Acro are celebrating the success of their decision to branch into 3D milling work after 30 years of focusing on the manufacture of turned components. In 2007, Acro invested in a state of the art Vertical Machining Centre and it has been busy every day from day one and has helped Acro win new clients and extend its capability. "The new machine is controlled by a computer software called 'SolidCAM' and it enables us to manufacture very complex parts to a very high accuracy," said Fred Pain, General Manager. "We've undertaken several very challenging projects in recent months, projects that have really stretched us as engineers and explored the capability of the new machining centre. It's been a very rewarding time that has left us quite in awe of what the machine can do." |
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SolidCAM is a software package that enables data from Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems to be used to control multi-axis cutting machines. SolidCAM is a Gold Partner product to SolidWorks, a market leading 3D engineering design software package. “We are increasingly seeing SolidWorks drawings,” said Fred. “Powerful 3D design tools such as SolidWorks are enabling engineers to become more creative and more accurate in their work. Our technology will help us meet the needs of the engineers at both prototype stage and when it comes to volume production.” Contact Acro : www.acro-eng.co.uk
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Acro Bolsters Precision Engineering Capability with Vertical Machining Technology 16/06/07For over 30 years Acro Precision Technology has made a name for itself as a leader in the field of precision turned parts. With its 24 hour unmanned machines, in recent years Acro has turned parts for the motor industry, the railway industry, the building sector and even the medical and technology sectors and has enjoyed considerable success whilst being focused purely on turned parts production. However, this year may prove to be a major turning point in Acro's history with the decision to diversify into broader machining services |
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"It's an exciting time for us," said Fred, "We are really benefiting from the reputation for quality and delivery that we have developed over the past 30 years. The new 4-axis machining technology will help us offer our customers a broader service and also allow us to take on projects that we may have previously declined." |
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Acro's decision has resulted in the purchase of a high value Mazak 4-axis CNC Vertical Machining Centre that is already being put to work machining complex stainless steel parts for pneumatic control systems. Acro's expertise in CNC programming and high speed machining has proved to be easily transferable from their advanced turning technology, allowing them to quickly put the new Mazak machining centre into action. The new machine also includes Renishaw probe technology that provides automated inspection, checking that each machined part is within specification. "It's an exciting time for us," said Fred, "We are really benefiting from the reputation for quality and delivery that we have developed over the past 30 years. The new 4-axis machining technology will help us offer our customers a broader service and also allow us to take on projects that we may have previously declined." As with many in the UK engineering sector, Acro has reported a very good performance over the last 18 months, with customer orders remaining strong and several new customers coming on stream. Visit Acro's CNC Machining website |
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Right said Fred - Norfolk Engineering On The Way Up Since the oil boom of the 70's, engineering has played an important role in the Norfolk economy. During the 80's, UK engineering took a severe dip and recent years have seen manufacturing jobs being lost to the cheaper economies of the Far East and Eastern Europe. However, today, this work is coming home once again and Norfolk engineering companies are feeling the benefit.
"We have just quoted on a job for 150,000 parts that have previously been made in China," said Fred Pain, Manager of Acro Engineering, based at Catfield. "Manufacturers are starting to realise how difficult it can be to guarantee consistent quality and delivery from suppliers that are so far away. Also, there are long lead times, letters of credit to arrange, customs issues and regular long haul flights. The "on-shoring" of parts is a trend we are seeing and it is definitely picking up pace." Acro manufacture high volume turned and machine parts and have been in business for over 30 years. Running highly automated 24 hour unmanned CNC machines, Acro are able to compete on the world market and provide parts for the technology sector, architectural supplies, medical and a broad range of other industry sectors. "We have a policy of investing in the very best equipment available and the best engineers," said Fred. "This gives us the best quality machining and the best turned parts productivity, this is how we are competing for the work that is returning to the UK. We are also picking up new projects from the growing UK technology sector and this is equally exciting." Acro landed their first export contract last year, with the shipment of precision parts for the Norwegian oil industry. Their more recent orders have been for high quality stainless steel components for the architectural sector and CNC machined parts for airport security swipe card equipment.
Another Norfolk engineering company that is enjoying similar growth is Ladbrook Engineering of North Walsham. Ladbrook specialise in pressing metal parts for a range of industries and is currently enjoying considerable success. They have recently announced a major new contract with Parker Hannifin, a global manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems. "It definitely feels that Norfolk engineering is making a comeback," said Mike Blowers, Managing Director of Ladbrook. "This past year or two has been so encouraging, we now have ambitious plans to grow the company and make substantial investments in new equipment. I think the business sector lost sight of how good a service UK engineering can provide and now they have tried the competition, they are once again happy to place the work here in the UK." Over in Diss, electronics manufacturer, Barric, have a similar story to tell. Barric are also seeing an increase in new enquiries, exciting new opportunities and the opportunity for growth. Barric have been manufacturing electronics for over 20 years and have been an important employer in the Diss region. "The level of new enquiries and new projects coming on stream is very encouraging," said Patrick Kibble, Financial Director of Barric. "We've worked hard in recent years to improve our technology, our expertise and our systems. We've also worked on our branding and our overall message to the technology sector. This is all paying off and we are now looking to expand and take on further staff." With recently improved local infrastructure, Norfolk engineering companies look set to gain a bigger share of the growing UK engineering business, bringing more jobs, training and wealth to the region. It is also possible that with access to Europe becoming ever more easy, it may be that Norfolk could find itself leading a return to the days of the exporting of British engineering. Contact Acro : www.acro-eng.co.uk About Acro Precision Technology About Ladbrook About Barric
Acro Precision Engineering set to attract European clients 16/5/05 |
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'We like to think that UK engineering is fighting back. We know that we can produce the best quality. It has just been a case of getting the latest machinery and the best expertise on board, so that we can provide the volumes and the pricing to compete on the world market.' stated Fred Pain, Manager of Acro.
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Acro wins back deal for truck parts 24/05/05 |
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Architectural Engineering to Benefit from Olympic Bid Precision engineering company, Acro Precision Technology, are excited to hear that the UK has won its bid to host the next Olympic games. It's not just because they are keen sports fans, but also because they expect the building of the new stadium to provide an important boost to the UK engineering sector. Contact Acro : www.acro-eng.co.uk |
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Acro Contributes to A Safer World |
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| Precision Engineering firm, Acro Precision Technology, has recently undertaken one their strangest projects to date. The project was to machine precision cartridge cases for robots that are used to intentionally detonate land mines. These robots are used around the world, making war torn areas safe for peacetime habitation. Acro have undertaken this work for Richmond Engineering, who provide the firing technology that damages and disrupts the landmines. |
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The robots are remotely controlled to move them close to potentially live landmines and then remotely instructed to fire the cartridges at the landmines in order to destroy them. Around the world, this type of technology is saving thousands of lives from death or injury. "It's not very often that our work is so directly linked to saving lives, so we are very proud to be contributing to this type of technology," said Fred Pain of Acro. "Richmond Engineering called on us because they needed a responsive and experienced precision engineering subcontractor - we were very pleased to offer our services." With a broad range of computer controlled machine tools and 24 hour unmanned machines, Acro consider themselves to be at the leading edge of machining technology. Their investment in this technology is enabling them to compete on the world market and has enabled them to double their turnover in the past two years. Mr Downs, Engineering Manager at Richmond Engineering stated, "These robots work in the most hazardous and dangerous of environments, so they need to be very accurate and very reliable, every component is a critical design. We chose Acro because they have a reputation for providing very high quality precision engineering services and for being very responsive as a supplier. Its good to know that the UK can still provide this quality of engineering."
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