Unisig, a global manufacturer of deep-hole drilling machines, has invested $1.5 million in state-of-the-art technology and equipment for the company’s newly constructed 5,000-square-foot fabrication department.
The expansion supports the company’s strategy to develop in-house, design-to-finish production of high-quality sheet metal components used in UNISIG’s product line. By producing many of its parts in-house, the company can preserve and maintain the quality and quantity of its components while optimizing the mix of parts that are made internally versus those that are outsourced for production.
The investment includes the installation of fiber laser cutting equipment, and a 242-ton capacity press brake with a 7-axis programmable back gage, all of which utilizes 3D programming and simulation software. The software and training for the company’s workforce were part of the investment, along with the hiring of additional personnel.
The company’s new fabrication capabilities will also serve as an inspiration and catalyst for ongoing development and advances in machine design that will have an immediate impact on the value UNISIG brings to its customers now and in the future, said UNISIG CEO Anthony Fettig.
“The most exciting part of this investment from my view is the opportunity to fundamentally change how we think about the design of fabricated components,” Fettig said. “Our engineers will be inspired by the manufacturing innovations generated by the precision fabrication team and what we can do with these state-of-the-art production capabilities,” Fettig said.
UNISIG’s fabrication enhancements also include MIG and TIG welding with advanced digital process control and weld boom with power assist. A modular fixture system provides precision component setup from 3D models, while a vertical pallet system stores raw sheet material. To assist department personnel, vacuum sheet lifting equipment and updated bridge crane controls make for easy material handling.
Related Glossary Terms
- fixture
fixture
Device, often made in-house, that holds a specific workpiece. See jig; modular fixturing.
- process control
process control
Method of monitoring a process. Relates to electronic hardware and instrumentation used in automated process control. See in-process gaging, inspection; SPC, statistical process control.
