Delivering a competitive edge

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Using new technology from current supplier, Bromsgrove-based Central Scanning, Cube has procured 3D printed parts of potential components it wishes to win the business to make tools for.

Cube Precision’s managing director Neil Clifton states: “We were completely unaware that Central Scanning had the facility to print out custom 3D parts – at the time they were reverse engineering some dies we were refurbishing for a local OEM and we were also a week away from a pivotal meeting with a leading tier 1 automotive supplier to discuss a sizeable new order.

“What is often very difficult to convey in such meetings is the complexity of the parts we are being asked to produce. The onset of 3D CAD data has certainly helped these kinds of conversations but understanding the size and intricacy of some parts is still difficult to understand.”

Director at Central Scanning, Nick Godfrey continues: “3D printing is now becoming more of a mainstream solution for prototype parts and mock-ups but it is the investment in our Stratasys Objet Eden 500V and Fortus 400MC 3D printers which allows us to produce prototype parts in-house. This means we can offer customers like Cube a precise replica of the CAD data they are sent by their customers.”

Mr Clifton adds: “We commissioned the team at Central Scanning to produce both parts that we were due to be discussing at the meeting with our customer a week later. Within 24 hours, we had the component parts in our hands and were able to let the toolmakers, CAD designers and project managers understand the work we were trying to win.

“Ultimately this led to a much more productive conversation with the customer, allowing us to justify our recommendations on the number of stages in the tool and also adding validity to the price we had quoted. Although we were more expensive than a European competitor, the customer subsequently placed the order with us on the back of our greater understanding of the requirements.”

“If our customers are able to compete globally while manufacturing in the UK, it is of benefit for the whole supply chain,” Mr Godfrey observes. “3D printing and scanning is revolutionising the supply chain of many industries, from construction to medical. As the technology and capabilities improve, more and more businesses are saving time and money in winning and delivering projects.”

Cube Precision Engineering www.cubeprecision.com

Central Scanning www.central-scanning.co.uk