When Acro Precision Technology first started machining precision parts, it was predominantly for the North Sea oil boom of the early 80's. Acro machined heavy gauge turned parts for pipelines and valves and developed a reputation for accuracy and reliable delivery of parts, both of which were essential to the high-pressure commercial environment of oil. Today, Acro's main customers are in the technology sector. The parts they machine may be much smaller and the volumes may be massively bigger, but accuracy and reliability of delivery remain a critical factor. "When I look back, it's been quite a journey," said Fred Pain, Managing Director of Acro. "The machinery is so much more sophisticated today and we have some machines that can run unmanned for 24 hours. Also, these new machines are capable of automatically machining very complex parts without any user intervention. I guess the talent these days is in understanding modern materials such as titanium and stainless steel and being able to program the machines accurately." 

Acro are currently machining brass parts for safety critical electrical connectors, stainless steel parts for sensors that are used in control systems and automation and complex valve assemblies that are used in pneumatic control systems. Acro are even machining parts from plastics and nylon for use in access equipment. Some of their more recent projects had previously been manufactured in China and the Far East. "UK engineering went through a bit of a dip, but it's clear that manufacturers have tried the 'outsourcing' idea and now realise it's not always a good thing." said Fred. "Our success over the past 30 years has been down to our quality and reliability of delivery; very often these can be as commercially important to a manufacturer as the component cost, so this is how we choose to compete for business." Acro also attribute their success to a willingness to invest and train on the latest CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines - recently investing in a four axis vertical machining centre capable of automatically machining complex parts. This new machine is also able automatically to inspect the finished part for accuracy of manufacture. "When we buy a new machine like this, it's a big investment of time, energy and money," said Fred. "We have to employ a specialist company to move it to where we want in the factory as it weighs many tons, we then have a specialist company to wire it in and finally we have to have our engineers trained on programming and using the machine. However, once a high quality machine such as this is running, it's very impressive and is key to us meeting future customer expectations with regards to quality and reliable delivery." 

Although Acro's focus is now on the higher volume technology sector, they still undertake occasional work for the oil sector. Last year saw their first overseas contract with a Norwegian company placing a large order for parts for the North Sea oil industry. "We still maintain the skills and equipment for one off's and low volume production," said Fred. "Our customers will often need initial samples or prototypes and these are much more easily produced on conventional lathes and milling machines. Our lower volume non-technology customers include companies that provide architectural metalwork, suppliers to the construction trade, medical and automotive and although we very much value our current success with the hi-tech companies, it's also good for us to have some broader engineering experience."  

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
· Swiss type sliding head automatics
· CNC milling
· Conventional turning/milling/finishing

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. http://www.acro-eng.co.uk