Lincoln-based manufacturing firm Micrometric is continuing to lead the way in micro laser manufacturing and multi-process services during its 40th year of business. With this special anniversary, Micrometric is reflecting on the evolution of services it provides in a range of sectors including medical, aerospace and automotive. Micrometric began by cutting sheet metal using CO2 lasers in January 1983 and had a turnover of only £50 in its first month but this soon started growing.
Neil Main, Managing Director of Micrometric, remembers contracts that changed the services provided by the company: “We were asked by the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell if we could make radiation sensors for detecting alpha radiation. They needed small rectangles cutting with each having a unique letter, number and error code. At that time our competitors were not able to do this, so we rose to the challenge and successfully output the parts using the large CO2 laser (DE) and BBC Micro.”
By 1990, Micrometric was a precision laser processor, and several industries were asking them to make parts: gas turbines, food manufacturers and medical. Most medical items were for instrumentation but Micrometric was asked to make one part for a prostate cancer remover.
In 1994 the company moved into a new purpose-built factory on Doddington Road, Lincoln. With more space Micrometric invested in new hi-tech lasers including its first Bystronic which was fast, flexible and precise.
After Neil purchased Micrometric in 2004, he faced a great challenge: their biggest customer bought its own laser. Company revenue declined, and it resulted in redundancies.
Recovery took a while before Micrometric was able to invest in new equipment. However, technological advances meant that new lasers were state-of-the-art and Micrometric was able to produce better quality components more quickly with a higher-skilled workforce.
Over the past five years, Micrometric has invested £1.5m in new equipment to meet demand for precision components, including the Coherent Starcut tube cutting machine which works with extremely high precision, and a new Lasercube machine which delivers on quality and efficiency. These developments will allow the team to continue producing high-quality components for multiple industries.
When looking forward Neil is positive: “We have seen so much change in just the last three years, but customers are still asking for new parts and processes. We are always looking for new ways of expanding our services so there is huge potential for growth.”
Micrometric are AS9100 accredited and are members of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), The Manufacturers’ Organisation (MAKE UK), Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU), The Welding Institute (TWI) and Motorsport Industry Association (MIA).
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Find out more about Micrometric on the website or call on 01522 509999.
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