Gloucestershire-based Optimas Solutions (
www.optimas.com) is now offering small-volume components on much shorter lead times.
This has been made possible by the installation (at its Barton Coldform subsidiary) of a Takamaz XY120 Plus CNC lathe, which can quickly mill a range of parts in quantities up to 5,000.
This rapid component delivery service is aimed primarily at the automotive, petrochemical and other industrial sectors, where securing low-volume parts on short lead times is critical for meeting launch dates, or project and development deadlines.
Cold forging is recognised as the optimum route for supplying components in high quantities, but it can be inefficient due to the time taken to develop the required tooling.
Instead, milling small volume components can reduce the lead time from weeks to days.
Optimas and Barton are both accredited to supply components under the new IATF 16949 standard for quality management, so customers can be sure of a reliable component.
Parts made from all types of materials are available, including exotic materials, titanium and high-temperature alloys.
The components offered by the express service include: hex, flange and banjo bolts; double-ended studs and solid rivets; and nuts, spacers, special forgings and fittings up to a maximum diameter of 42mm.