Already renowned for providing one of the global tube bending sector’s most comprehensive consumable and precision bend tooling manufacturing and stockholding services, UK-based
Unison Ltd. has announced plans to expand its specialist, made-to-order tooling capability.
“The majority of our bend tooling production centres around those frequently needed consumables such as aluminium bronze wiper dies and mandrel balls, as well as long-life precision tooling for more demanding tube manipulation tasks,” says Unison’s UK sales manager, Luke Gibson. “However, we have seen a steadily growing need for often highly specialised, one-off tooling solutions, hence our decision to increase our made-to-order ‘bespoke’ tooling service.”
He adds: “Typically, this service involves helping customers develop tooling for new tubular products, assisting where tooling is required for challenging new applications, replacing worn tooling, and tailor-making tooling for straightforward tube bending tasks.
“Equally, customers will sometimes simply explain that they need to make a particular tubular component but are struggling to get it right.
“Regardless of where they are in the design process - and whether or not they have produced drawings or have got as far as bending trial parts - thanks to our tube manipulation expertise, tube manipulation simulation software, and application-specific knowledge, we can assist in developing a highly appropriate and cost-effective solution.”
A global additionAlthough Unison recognises that its made-to-order tooling service will always be a niche offering, unlike its regular bend tooling service which serves more than 20 countries globally, the UK business believes it’s an important addition to its overall customer support package.
“We want to help as many organisations as possible to develop the tubular parts and products that are key to their success,” continues Mr Gibson. “No matter the industry sector - aerospace, automotive or other manufacturing - or the challenge, if the tubular part you require can be made, we can help you develop the precision tooling that is necessary to make it.”
Significant investmentHaving manufactured consumable and long-life tooling at its Scarborough, UK-based manufacturing centre for many years, between 2023 and 2025 Unison invested just short of £2 million to extend its already considerable tooling offering. Equipped with the latest tool manufacturing technologies, the recently upgraded bend tool manufacturing facility has resulted in even greater convenience for Unison customers, whilst also giving users of other makes of tube bending machines rapid access to Unison’s high-quality consumable and long-life products.
At full capacity, Unison can produce hundreds of individual tooling items each day, all ready for shipping globally. Fully tailored tooling agreements are prepared for customers to ensure the tooling they require is always available, while some £200,000 worth of tooling, including mandrel balls and wiper dies, is held in stock for immediate dispatch.
By holding pre-agreed stocks of consumable tooling on behalf of its customers, Unison also ensures rapid delivery times. Unison’s consumable tooling agreements enable customers to minimise the volume of tooling they would typically keep on site and benefit from the associated cost savings.
On-demand, next day and scheduled deliveries eliminate the risk of a tooling shortage stopping production and provide the opportunity to standardise tooling across different manufacturing sites. As part of the service, Unison also offers volume discounts and the convenience of easy budgeting through regular payment plans.
Intelligent tube technologyUnison is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tube and pipe bending machines and continually innovates the tube and pipe bending marketplace. The company manufactured the world’s first all-electric tube bender in 1994, followed by the world’s first all-electric multi-stack tube bender, then the world’s largest all-electric tube bender for the shipbuilding industry.
Available in single-stack, multi-stack and right/left varieties, Unison machines are delivered to more than 20 countries globally and its tube bending software is widely recognised for its user-friendliness. The software is written and supported by Unison, ensuring complete control of its evolution, with no need for third party support.