Feature: Universal Wolf and Heller UK – a collaborative approach to scalable manufacturing

When world-leading manufacturer Heller needed a metal fabrication partner to support the launch of a new machining product, Universal Wolf’s better, smarter pack rose to the challenge

Heller UK, a global manufacturer of 4- and 5-axis CNC machining centres, needed a sheet metal fabrication partner to support the launch of a new-to-market product. Universal Wolf worked with Heller UK to provide a manufacturing solution for their H-series CNC machining centres.

Heller’s CNC machining centres are large-scale, highly technical products which require a repeatable and scalable manufacturing process that will deliver precise quality, every time. The engineering team at Universal Wolf worked closely with the customer to understand product requirements and ‘must-haves’. At over 2,000 complex parts per build, it was critical that the product then progressed to Universal Wolf’s New Product Introduction department, where the team worked with Heller on design amendments to make the drawings suitable for large scale manufacture.

Universal Wolf collaborated with Heller UK as a metal fabrication partner to support the launch of a new machining product / Picture: Universal Wolf

The exterior of the CNC centre is the first impression of the product that Heller’s customers see, and it is critical that the finish of the metalwork reflects the quality within. Sample products were manufactured and signed off against three key criteria:

– aesthetics – quality of welding, fabrication and build
– paint quality
– fit and function of all moving parts

Universal Wolf invested in tools that would enable it to manufacture at the large scale Heller requires.

As well as Design for Manufacturing and New Product Introduction, Universal Wolf handled the bill of materials for the product, taking ownership of relevant items. As part of the work they complete for Heller, they also undertake fit-out of ancillary items, including electro-mechanical components. In collaboration with Heller, Universal Wolf developed manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOP) and working instructions.

Picture: Heller UK / Universal Wolf

Universal Wolf’s relationship with Heller is based on a collaborative pack approach. The H-series product is now in full-scale production and the strong partnership between Universal Wolf and Heller will be the basis for continued collaboration on future projects.

Find out more about Universal Wolf’s New Product Introduction process here.