Shipham Valves Revolutionise Efficiency and Accuracy with Major NIKKEN Presetter Investment

We are pushing productivity and precision to even higher levels, with the recent investment in an innovative new cutting-edge Elbo-Controlli NIKKEN Presetter.

Supporting Shipham Valves in-house machine shop

Pre-Setters are a hugely cost-effective alternative to measuring tool assemblies on the machine. Taking measuring away from the machine spindle not only provides extra machine capacity to perform machining and consumes considerably less energy.

Driving efficiencies & minimising machine downtime

To further our commitment to continuous improvement, driving efficiencies and minimising machine downtime, we reviewed the leading presetters solution to support our in-house full-service machine shop and production facilities, which can handle a wide range of diameters, lengths, and weights with interchangeable back ends.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of various presetters and consultation with NIKKEN’s UK Sales Business Manager, Lee Rodgers, the E46LA Presetter proved an ideal solution.

Enhanced accuracy – tools precisely set from the outset

The integration of the NIKKEN Presetter has allowed our business to achieve enhanced accuracy. This has instilled confidence in machinists that the tools are precisely set from the outset. The offline tool setting process has significantly reduced machine downtime, promoting sustainability and boosting overall efficiency. Our diverse range of tooling back ends, benefit from the Presetter’s flexibility and ease of use, enabling them to maximise its potential. 

Our Operations Manager, Paul Morrod explains how this investment will support our business moving forward. “The capabilities, versatility, and flexibility offered by NIKKEN in supporting our range of machines, from lathes to milling machines, machining centres, and horizontal boring machines, have been key. The presetter manages and sets up a wide range of tools, including complex ones such as multi-tooth tooling, numerous milling cutters, and long, heavy tools. We have been delighted with NIKKEN’s technical expertise and sales support.”

Furthermore, by eliminating human error through offline tool setting, this investment allows us maximum reliability while reducing costs and improving overall efficiencies.

Committed to maintain stringent quality standards, the investment in NIKKEN’s TP32 software is a program dedicated to the management of the tool repository. This program is woven in as a fundamental component of the productive cycle and aligns perfectly with our objectives and ethos.

TP32 has played a pivotal role in enhancing tooling quality control and organisation, enabling our manufacturing operation to run smoothly.

Shipham Valves transformation journey

This recent investment furthers the business’ transformation journey over the past 3-5 years. It includes major investment in the plant, full in-house machining capabilities, modern machining centres, skills and people. It also helps to cement our global reputation for engineering expertise, precision and the design and manufacture of high-quality non-ferrous and high alloy valves.

Lee Rodgers, UK Sales Manager at Nikken comments “The Elbo-Controlli NIKKEN Pre-setter was implemented at Shipham Valves to save time on the machine with the increased capacity. Security was another factor, so tools could be measured accurately and remove some risk of potential non-conformance.”