Page 24 - MetalForming August 2019

FABRICATION
Prior to acquiring this Platino Fiber laser-cutting machine in 2018, UE Manu- facturing used to outsource most of its sheet metal fabrication.
Fracking-Equipment Manufacturer Turns to
Laser for Flexibility
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MetalForming/August 2019
www.metalformingmagazine.com
Bringing laser cutting inhouse gives this manufacturer and
remanufacturer of oilfield- pumping equipment the ability to react quickly to last-minute changes or repairs, in order to ensure on-time delivery to its customers.
UE Manufacturing (UEM), Okla- homa City, OK, manufactures oilfield-pumping equipment for fracturing and cementing, as well as transfer units and cryogenic pumps. It also specializes in remanufacturing and service, and can customize equip- ment to meet its customers’ needs for land and offshore applications. Since its founding in 1994, UEM has grown from a handful of employees to more than 425, with more than 200,000 sq. ft. of facility space.
According to Brent Finley, director of production and material manage- ment, prior to 2017 the firm outsourced most of its sheet metal fabrication. Then, in 2018, UEM, seeking to alleviate its dependence on outsourcing, pur- chased a 6-kW laser cutting machine— a Platino Fiber fiber laser model from Prima Power.
“We visited three different laser manufacturers prior to our purchase,” says Finley. “The Platino had the great- est number of options, and appeared easy to use. In addition, we also liked the NC Express CAD/CAM sheet metal- processing software, the unique granite backstop for stability, which nobody else had, and the gantry-style cutting head.”
The Platino Fiber can cut a wide range of materials, including highly reflective materials such as aluminum alloys, copper and brass. In addition, UEM can employ the machine to cut mild steel as thick as 20 mm.
Remanufacturing and New Production
“We split production time for the Platino Fiber equally between reman- ufacturing jobs and new production,”