The Deeside-based company has been able to achieve this by integrating a suite of software including Radan, SolidWorks and 3D AutoCAD to its manufacturing processes.
Locit hired Radoslav Murgas as chief designer. With an architectural design background and sheet metal industry experience, Murgas has played a role in integrating design and manufacturing technologies.
According to Locit, adopting 3D design technology has improved production efficiency and reduced material waste. Transitioning from 2D to 3D drawings has brought clarity to the manufacturing processes and assembly, cutting sheet metal waste.
Nest efficiency refers to how well the material is used, and this has improved. Material usage is said to have rose to 80% per sheet thanks to better planning, adequate sheet sizes and exploring machine limits.
Optimised tool paths and part geometries have also halved the production time for large batches of smaller components.
These gains have reinforced Locit’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint. The company already holds PAS 2060 certification and is on course to reduce emissions by a further 50% this year.
Murgas said: "Joining Locit has been an exciting journey. We have moved from basic 2D flat patterns to detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. This shift has significantly improved the visualisation of our designs and streamlined operations on the shop floor, leading to enhanced overall efficiency.
"Our biggest challenge was ensuring everything was correctly aligned and followed in the production process. We aim to streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and optimise resource utilisation. We can increase productivity and output by introducing clear, detailed drawings and easy-to-follow instructions without increasing resources or capital investment."
Locit has optimised its production process by implementing and integrating the software for creating part drawings and generating NC codes, combined with using Armada punch machines for sheet metal fabrication.
The improved tool paths and part designs have also made the cutting process faster. For example, if it used to take 45 minutes to produce a batch of 100 items, it now takes only 22 minutes, cutting production time by half.
Richard Williams, (pictured) CEO of Locit, said: "By integrating advanced software and design practices, we are creating a robust production system that enhances efficiency and aligns with our broader goals for sustainability and innovation in steel locker manufacturing."
Locit’s approach enhances production efficiency through 3D models, drawings and collaboration with operators. Moving forward, the company plans to integrate new design concepts and software to cut wastage further and improve efficiency. It will also establish a library of approved designs for consistent and reliable documentation.
