Precision CNC Machining, Leading Edge Technologies
and Total QA Control
Feature in APT's Success
Victorian precision engineering company now in its 21st year, owes its outstanding success to a simple philosophy of using the latest technologies, exceptional communication and total quality control to deliver customer value.
CAPABILITY + COMMUNICATION = VALUE
Located in the prime industrial region of Berwick, South East of Melbourne, Australian Precision Technologies is a first generation family business run by brothers Rich and Ron Weinzierl who today employ up to twenty skilled personnel. With its scope of world leading ‘on-floor’ technologies it is today in the top percentile of precision engineering manufacturers in Australia with broad quality accreditation and an enviable customer base across virtually all industries. It is a company specialised in producing simple to highly complex precision components, instruments and assemblies.
The APT company philosophy is to utilise the latest precision machinery, skilled personnel, and total quality controlled systems coupled with high levels of 
communication to deliver value to its customers. With a formidable array of machining capabilities from 0.5mm to 100mm plus in 7-11 axis turning capacity and 400 x 400 x 400.0mm billet target in 5 axis machining, the company is able to provide customers with a variety of precision engineering solutions including small production runs on a cost effective basis.
Australian Precision Technologies has developed components for defence assemblies, automotive, transport and railway applications, aerospace, medical, mining initiatives and many other precision engineering applications for industries through its sophisticated manufacturing processes. It has had a significant impact on the repetition engineering industry creating benchmarks that others aspire to achieve.
“We have always invested in the latest CNC technologies and Okuma has played a large part in this,” said Business Director, Ron Weinzierl. “Our latest investment is yet another Okuma CNC Multus B400IIW Intelligent Multitasking machine which provides higher productivity, speed with micron precision. This gives us the most effective use of floor space with lathe, vertical or horizontal machining centre and material handling consolidated into one machine. It gives us higher machine utilisation with reliable accuracy and the new machine joins a cell of other precision Okuma CNC machines in our machine shop,” he said.
In prototyping APT takes pride in delivering customer value in simple to complex cost effective prototypes.
APT’s new generation CNC programmers and production managers lead by Ben Odnoral, provide innovation to not only meet machine capabilities but to program CNC’s to new levels beyond standard manufacturing processes under strict Quality Assured parameters.
Today, APT has preferred supplier status with a number of international companies for machining and assembly in such key industry sectors as Aerospace, Automotive, Architecture, Building, Defence, Electronics, Energy, Environment, Medical, Mining, Music, and Water Control.
Total quality control systems are in place under the direction of experienced QA Manager Ian McKenzie to ensure total compliance to the highest industry standards and the range of international quality standards including: ISO9001:2008; Airbus Global; Medical; Automotive PPAP and Defence TRS control.
Training of all personnel through to management level is ongoing and the company has a strong policy of recruiting locally wherever possible. Currently the company has three apprentices in training at varying stages to safeguard the future of the company and the industry ensuring the long term provision of a skilled workforce. A comprehensive training matrix is maintained covering CNC programming, setting, operating, Cam/Cad, sales, marketing, scheduling, purchasing and business administration.
In the environmental area APT clearly demonstrates that being smart about its control of waste and environmental issues creates a clean and safe work place and assists in keeping the planet clean. Key areas of environmental control include cutting oils and swarf recycling where additional revenue is generated to offer customers value supply.
The investment of more than $1 million in latest technologies in CNC machinery, process equipment, software and the upgrade of operation facilities etc. over the current twelve to eighteen months period has already generated significant environmental benefits to the company. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction in CO2 emissions and energy savings from Okuma’s Thermo-friendly concept such as less coolant requirement resulting in lower power consumption. The latest machines are free from dimensional compensation and warm-up, operating with normal temperature changes matching accuracies equivalent to those operating in temperature controlled rooms. Investment by the company has also included creating an ideal working environment from the offices through to the factory floor. Automated machine feeds are extensively used and much of the ancillary equipment in the plant is on wheels for flexibility and ease of movement to meet production demands.
Whilst there has been a focus on the Australian market, export sales are also an important part of the company’s development. Significant export sales are being achieved in the highly competitive international market as a result of a proven and well established record for consistent high quality standards, competitive pricing and on-time delivery.
APT’s Vision is to offer precision manufacturing through innovation and creativity while its Mission is to create a competitive advantage for its customers in today’s global market - something this outstanding company is achieving.
Over the years the company has been acknowledged by its customers with awards such as Thales – Excellence in Customer Service & Workmanship.
APT continues to build its communication with other key companies in manufacturing to ensure the company continues to develop and take advantage of market opportunities. Current industry partners include AMTIL, SEMMA, AIDN, ICN and ART.
As with its relationship with its customers APT places a strong emphasis on strong relationships and open communications with its suppliers. An example of this is evident in its relationship with Okuma Australia where strong reliance is placed on integrity, competence, service and technology. The Okuma statement ‘Intelligent evolution from the future’ appears to fit well with the APT approach as this Australian manufacturer maintains a marketing edge in a highly competitive international market.
