Why Automate
Modern manufacturing faces growing pressure for productivity, precision and efficiency. Yet, most unautomated CNC machines operate at only 25–30% uptime, meaning valuable capacity is left unused.
Automation bridges this gap. It enables continuous operation, reduces idle time and maximises machine utilisation without compromising quality or flexibility.
Investing in automation allows you to:
- Increase productivity and output per shift.
- Reduce labour dependency and the impact of skills shortages.
- Enhance consistency and repeatability across production.
- Lower operational costs through reduced downtime and waste.
- Improve return on investment by making better use of existing assets.
Automation is not about replacing people; it is about creating a more stable, efficient and resilient production environment. Automation also strengthens your ability to attract and retain talent within your business. By creating a modern, technology-driven working environment, it can become a decisive factor when recruiting new employees and retaining skilled staff.
Benefits of Automation
Automation provides tangible benefits across all stages of production:
Operational Efficiency
Automated systems enable lights-out manufacturing, continuous throughput and stable cycle times.
Quality and Consistency
Integrated process monitoring and closed-loop feedback ensure parts remain within tolerance, shift after shift.
Workforce Utilisation
Automation allows your skilled employees to focus on higher-value tasks such as process optimisation, rather than manual handling.
Flexibility
Systems are designed to adapt to different batch sizes, product types and shift patterns.
Sustainability
Reduced waste, energy use and material handling contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices.
What NCMT Provides
At NCMT, automation is an integral part of our turnkey production solutions.
Our dedicated Automation Department includes design, software and customisation specialists working together to deliver complete engineered systems. From consultancy, project management and design to commissioning, training and after-sales support.
We work with Okuma, Makino, and a range of trusted partners to provide automation solutions that match your process and production goals. Whether it is a single machine or a multi-machine cell, we deliver systems that are fit-for-purpose, scalable and fully integrated.
Our Services Include:
- Automation consultancy and system design.
- Integration of machines, robots, and software into one seamless process.
- Bespoke design and build of robotic or pallet-based systems.
- Retrofit automation for existing machines to extend productivity.
- Commissioning, programming and training
- After-sales technical support through NCMT’s nationwide service network.
Our approach is flexible and technology-agnostic. We partner with leading automation suppliers to deliver bespoke solution that benefits you – our customer.
What Makes NCMT Automation Different
- One point of responsibility – We manage the entire process, from design to installation, so you only deal with NCMT.
- Factory acceptance testing (FAT) – Systems are fully assembled and proven with the machine tool at our Coventry Technology
- Centre before delivery, ensuring the complete solution is fully integrated and validated prior to installation.
- Reduced installation time – By testing and pre-integrating equipment, downtime on your sites is minimised.
- Comprehensive support – Our automation team works closely with NCMT’s service engineers to provide end-to-end assistance.
- Flexible integration – We can automate new machines, retrofit existing ones, or combine both within one production environment.
Every system is engineered to deliver measurable value: improved uptime, consistent quality and scalable productivity.
Types of Automation Solutions
NCMT provides a wide range of automation systems, from entry-level solutions to complex, fully connected production lines. Whatever you need we have the solution.
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Pallet Pools
Compact systems ideal for single or dual-machine setups.
Operators can prepare multiple jobs while machines continue running, improving spindle utilisation and reducing setup time.
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Door-to-Door Systems
Comprehensive logistics automation managing the entire process, from raw material input to finished part output.
Combining robots, measurement equipment, conveyors and process software, these systems manage washing, inspection, packaging and full traceability within one connected flow. By integrating upstream and downstream processes around the CNC machining operation, they reduce bottlenecks and ensure that the entire production environment is optimised, not just the machine tool itself.
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Programmable Robot Cells
User-friendly automation for job shops and small-batch environments.
Parametric programming enables quick setup for new parts with minimal robot expertise, providing flexibility without complexity.
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Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
Scalable pallet-based automation for multiple machines.
FMS integrates intelligent scheduling, tool management and material handling to optimise workflow and maximise productivity.
Ideal for high-mix, low-volume environments requiring continuous production.
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Bespoke Robotic Cells
Custom-engineered solutions designed around specific manufacturing processes.
These cells combine robotic handling, washing, inspection and closed-loop measurement to ensure accuracy and repeatability across multiple operations.
This is where NCMT’s own automation systems come into their own. Developed in response to the need to automate complex component loading and dedicated bespoke processes, they were created to address a clear gap in the market where standard solutions could not deliver the required flexibility or performance.
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Transfer Lines
High-volume, high-speed production systems connecting multiple machines through robotic transfer.
Ideal for automotive, medical and energy components requiring tight cycle-time control and continuous throughput.
Example Applications
NCMT automation systems have been successfully deployed across aerospace, automotive, defence, medical and precision engineering sectors.
Recent projects include
- Integrated robotic cells for high-mix machining in aerospace components.
- Retrofit bespoke automation on existing Okuma machining centres.
- Fully automated EDM production cells for medical and energy industries.
- Flexible manufacturing systems combining Okuma and Makino machines with third-party automation partners.
Each project demonstrates NCMT’s capability to design, deliver, and support precision machining automation tailored to your operational goals.
GET STARTED
Effective service and spares support begins with a conversation. NCMT’s service, spares and sales teams can review your installed machine base and recommend the right level of support.