Utilita: excellence in micromechanics strengthened by Ellistat's APC solution

Utilita SRL, founded in 1992 in Costabissara near Vicenza (Italy), is a major player in the production of small precision parts as a subcontractor for various industrial sectors. With 45 employees and sales of €5.7 million in 2023, Utilita SRL stands out for its expertise in micromechanics, supplying high-quality components to the jewellery, medical/dental and industrial sectors, mainly aerospace. The company recently invested in the APC software solution from French company Ellistat, which has improved the stability and efficiency of its production processes.

Founded by Sign Zamberlan, Utilita SRL is a family business that brings the precision and aesthetics of jewellery to the field of mechanical engineering. Initially focused on subcontracting for the jewellery and watchmaking industries -Uutilita is located near Vicenza, the goldsmith's and silversmith's capital-, the company expanded into the aerospace sector in 2004, followed by the medical/dental sector and precision micromechanics. Its customers (751 ItalianTP3T) are mainly medium-sized and large companies, as well as international groups.

In a fast-changing market, where responsiveness and flexibility are fundamental requirements, Utilita's managers are aware of the importance of innovation in all areas. They invest time and human resources in acquiring state-of-the-art know-how and production tools.
Utilita SRL stands out for its technical know-how, quality control throughout the production process and cutting-edge production technology. Its machinery includes multi-axis turning-milling centres and high-precision measuring machines (optical, contact, CMM, etc.).

The company is characterised by its ability to supply high-quality products while meeting strict requirements in terms of deadlines and flexibility. "We bring the culture of jewellery to all our production, focusing not only on precision and quality, but also on aesthetics and functionality," explains Andrea Zamberlan, President and CEO of Utilita SRL. This philosophy is reflected in the certifications obtained by the company over the years, testifying to its commitment to excellence and innovation. Utilita SRL is recognised for its high quality standards, certified by UNI EN ISO 9001, UNI EN 9100, UNI CEI EN ISO 13485, and soon UNI EN ISO 14001.

The Italian company produces a wide range of high-precision turned and milled parts with a high quality finish, ranging from 1.5 mm to 51 mm in diameter. For general precision micromechanics, the materials used include steel, aluminium, gold, silver, platinum, titanium, copper, bronze and special plastics. By way of example, micro-components produced for the medical sector are used for spinal orthopaedics, oral implants, surgical instruments and maxillofacial traumatology.

Always at the forefront of innovation, Utilita SRL invested in Ellistat's APC solution to meet its customers' growing demands for quality and reliability. "We were looking for software capable of guaranteeing stable and efficient processes, particularly for our customers in the sensitive aerospace and implantology sectors. After careful evaluation, we chose Ellistat for its outstanding performance," explains Andrea Zamberlan.

Utilita SRL chose Ellistat after extensive research and successful testing of the solution. "We immediately appreciated the potential of the APC module, which automates the setting of the machining centres. The results were very satisfactory and matched our expectations," adds Mr Zamberlan.

Implementation of the APC began with a CNC machine and a Zeiss inspection instrument, on three different items. Despite some delays due to other internal emergencies, training and installation went quickly and efficiently. 

"By testing the solution in a simple configuration, we were able to appreciate the results obtained. APC enables us to guarantee the quality and reliability of our processes, which is a fundamental objective for us! "says Mr Zamberlan.

Another important point is that, given the current shortage of skilled labour, APC has made it possible to reduce the need for highly specialised staff for checks and corrections, making it possible to delegate some production to less specialised operators. "This solution is crucial to maintaining our high quality standards while meeting the growing demands of the market," concludes Mr Zamberlan.

The project undertaken with Ellistat does not stop there. Utilita SRL plans to further develop the use of APC to interconnect several control instruments with a larger number of CNC machines. "We plan to interface a control island (several instruments) with more machines. There are still some aspects to be studied concerning the interface with continuous 5-axis machining processes," says Mr Zamberlan.

APC is compatible with all types of CNC machines and measuring instruments. The intuitive and innovative software makes the manufacturing process autonomous, and whatever the machine and the complexity of the part to be machined, the software is able to correct from the measurement of a single part.

"The aim is to maximise the benefits of the APC software by fully integrating it into our production process. We are convinced that this will enable us to achieve an even higher level of performance and quality," says Mr Zamberlan.

In conclusion, the investment in Ellistat's APC solution demonstrates Utilita SRL's commitment to innovation and excellence. "We have always believed in the importance of innovation to remain competitive. Ellistat's APC gives us the tools we need to guarantee the highest quality products to our customers," concludes Mr Zamberlan.