Sheet and Tube Laser Automation Challenges in 2026
As labor shortages, rising production demands, and increasing customer expectations continue to reshape the fabrication industry, more manufacturers are investing in automated sheet and tube laser cutting systems. Automation offers the promise of greater throughput, improved consistency, and reduced reliance on manual labor. However, many fabrication facilities discover that simply adding automation does not automatically […]
Hydraulic vs All-Electric CNC Tube Benders: Which Is Better?
As demand for precision fabrication continues to grow, manufacturers are increasingly evaluating whether a hydraulic CNC tube bender or an all-electric CNC tube bender is the best fit for their operation. While both technologies are capable of producing high-quality bends, the right choice depends on your production volume, part complexity, budget, and long-term manufacturing goals. […]
Employee Spotlight: Rachel Love – Operations Support Specialist
If you’ve ever worked with Universal Tool & Engineering, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Rachel Love. As an Operations Support Specialist, Rachel plays an important role in keeping things moving behind the scenes and helping the UTE team navigate whatever the day brings. Rachel has been with UTE for 4½ years, and […]
CNC Fiber Laser Safety: Understanding the Hazards, Standards, and Best Practices
CNC fiber lasers have revolutionized the metal fabrication industry by providing unmatched speed, precision, and efficiency. From thin-gauge stainless steel to heavy plate processing, fiber laser technology allows manufacturers to produce complex parts faster and more accurately than ever before. However, with the power and performance of modern fiber laser systems comes the responsibility to […]
Employee Spotlight: Phillip Nuckols, General Manager
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Phillip Nuckols, UTE’s General Manager. Phillip has been a valued member of the UTE team for 15 years, beginning his career here as a machinist before working his way into his current leadership role. When he’s not at UTE, Phillip enjoys life in a cabin nestled in the […]
PHTUS3015 Combo Laser: One Machine. Endless Possibilities.
Manufacturers today are being asked to do more with less, more production, more flexibility, and more capability without constantly expanding their equipment footprint. The UTE PHTUS3015 Combo Laser was designed to meet that challenge by combining precision sheet metal cutting and tube processing into one powerful fiber laser system. Instead of dedicating valuable floor space […]
Employee Spotlight: Silas Bowman
Silas Bowman joined the team just three months ago as a Service Technician, and he’s already making a strong impression. With a natural curiosity and a hands-on approach, Silas has quickly adapted to the role and embraced the day-to-day challenges that come with it. What stands out most about Silas is his drive to keep […]
Employee Spotlight: Logan Rayburn
 Logan Rayburn is a Sales Representative covering the Southwest Territory and, on this month’s Employee Spotlight, we’re proud to recognize him as a valued part of our team. After more than 12 years in the marketing industry, he brought a strong foundation in communication, strategy, and relationship-building into his transition to sales. In his […]
UTE partners with ETSU grad school engineering program to assist in career preparedness.
Universal Tool & Engineering has partnered with East Tennessee State University School of Graduate Studies’ Engineering program. Over the next several weeks, five students from an engineering grad school program will be working with the engineering and operations department. Their assignment is to observe UTE, identify a technical or operational issue, gather data, and submit […]
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