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MTD Magazine A…eu
UK Manufacturing: MTD Magazine, November Edition!

Listen to some of the best stories of the November 2025 edition of the MTD magazine. This edition’s theme is UK manufacturing with a technology focus on software! Read the full magazine here – https://mtdcnc.com/digital/november-2025 If you’re seeking unparalleled insights into the world of machining and manufacturing, look no further than MTD Magazine. We offer distinctive content that sets us apart. Our magazine is not only a compelling read but also a captivating listen. Explore our articles, or tune in to our audiobook for a comprehensive experience.

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Advanced CT Scanning

Industry-leading computed tomography (CT) scanning technology provided by Nikon has been employed to uncover the secrets of a rare 17th-century pendant watch, part of the Museum of London’s renowned Cheapside Hoard. The intricate details revealed by the scans have transformed the Museum’s understanding of this unique piece of early modern technology, providing new insights into its mechanism, case, and historical significance.The heart of the goldsmiths’ trade in post-medieval Britain was on the south side of Cheapside in the City of London. Here, on 18th June 1912, beneath a brick-lined cellar floor in a timber-framed building, workmen discovered a remarkable cache

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MTD Magazine A…eu
What role does tool holding play in sustainability?

Sustainability considerations are currently ‘trendy’ and Individual elements such as toolholding are often considered. However, if you want to act sustainably, you should not focus too much on finite details and look at the overall process. When it comes to sustainability, the product life cycle and the process in which it is integrated are critical factors. In machining, there are a lot of variables to consider such as the material, component geometry, quantities, type of machine, tools and clamping devices used. External circumstances such as the production location, the qualifications of the employees and automation must also be considered.Apart from

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Workholding upgrade doubles productivity

At Archway Engineering, a Leadwell V-50L 3-axis VMC performs some of the more arduous machining operations at the Elland-based company. On the shop floor of the West Yorkshire factory that manufactures drilling equipment for site investigation, mineral exploration, water well construction and environmental monitoring, the productivity of parts going through this machine has been doubled simply by changing the way workpieces are clamped. The transformation has been achieved by the September purchase of three US-made Chick OneLOKs from sole UK agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories, Salisbury. One of the units remains permanently at one end of the machine’s 1,420 by

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Sodick meets the challenge

When Wall Colmonoy needed to modernise its EDM machining capacity, the manufacturer turned to Sodi-Tech UK and the Sodick brand of wire EDM technology. As the industry benchmark in the manufacture of Colmonoy® surfacing and Nicrobraz® brazing products, precision castings, coatings and components, Wall Colmonoy had three key areas of concern in its wire EDM department. Installing a Sodick ALC800G Premium wire EDM machine resolved them all.The Michigan-based company with European headquarters in Pontardawe, South Wales had two machines with table sizes of around 300 by 400mm, so any large work outside this envelope either had to be subcontracted out

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Everything’s going according to plan

Mills CNC has recently supplied Tufcot Engineering Ltd with a new, large-capacity, multi-tasking lathe to enhance its machining capabilities. The 24” chuck DN Solutions’ Puma 700LM II equipped with driven tooling and FANUC 0iTP control is one of the largest machines acquired by Tufcot in its 43-year history.Tufcot’s relationship with Mills CNC began in 2005 with a Puma 240LC and now the company has purchased the Puma 700LM II, installed at the company’s 50,000sq/ft facility in Sheffield in April 2024.Over the years, more investments with Mills have followed to consolidate its supply chain position and acquire new business. It ordered

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Aerospace subcontractor improves efficiency with Citizen

Specialising in the manufacture of precision components for the aerospace industry, subcontract machining firm Apel began investing in Citizen CNC turning centres in the 1980s to help raise efficiency. Founded in 1965, the company has over time continued to re-invest in modern, highly productive lathes purchased exclusively from Citizen Machinery UK. Apel also uses Citizen’s adaptive guide bush (AGB) system. This automatically compensates for variation in bar diameter, preventing the stock from seizing in the bush. It also constantly maintains concentricity to prevent run-out issues. Downtime is avoided and tight machining tolerances are maintained. The system is used not only

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Guhring ‘powers-up’ productivity for EVs

As a machine tool builder that manufactures high-end machines for the global market, Heller UK is frequently involved in turnkey projects for prestigious OEMs. On a recent project, the Redditch company enlisted the support of the cutting tool experts at Guhring. There has been a wide spectrum of tools used on this project for a leading manufacturer of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including the Guhring tool holders and tool vending technology. As part of the package to accompany the cutting tools, the EV manufacturer has selected a vast range of standard shrink chucks, hydraulic chucks and synchro-tapping chucks. The cutting tools

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Innovative Tools for metal cutting

Companies that manufacture one-off parts and small batches primarily for the mechanical engineering industry require tools that are versatile all-rounders. Just as important is a tool partner who understands what metalcutting is all about and can ‘read’ the production process. If the partner just happens to be located in the region, then they are just the right partner. Otto Beckert Feinmechanik GmbH & Co. KG discovered this when it turned to ARNO Werkzeuge not only to supply turning, milling and drilling tools but also advice and assistance. “We think European and that’s how we buy. Even if our work is

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Helical Motion

The introduction of the ISCAR HELIMILL in the 1990s marked a significant milestone in milling tools. It changed the design of milling tools with indexable inserts, establishing a new approach that would help to shape the industry. The breakthrough was achieved using a parallelogram-shaped carbide insert, featuring a helical cutting edge formed by the intersection of the insert’s helical side and shaped top surfaces (Fig. 1). The HELIMILL concept offers several advantages. Firstly, the consistency of the rake and relief angles along the insert’s cutting edge, when mounted on a tool reduces cutting force variations and ensures a smooth cutting

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MTD Magazine A…eu
What Comes next

In the May issue, we featured our European trip with Ceratizit that took in the fantastic sights of Ruette, Kreckelmoos and Kempten in Austria and Germany to see the investment in new production sites, a new logistics facility and the brand new tech centre. In the run-up to the Autumn exhibition season with AMB and IMTS on the horizon, we take a closer look at some of the innovations shown during the tour that will be making an appearance at these September events. By Rhys Williams  The May issue of MTD magazine covered Ceratizit’s major investments, the sustainability targets and

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Innovation fit for a King

In AML’s digitally enabled ‘war room’ the firm’s co-founder and Managing Director, Gareth Morgan, is discussing the good news with his colleagues: the 100-strong precision engineering team has just won the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation. The award recognises ‘leaders in their field who adopt exemplary working practices and inspire other businesses.’ It’s one of the UK’s highest accolades for business excellence. For the King’s Award-winning project AML developed bespoke algorithms to generate efficiencies and ensure that each component’s features perfectly blend with the other components’ surfaces, increasing manufacturing performance and reducing rejected parts. But not every innovation is

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MTD Magazine A…eu
Aerospace delivers decade of ‘staggering’ growth

ADS Group’s latest annual report shows bullish growth across the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with aerospace, in particular, continuing to rebound strongly from the pandemic. These industries contributed £38.2bn in gross value add (GVA) to the UK economy, a sizeable increase from £37bn the previous year and almost 20% of total manufacturing GVA. Turnover rose to £88.4bn, up from £82bn, and exports to £38.7bn, compared to £36bn. Direct employment also experienced a sizeable uptick, reaching 427,500 jobs, up from 417,000. As uplifting as these year-on-year increases are, the true scale of expansion becomes more apparent when viewed over

MTD Magazine A…eu
Quantum leap in accuracy

At the Röhm GmbH plant in Sontheim Germany, 750 employees manufacture technology-oriented solutions for the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and aerospace sectors in a 41,000sq/m facility. The parts in question are finished on Kellenberger Premium grinding machines. The company’s portfolio fits perfectly with the existing business areas of Rothenberger Holding, which generates a sales volume of €1.3billion with over 100 operating companies, many of them in the machine tool sector. Applying an extensive restructuring project, an investment sum of several million Euros was made available, which flowed into new machinery and systems. The aim for the future was to produce

MTD Magazine A…eu
SME reorganises its entire production processes

As a Swiss SME that has thoroughly examined its production from a digital perspective, Sistag AG has recognised the potential of bits and bytes. The company has modernised its facility with a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) from Fastems and this approach is yielding interesting results with new experiences and ambitious plans. The globally active Sistag AG, headquartered in Eschenbach in the Canton of Lucerne, manufactures isolation valves for a wide range of industries. This includes pulp and paper, food and beverage, wastewater treatment and biogas/chemical plants. “In addition, we specialise in knife gate valves, known under the brand name Wey

MTD Magazine A…uk
Sound of Music 

Like the ‘Sound of Music’ that has won its place in movie folklore, the 2024 ‘Sound of Studer’ themed event that took place at the company’s Steffisburg headquarters has won its place in the hearts and minds of the 65 journalists from over 20 countries that attended. The annual Fritz Studer AG event is always packed with the latest innovations in grinding, an insight into the company’s ongoing evolution and an overview of the global trends in the manufacturing industry – and the February event once again lived up to its billing. By Rhys Williams Located in the Swiss Alps,

MTD Magazine A…uk
ITC provides complete solution for composite experts

As a company that has continually evolved over the last 40 years to become a leading global force in composite and GRP development and manufacturing, KS Composites is at the very cutting edge of innovation. KS Composites pushes the boundaries in the motorsport, marine, energy, rail, aviation and defence sectors and the Melton Mowbray company relies upon the expertise of the cutting tool experts at Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) to deliver results.  Operating out of a 48,000sq/ft manufacturing facility that accommodates more than hundred staff, KS Composites services and facilities include everything from design and manufacture to FEA, CFD, kit

MTD Magazine A…eu
Guhring builds lifelong relationship based on results

LMS Precision Engineering has trusted its tooling supplier for over 35 years. With a relationship that dates back more than three decades, many manufacturers would ask ‘why?’ The simple answer lies in the fact that Midlands-based LMS works with Guhring UK, one the world’s leading manufacturers of cutting tools with UK manufacturing facilities and expert engineers on hand to deliver optimal machining solutions, whatever the challenge. Scott Street, a partner at Droitwich-based LMS Precision Engineering says: “We are a family-run business that has been operating for over 40 years. Our main sectors of interest are aerospace and general subcontract machining.

MTD Magazine A…uk
Insert evolution continues to take shape

The introduction of the ISCAR HELIMILL in the 1990s marked a significant milestone for milling tools. It revolutionised the design of milling tools with indexable inserts, establishing a new approach that would shape the industry for years to come. This breakthrough was achieved using a parallelogram-shaped carbide insert, featuring a helical cutting edge formed by the intersection of the insert’s helical side and shaped top surfaces. The HELIMILL concept offers several advantages. Firstly, the consistency of the rake and relief angles along the insert cutting edge when mounted on a tool reduces cutting force variations and ensures a smooth cutting

MTD Magazine A…uk
The impact of ESG reporting on manufacturers

The introduction of mandatory ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is set to have significant implications for engineering businesses. Keith Davidson, Environment Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell discusses how the upcoming ESG developments, starting in 2024, will fundamentally change the business landscape for engineering companies. Recent and expected ESG developments Although the term ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) has been commonly used since 2004, it has not been a priority issue for most SMEs. ESG is used as a measure of socially responsible investing and for the last two decades ESG has primarily concerned international financial market participants such

MTD Magazine A…uk
Green light for Nissan’s ambition 2030

Nissan’s devotion to electrification and manufacturing in Britain, is compelling. Huge recent investments underline the company’s green plans and long-term future in the UK. Will domestic suppliers benefit as the switch over to electric bites and new, high-volume components are needed? By Will Stirling It’s June 2016 and the EU Referendum result is in. Shock: the British public voted to leave the European Union. Pandemonium ensues. Prime Minister David Cameron resigns. The cost of exports to the EU will certainly rise. A business story sharp in the memory was Nissan’s then Chief Executive, Carlos Ghosn, warning that the carmaker could

MTD Magazine A…uk
Out of this world!

A total of 16 machines, including a number making their UK and MACH Show debuts, plus two automated manufacturing cells and a complete Mills’ technology line-up will be on the largest stand at the event.  In Hall 19 on Stand 110 Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland is promising to make MACH 2024 a truly inspiring and transformative event. With a reputation for always ‘pushing the boat out’ at previous MACH shows the company is doing something similar, confirming that it will be showcasing a total of 16 machines

MTD Magazine A…uk
XYZ brings 19 machines to MACH 2024 

XYZ Machine Tools will be exhibiting the full range of its TMC machining centres for the first time at MACH 2024. The company will premiere the new XYZ CT65 LTY-S Twin/Sub spindle lathe. In total, XYZ will have 16 machines under power on its main Stand 140 in Hall 20, right next to the entrance to Hall 20. In addition, it will have an XYZ RLX 780 3m CNC Lathe on a second stand in Hall 6 – Stand 72 with two XYZ 500LR VMCs on the WorldSkills Stand 480 in Hall 17. The XYZ TMC range features the easy-to-use

MTD Magazine A…uk
NCMT celebrates 60th anniversary at MACH 2024 

NCMT is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. In 1964, it was one of the first companies to sell CNC machine tools into the UK and Irish markets when it won the sole agency to sell and service Makino machining centres. Twelve years later, a second agreement was reached with Okuma, another Japanese manufacturer.  In 2005, Makino-NCMT Grinding Division was established to develop and sell throughout Europe Makino machining platforms for creep-feed VIPER grinding of nickel alloys. Since 2015, NCMT has also been the Europe-wide agent for photo-activated adhesive workholding systems manufactured by Blue Photon in the US.  NCMT has

MTD Magazine A…uk
Versatile workholding ensures productivity and precision

TecnAir designs and manufactures an extensive variety of pneumatic cylinders, valve assemblies, linear drives, handling equipment, controls and other products. Located in Shipley, the company’s products are used for the assembly of standard and special automation solutions worldwide, predominantly in the transport, semiconductor, railway, marine and off-shore automotive industries.  Characterising this activity above all else is the large amount of metal cutting involved in machining the parts, as well as the extreme accuracy to which they must be machined. To this end, since the early 2000s the manufacturer has entrusted component clamping on its machining centres to Chick workholding products,

MTD Magazine A…uk
Subcontractor gets a grip with ITC

Like any fledgling company, the wind of change can blow qui🎧ckly through a business, and this was certainly the case for Shropshire Precision Engineering (SPE) Ltd. Initially set up as a ‘part-time’ business, it wasn’t until Technical Director Robin Chisnall joined the Shrewsbury business in 2017 that the company set about upgrading its machine tool and cutting tool technology – with XYZ Machine Tools and Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) proving the partners of choice.  As an engineer who has been in the industry for almost 50 years, Robin sold his previous business for a life of happy retirement back in

MTD Magazine A…uk
Collaborative R&D helps take the weight off civil aerospace

Engineers’ obsession with weight and strength is reaching new heights in the aerospace sector. A range of technologies are being developed for manufacture, many with research centre support, that are designed to cut weight and carbon in aviation. By Will Stirling It was a good landing at the end of 2023. Commercial aircraft orders and deliveries are flying high, and up in 2022 by some eye-catching margins. It seems like aerospace production is back to pre-pandemic levels. According to aerospace group ADS, 2,430 total aircraft orders have been placed globally to 6th December, a 43% increase on the same period

MTD Magazine A…uk
Prima Innovations are shear class

In the November issue of MTD magazine, we reported on our visit to the Prima Power factory in Seinäjoki in Western Finland. We toured the manufacturing facility and were absorbed by the efficiency of the plant. In this issue, we take a closer look at the ‘Tech Centre’ – the showpiece for the developments coming out of the Scandinavian facility of Prima Power. By Rhys Williams In 2022, the MTDCNC crew were lucky enough to get an invite to the Prima Power headquarters in Turin. Like the architecture of northern Italy, that facility was incredibly impressive with multi-axis lasers, additive

MTD Magazine A…uk
Offshore subcontractor takes off with Vulcan

Located in Moray, North-East Scotland, an area famous for its Scotch Whisky, Standfast Precision Engineering Ltd provides subcontract manufacturing services that are far more edifying than a tipple. The manufacturer continually invests in machine tools to serve its clients in the offshore and whisky distillery sectors. The latest investment is a Vulcan 710L VMC from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).  Located in Craigellachie where the River Spey meets the River Fiddich, Standfast has continually invested in new technology to enable the production of high quality components. Primarily working with the oil and gas industry, Standfast has witnessed significant growth in

MTD Magazine A…uk
5-axis makes low-cost jobs financially viable

Many prismatic machining contracts are ideally fulfilled on a 5-axis machining centre that enables components to be produced cost effectively. This is because the two rotary axes are able to position the component quickly and automatically in various orientations for milling and drilling without expensive fixtures and multiple set-ups. A problem arises when the components do not command a high selling price, as most 5-axis machines are a considerable investment. Subcontractor G&J (CNC) Services in Paddock Wood has apparently found a solution – the Leadwell V-30iT 3+2-axis BT40 machining centre from WH-Lead, Towcester. The entry-level price of less than six

MTD Magazine A…eu
Starrag HD reduces cycle times by 30%

Now available from Starrag Heckert, the STC1250 HD is the latest addition to the renowned STC Series that has been designed to provide unrivalled economy in the machining of the most demanding aerospace structural parts, multi-blades and casings. For those challenging components with long cycle times, the STC Series provides a whole host of practical options. The latest arrival, the STC1250 HD machining centre provides excellent static and dynamic properties as well as a tried and tested rotatable head, making it the new benchmark for heavy-duty titanium and Inconel machining. Commenting on the latest addition to the portfolio, Lee Scott

MTD Magazine A…uk
Making money in your sleep

Recently rising to the eighth largest manufacturing economy in the world, the route to continued ascension for UK manufacturing isn’t purely down to the well-publicised need for a national manufacturing strategy or government investment – a large burden of responsibility has to lie firmly at the feet of manufacturers and their reticence to automate. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) frequently shines a light on how far the UK is behind other developed nations. The most recent report shows that 71,000 robots were installed in Europe in 2022, the UK accounted for just over 2000 of those installations. As a

MTD Magazine A…uk
Toolmaker dives into cost savings with Guhring

As a family-run business, Canterbury Tools Ltd has been involved in the design and manufacture of press tools since it was established almost 50 years ago. To optimise the production of specialist press tools, the Wallsall subcontract manufacturer utilises wire EDM machines from Sodick, machine tools from Hurco and cutting tools supplied by Birmingham-based Guhring.   The West Midlands manufacturer specialises in the production of single operation tools, progression tools, transfer tools, as well as components and assemblies for automated and robotic processes in sectors as diverse as the agricultural and construction industries through to the medical, IT, aerospace and

MTD Magazine A…uk
Innovation never stops 

Where Innovation Never Stops! is the slogan that appears on the walls of the production facilities at ISCAR headquarters and has been synonymous with the company for several decades. The Covid-19 pandemic did not interrupt the innovation process, and between 2020-2021 ISCAR introduced the NEOLOGIQ marketing campaign comprised of advanced cutting tools and tooling solutions for modern metalworking.  Significant changes in manufacturing, such as intensive digitising, the shift to electric drive in the automotive industry, and growing precise workpiece fabrication, have emerged with new demands for cutting tools. Notwithstanding, the accelerated pace of changes sharpens the demands and requires more

MTD Magazine A…uk
Cutting the chatter

Productive Machines is on a mission to provide a 15-minute turnaround from receiving data on its cloud-based, artificial intelligence platform to delivering a click-and-play machining protocol that enables manufacturers to machine the best part, faster, first time. John Yates talks to the spin-out team whose software-as-a-service is driving step changes in productivity and sustainability. Walking along the second-floor corridor to the Productive Machines’ workspace in the AMP Technology Centre, Rotherham, Dr Erdem Ozturk stops to look through the window at the Rolls-Royce Factory of the Future, whose 3,000sq/m of machining workshops were his research and development laboratory for more than

MTD Magazine A…uk
Ready for ‘Lift-off’ with OPEN MIND

As the name would suggest, Hill Helicopters is a manufacturer of luxury light helicopters. Since its inception, the company has been on a fascinating journey that is seeing the team of 80+ engineers develop and manufacture a complete aircraft from the ground up. To achieve this, the Rugeley manufacturer has enlisted the support of leading manufacturers from the sphere of machine tools, cutting tools and ancillary equipment. When the company needed industry-leading CAD/CAM technology that is trusted by the aerospace industry, it turned to OPEN MIND Technologies and its groundbreaking hyperMILL CAM suite. Discussing the foundation blocks of the Staffordshire

MTD Magazine A…uk
FGP Turbo’s through complex work with Mastercam

Made up of three main companies, the FGP Group is a specialist Tier 1 subcontractor that provides services from design and manufacturing to surface coating, heat treatment, assembly, inspection, testing and more. As one of the three companies in the group, FGP Systems Ltd typically produces prismatic components for the aerospace industry – it is here that the company utilises Mastercam CAM software.  Founded more than 45 years ago, the company bought      its first 5-axis machine, a DMG MORI DMU 50 eVolution   over   20 years ago – and 3 and 5-axis machining has since become the

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Support milling with the right tools and know how

When outsourced manufacturing processes such as milling are brought back in-house due to the uncertainty of supply chains, up-to-date engineering skills and fresh know how are often required. The general trend to increase productivity and improve profitability may be timeless. However, when it comes to current trends, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. The selection and use of the right tools and tool holders are critical as they determine the quality and efficiency of the end result. So, wouldn’t it make more sense to consult a cutting tool manufacturer? If the crises of the past few

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MTD Magazine A…uk
The right tool for the right CNC

The history of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines dates back seven decades. During the 1950s, CNC technology was difficult to introduce due to manufacturers’ scepticism. Today, it is hard to imagine the world of manufacturing without CNC machines. In material removal processes, a CNC machine has become the central link that determines the functional capabilities of a manufacturer. CNC machining centres are complex machines that continue to evolve and improve. The advancement of CNC technology is based on the progress in various fields such as the main spindle and its bearing units, machining slideways, high-velocity drives, computer engineering, hydraulics, electric

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Cutting costs with a fluid solution

By Rhys Williams Founded back in 2011, Cwm Engineering is a subcontract manufacturing business that has grown at an exponential rate since its inception. The relentless growth trajectory for this West Wales manufacturer is a credit to its approach to continuous improvement and delivering impeccable quality for customers. So, when the Crosshands company was having challenges with its cutting fluid, it turned to Oemeta for a solution. Like any subcontractor that has a diverse range of manual and CNC machine tools employed to process a wide variety of materials from plastics and aluminium to steel and heat-resistant alloys, the challenge

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MTD Magazine A…uk
In safe hands with CMZ

Founded before the First World War, Tybro Bros (Sutton in Ashfield) Ltd has evolved over the last century. Formed in 1914, it has progressed from a business with motor and electrical engineers to precision engineering. The company has a reputation for its excellent standards – something underpinned by its investment in machine tools from CMZ. A family business spanning more than four generations, the Kirkby-in-Ashfield company is a typical subcontractor that serves all industry sectors. With a customer base that boasts brands like Thorntons, OTIS, the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Transport for London, the company was instrumental in the

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Embracing a ‘one-stop-shop’ supplier

Full 5-axis capability plays a pivotal role in Maycast-Nokes’ production processes. Situated in Halstead, Essex, the company invested in their initial 5-axis machine over two decades ago—a HAAS VF-2 vertical machining centre equipped with a trunnion unit. Sales Director at Maycast-Nokes, Mr Dave Blower explains: “This marked our first investment with HAAS. Although initially intended for a specific project, it had a tremendous impact on our entire machine shop.” Adding to this, Dave says: “At the time, we did not possess any other 5-axis machines on-site. However, we found the transition to be seamless, and the HAAS control system proved

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Factory 33 supported by Hurco from day one

Located in Carterten, Factory 33 is a family business headed up by Martin Krzywina, and Karina Ringer-Krzywina. With more than 10 years of experience in manufacturing precision components for the F1, aerospace, nuclear, medical and cryogenic sectors; this was immediately the target area for the engineers when they started the company in 2015. The journey started with two machines from Hurco. Managing Director Marcin Krzywina says: “We make everything from aerospace to motocross parts and we also supply most of the F1 and Formula E Teams. These are typically high-precision critical components. The first two machines we bought were a

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Prima packs a punch

Prima Power, the brand born from the union of two industry leaders Prima Industrie and Finn-Power, has been synonymous with the sheet metal industry for over 50 years. MTD Magazine visited the factory in Seinäjoki in Western Finland to see how this sheet metal powerhouse manufactures machines that lead the industry in innovation. By Rhys Williams Founded in 1969 as a subcontract manufacturer, Finn-Power Oy evolved down the generations to become one of the industry’s leading manufacturers of punch presses, press brakes and automation systems. With hundreds of UK installations over the years, legacy customers will be pleased to know

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Thinking Big

Last month, MTD magazine visited RODIN Machining in Holland, a company that claims their entire customer process – from customer registration and work preparation to production and invoicing is almost 100% automated with sharp delivery dates. We went along to see what was behind this manufacturing utopia – it turns out that FASTEMS is a crucial factor in achieving this nirvana. By Rhys Williams About an hour north of Amsterdam in the town of Opmeer is RODIN Machining, a Dutch contract manufacturer that is said to be the first fully automated turning and milling company in the world. To achieve

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MTD Magazine A…uk
People, Process, Principle

An aerospace parts supplier in Wichita, Kansas, US has built a business on the three pillars of People, Processes and Principles – and it is the VERICUT toolpath simulation and optimisation software from CGTech that helps support the second principle. The company applies integrity and experience, consistent performance and clarity of purpose as words to live and work by, no matter what the vocation. They are the guiding philosophies behind Trinity Precision Inc.’s motto, ‘People, Process, Principle,’ and ever since founders David May, Steve Ford, Dave Tice, and Chris VanNover opened the company’s doors in 2014, they’ve stood by them.

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Siemens slashes machine development time for PTG Holroyd

As a machine tool builder, Rochdale-based PTG Holroyd is regarded as a world leader in the creation of highly sophisticated rotor milling, rotor grinding and friction stir welding machines. With three divisions in the company, each with a highly sophisticated niche, the manufacturer has further evolved its longstanding partnership with Siemens following the arrival of a new CNC control system for its machine tools. As a business, Holroyd has been producing machines in Greater Manchester since 1860 and is a world leader in the design, build and supply of high-precision gear, rotor, screw and thread milling and grinding machines for

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MTD Magazine A…uk
The state of play

At the recent EMO exhibition, there was a lot more on offer than innovative products and technical insights. Here, we provide you with an overview of the global machine tool market, which was presented in Hannover by CECIMO – The European Association of Manufacturing Technologies at a press conference during the exhibition. At the conference, there were representatives from all the major machine tool associations – whose manufacturers account for more than 80% of global machine tool production. At the gathering at EMO, the respective associations demonstrated their resilience and strength in the face of a wide range of global

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MTD Magazine A…uk
SMEs need financial help and an industrial strategy to support manufacturing recovery

Tata’s £4bn battery gigafactory and a £600m investment in BMW’s MINI factory headline big investments and rising orders across manufacturing in 2023. But the pincer effect of high inflation, high interest rates and high demands from recovering OEMs is putting cash pressures on SMEs. Can they get the help they need to service the recovery and benefit from it, asks Will Stirling 2023 was a year of strained recovery for the manufacturing sector. After severe component supply delays caused by fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War, 2023 edged back to normality – or a new, more expensive

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Renishaw breaks the ‘glass ceiling’ on encoders

When Renishaw targets entry to a new marketplace, convention is not a path it travels. Renishaw looks at how existing manufacturers develop products and then completely rewrites the script. After over 30 years of producing ‘open optical encoders’, Renishaw instigated the development of ‘enclosed optical encoders’ for machine tools. The outcome is the FORTiS™ encoder and the results are ground-breaking. By Rhys Williams With the majority of Renishaw’s repertoire of products being symbiotic to the machine tool industry, the UK manufacturer sensibly set about applying its expertise in open optical encoders to enclosed optical encoders for machine tools. The concept

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MTD Magazine A…uk
What is an industrial metrologist?

In the previous issue, metrology expert Ian Wilcox introduced us to the three types of metrology as defined by the Bureau of International Weights and Measures (BIPM). In the article, Ian detailed the three types of metrology – Scientific, Applied and Legal Metrology. In this follow-on feature, Ian delves into the implementation, effectiveness and value of metrology to a manufacturing business. Metrology is a science-based system that as stated by BIPM ‘includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement, whatever the measurement uncertainty and field of application’. We all use the same units of measurement, standards, calibration and traceability and

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MTD Magazine A…uk
The journey to our first cobot – embrace the automation!

Contracts Engineering Limited (CEL), one of Southeast’s largest contract manufacturers, has set a bold target of becoming one of the largest in the UK by 2028. To achieve this ambitious goal, the company is investing heavily in automation, including the use of robots and cobots. Here, Managing Director Troy Barratt explains the company’s journey of going from no robots to 1 – as going from 0 to 1 is the biggest leap! The company now has a robot and a cobot and is taking steps to scale up robotics and automation integration after recognising the impact it is having upon

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Vintage restorer soars with Mazak

Founded in 1991 and nestled in the heart of Bedfordshire, Kennet Aviation specialises in the renovation and servicing of historic aeroplanes. Over the last 30 years, the company has restored 15 aircraft, including a Supermarine Seafire used in World War II. The company restores aircraft to the stringent standards required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – to do this the company has invested in Yamazaki Mazak machine tools. “It has always been difficult to source parts to restore and service old aeroplanes,” explains Tim Manna, Director at Kennet Aviation. “Components can be found in barns, sheds and museums across

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Subcontractor finds 30-taper machine is the clear choice for volume aero production

30-taper machining centres these days are much more robust than ever before and are not only fast, but can also cut tough materials. One company that has discovered the merits of this type of prismatic machining equipment is Staffordshire Precision Engineering (SPE), Newcastle-under-Lyme. The subcontractor recently purchased a Brother R650X2 30-taper 4-axis machining centre with a table-mounted indexing trunnion from the Japanese manufacturer’s sole sales agent in the UK and Ireland, Whitehouse Machine Tools, Kenilworth. Installed at the end of March, the machine is the subcontractor’s first 30-taper machine and is being put to work producing aluminium parts for the

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Automotive technology for aerospace

Machine tool manufacturer Zimmermann recently brought MAPAL aboard as a technology partner to design a turnkey solution for machining titanium aerospace parts. MAPAL’s line boring technology combined with a new generation of tools made this challenging project a resounding success. F. Zimmermann GmbH is known for its large portal milling machines that are often found in the R&D departments of large aerospace corporations. “We have always been craftspeople and not mass producers”, is how Steffen Nüssle, Head of Sales and Application Technology at Zimmermann describes the manufacturing philosophy. Multiple machines are already being deployed by an Asian aerospace part supplier.

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Guhring keeps spindles turning for sliding head subcontractor

For more than 30 years, Birmingham-based Rowan Precision Ltd has been manufacturing high-quality parts for customers – and for much of this time, the company has relied upon Guhring UK to supply its cutting tools.   As a subcontract machining specialist to industries such as the defence, medical and aerospace sectors, AS: 9100 and ISO: 9001 accredited Rowan specialises in sliding and fixed head multi-axis turning and 5-axis machining. With more than 10 sliding head turning centres on the shop floor, the company has an enviable reputation for medium to high volume lights-out manufacturing of small components. It is here

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Thread of ingenuity

Founded in 2011, Interface Precision Engineering Limited (IPEL) is a specialist subcontract precision manufacturer based in East Sussex. When it comes to increasing productivity and reducing cycle times, IPEL relies on the most advanced cutting tools in the marketplace – that is why the company is working closely with Vargus for its threading applications. The St Leonards-on-sea manufacturer specialises in machined, fabricated and pressed components for a diverse range of industry sectors. Steve Elliot, the Production Manager at IPEL says: “We mainly make parts for vacuum systems as well as a vast range of diverse work for other industry sectors,

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Tool craft for aircraft

Titanium, high-temperature superalloys (HTSA), and creep-resisting steel used in the aerospace sector are difficult to cut and can create a bottleneck for the supply chain. Poor machinability results in  low cutting speeds that reduce productivity and tool life. Furthermore, modern aircraft and UAVs feature a considerably increased share of composite materials that demand specific cutting tools, which is the  focus of a technological leap in the aerospace industry. Most geometrically complicated parts of aero engines work in highly corrosive environments and are made from hard-to-cut materials. A combination of complex shapes, low material machinability and high accuracy requirements are the

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Standing still is not an option

Last month MTD magazine had the privilege of being invited to the Horn Technology Days event in Tubingen, a short drive south of Stuttgart. The threeday event from the 14th to the 16th of June was a genuine masterclass in cutting tool innovations – a fact underlined by the event drawing more than 3,300 visitors from 37 countries. By Rhys Williams The Horn Technology Days event was the first event in four years following the Covid hiatus. The eighth Technology Days event had more innovations than ever before and these were well received by the 3,300 registrations that were added

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MTD Magazine A…uk
It’s Electrifying

MTDCNC looks back at the recent Electric Revolution Skills Hub launch and reveals why a 169,000 jobs bonanza could be on the way if the potential of the new platform is leveraged. 169,000 new skilled jobs. That was the headline figure of the high-profile conference that launched the Electric Revolution Skills Hub (ERS Hub) recently. More than 250 delegates heard how these new positions would need to be created over the next two years if the UK is going to transition to zero-emission vehicles, with industry experts making a passionate call for the power electronics, machines, and drives (PEMD) disciplines

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MTD Magazine A…uk
Projects stack up but defence procurement needs an upgrade

Manufacturers of military equipment components know there is lots of potential business out there, but delays in confirming some projects and apparently giving equal preference to foreign primes as domestic UK primes are frustrating suppliers. Joscar, a new compliance tool, should help more subcontractors access defence work more easily – but it must happen more quickly. By Will Stirling While for many in the industry defence spending seems flat, spending is rising with government stats showing it at £45.9bn, an increase of £3.6bn from last year, which when adjusted for inflation is an 8.9% increase. There are several substantial capital

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