Microloc transforms Scottish engineering operations
MTD Audiobook
Situated near Alva in Central Scotland, Qualtek Engineering serves everything from small customers to large international corporations with CNC machining services. Alongside its main manufacturing activities, Qualtek operates Bespoke Engineering, a specialist automotive division concentrating on restoration, classic cars, performance vehicles, and motorcycles. It is here that Microloc clamping technology is used. The nature of Qualtek’s work demands versatility that traditional workholding solutions struggle to provide. Ewan Montgomery, who oversees operations, explains: “It’s a very...
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Hirschvogel revs-up optimisation with Vericut
MTD Audiobook
As an automotive supplier manufacturing up to 20,000 parts per day, the Hirschvogel Group operates at the pinnacle of automated series production where optimised cycle times are essential. By using Vericut simulation and optimisation software, machining processes can be analysed and optimised for series production in advance. From Village Forge to Global Manufacturing Leader Founded in 1938 as a village blacksmith in Denklingen, the Hirschvogel Group has grown into a global leader in producing and refining highly formed steel and aluminium components for the automotive sector. With around...
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Transforming production capabilities with Hanwha
MTD Audiobook
Machined Component Systems (MCS) PLC stands as a centre of manufacturing excellence in the heart of the Midlands, operating from its facility in Redditch. This innovative and progressive subcontract-machining specialist has built a reputation for delivering precision-engineered machined components to diverse industry sectors, including automotive, petrochemical, environmental, transport technologies, marine, healthcare technologies, and white goods. Founded by Warren Gray’s father, MCS has been under Warren’s leadership for the past decade. During that time, the company has transformed...
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Taking tradition to high-tech precision
MTD Audiobook
Established in 1967 by Reginald Newnham and now under third-generation family leadership, Newnham Engineering Limited has undergone a remarkable transformation from traditional machining to cutting-edge 5-axis manufacturing. Through investments in DMG MORI machine tools, this West Sussex-based company has acquired a DMU 75 monoBLOCK, DMU 100 FD duoBLOCK, and a CMX 70 U. Operating from their modern facility on Lancing Business Park, Newnham serves demanding sectors including oil and gas, surveillance, F1, and specialised industrial applications. What distinguishes them in today’s competitive...
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Stator machining solution ready for series production
MTD Audiobook
A process for complete machining of stator housings for electric motors, developed by Chemnitz machinery manufacturer NILES-SIMMONS and tool manufacturer MAPAL, has reached series production. Suppliers and OEMs now use it to produce components for drives in battery-powered electric vehicles and hybrid models. Both manufacturers recently proved in a development project that highly cost-efficient and precise production of stator housings is possible on a pick-up lathe. The parts feature external ribs for cooling circuits and are installed in the larger motor housing. Whilst NILES-SIMMONS used a...
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Serving success on a pallet
MTD Audiobook
Servicing manufacturers in the medical, oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, MOD, and F1 sectors, Rushden-based R&G Precision Engineering Ltd prides itself on the level of service it delivers to its customers. To meet its clients’ tight deadlines and quality demands, the company founded 50 years ago has invested in a series of multi-pallet machining centres from Matsuura. However, the shop floor at R&G Precision looked different four years ago from how it is today. Enzo Chiarelli from R&G Precision Engineering Ltd says: “We recall looking back to our first multi-pallet lights...
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Revolutionising factory automation with intelligent measurement solutions
MTD Audiobook
According to Pralhad Thapa, Department Manager at Mitutoyo Europe, an expert in dimensional metrology and automation: “We are confident we can address these issues for our customers, providing unattended measurement solutions that are easy to operate and available at a reasonable price.” In a presentation, it was this opening gambit that embodies both the philosophy of the new SmartMeasure AL system and Mitutoyo’s commitment to precision. Building upon decades of expertise in CMMs, this turnkey solution addresses the fundamental pain points expressed by customers across diverse...
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Precision tools driving EV and hybrid composites manufacturing
MTD Audiobook
At the core of lightweight, high-speed and energy-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles, composite materials play a crucial role in manufacturing advanced components. However, working with composites demands more than just selecting the right materials; it requires a new generation of precision tooling. The Composites Challenge Composites such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) and glass fiber composites (GFRPs) are not easy to work with. Their multi-layered structure, fiber orientation and abrasive nature make them resistant to traditional machining techniques. Unlike metals like...
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Power skiving for automotive’s future
MTD Audiobook
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Outlook, the clean energy transition and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) could lead global demand for fossil fuels to peak before 2030. As nations worldwide shift away from fossil-fuelled engines and towards an electric future, automakers are making a shift of their own, starting with their machine setups. Here, Swetapadma Mohanty, Senior Development Engineer, Gear Machining at Sandvik Coromant, explores the machining methods that will prove key to the automotive industry’s electric future. Another prediction made by the IEA is...
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Motorsport subby takes pole position
MTD Audiobook
2025 is already proving to be a memorable, standout year for leading precision motorsport subcontract specialist, Northants Precision Ltd. In addition to acquiring two more DN Solutions’ Lynx 2100 lathes from Mills CNC, the company has successfully completed its relocation to larger premises, increased its headcount, and secured new machining contracts. Led by owner and Managing Director Daniel Green, Northants Precision continually aims for excellence. The machines, an 8” chuck, long-bed Lynx 2100LMB with driven tooling, and a 6” chuck, 2-axis Lynx 2100A, were installed at the...
info_outlineRecent research commissioned by Close Brothers Asset Finance has revealed the significant impact of rising costs on businesses across the UK, with a majority of respondents reporting adverse effects on their operations and financial health.
According to the research, 71% of businesses have been affected by the rising cost of doing business, while 25% reported no impact, and 5% were unsure.
Among those experiencing increased costs, 56% indicated that it has negatively impacted their cash flow.
Conversely, 27% reported no negative impact on cash flow, and 15% did not notice an increase in costs.
The survey also identified the top five primary inflationary cost pressures affecting businesses – in order of most impactful:
l Energy (gas, electricity)
l Supplier costs
l Fuel (petrol, diesel)
l Interest rates
l Rent
Additionally, 67% of businesses have seen their business insurance costs rise in the past 12 months, while 26% haven't, and 7% are unsure.
In response to these increased costs, 24% of businesses have passed them on to customers completely, 61% partially, and 15% have not passed on any costs.
Regarding employee wages, 54% of businesses reported wage increases in the past six months, 34% did not, and 6% were unsure.
Anton Nebbe, Head of PR and Communications, and responsible for commissioning research at the firm says “These findings underscore the challenges faced by UK businesses in the current economic climate.
They highlight the need for strategic planning and support to navigate these pressures, and it’s clear the rising costs of doing business are presenting significant issues for many enterprises across the UK.”
“Our research highlights the critical areas where businesses are feeling the pinch, from energy and supplier costs to increased insurance premiums.
“At Close Brothers Asset Finance, we're committed to providing the support and resources businesses need to navigate these pressures and continue to thrive.
By understanding these challenges, we can better assist our customers in developing strategies to mitigate these impacts and ensure long-term success.”
For more information please visit: closeassetfinance.co.uk