Economic upheaval redefining manufacturing resilience

As global economic uncertainty continues to reshape industrial strategy, supply chain resilience is becoming an increasingly important differentiator across sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. OEMs and tier-one manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on agile, dependable supply networks capable of delivering precision components with shorter lead times, tighter tolerances and complete traceability.

For subcontract manufacturers such as Rowan Precision, this shift is driving continued investment in advanced CNC machining technologies designed to support high-precision, scalable production. The company’s manufacturing capability centres on high-performance CNC sliding-head technology, as well as machining centres and multi-axis machining systems.

Originally developed for the Swiss watchmaking industry, sliding-head machining remains one of the most advanced forms of CNC turning available. By supporting the material bar close to the cutting tool using a guide bush, the process minimises vibration and deflection, enabling the production of highly intricate components with exceptional dimensional accuracy.

Rowan Precision operates 13-axis CNC sliding-head machines alongside twin-spindle, fixed-head CNC mill-turn platforms capable of combining turning, milling, drilling, threading and deburring operations within a single cycle. The approach reduces handling, improves repeatability and significantly increases throughput.

The company’s investment strategy is focused on supporting customers that require flexible UK-based manufacturing capability capable of scaling efficiently from prototype work through to full production programmes.

“Customers are looking for far more than capacity,” states Glenn Aston, CFO at Rowan Precision. “They want engineering partners capable of delivering consistency, technical capability and responsiveness under pressure.”

Neil Williams, technical sales manager at Rowan Precision, adds: “There’s a growing emphasis on resilient UK supply chains, particularly within aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. Building that resilience requires investment not only in machinery, but also in programming capability, process control and skilled people.”

More information www.rowanprecision.co.uk

Orders roll in for Star’s CNC sliding-head lathes

Star took several orders for sliding-head lathes on its stand at the recent MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham. Three orders, in particular, stood out.

Metal Assemblies Ltd, a tier-two manufacturer delivering precision-engineered metal pressings and assemblies, reinforced its machinery upgrade strategy with an order for two new SR-32JIII Type B sliding-head lathes. The investment replaces a pair of older SR models, each having delivered nearly 15 years of reliable service. The order was finalised between Iain Collis and Nigel Mason of Metal Assemblies and Star’s new Midlands area sales manager, Sam Ayres (pictured).

Featuring the latest Star technology – including Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking software – alongside enhancements in rigidity, swarf management and operator ergonomics, the new machines will support increased productivity, expanded capacity and greater operational efficiency.

Also placing an order at MACH was All British Precision, a subcontract supplier of precision machined components based in Derbyshire, which strengthened its long-term machinery investment strategy with the purchase of a new ST-38 sliding-head lathe. The order marks a significant milestone as it replaces the company’s very first ST-38 machine after 15 years of reliable service. Notably, the investment demonstrates All British Precision’s continued commitment to upgrading its production capabilities.

Hervé Engineering, a Southend-based manufacturer of precision CNC machined components for a wide range of industries and applications, was among further companies to place an order on the Star stand. The company is expanding its sliding-head production capacity with the order of a new SR-38 Type B. Complementing the company’s upcoming relocation to a larger facility, the latest investment will be the company’s highest capacity sliding-head lathe to date, increasing productivity and opening up new business opportunities.

More information https://stargb.com/

XYZ turning machines in the spotlight at MACH 2026

Covering a floor space of 240 m², the XYZ Machine Tools stand at last month’s MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham had something that appealed to every workshop. Akin to a classic rock band gig, there was new stuff, the trusted favourites and something a little different.

Several machines in the XYZ range are controlled by the Siemens 828D controls, aimed at giving manufacturers a distinct production advantage. The XYZ 65 LTY-S twin/sub spindle CNC turning centre is a case in point, allowing shops to get parts off the machine complete. Supplied with a 65 mm main spindle bar capacity and providing a maximum turned diameter of 380 mm (and mated to the 12-station BMT65 driven-tool turret), the LTY-S offers the opportunity to turn, mill and drill complex parts using its X, Z and Y axes.

XYZ says the simple transfer cycle provided by the Siemens ShopTurn software makes second-end work a breeze once the work sits in the sub spindle with all the functionality offered on the main spindle. Transition to the sub spindle ensures greater productivity with enhanced accuracy and provides the opportunity for lights-out running.

Continuing the turning machine theme at MACH was the XYZ CT52LR, which provides manufacturers of two-axis turned parts with a cost-effective solution when it comes to machine investment. Taking up only 2 x 1.5 m of floor space and built using the latest linear-rail technology, the CT52LR still benefits from a 10-station turret, 150 mm diameter three-jaw chuck and a tool-setting arm that allows users to get the most from this 52 mm bar capacity turning centre.

More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Tornos boosts machinability and chip management

Eural Gnutti, a global specialist in drawn aluminium alloy bars for machining, is working with Tornos France to demonstrate the machining and performance advantages of its lead-free 2033 aluminium alloy for high-precision applications.

Tornos France, part of the Swiss-based Tornos Group, is a major manufacturer of sliding-head and precision turning machines, serving sectors such as automotive, medical and luxury goods. The collaboration reflects growing industry demand for sustainable, lead-free materials capable of delivering high machining performance without compromising process reliability or surface quality.

At the centre of the project is Eural’s 2033 alloy, developed specifically to provide high machinability, chip control and operational consistency during high-speed machining. The material has proven particularly effective in supporting precision turning operations involving tight tolerances and demanding production cycles.

The alloy is attracting strong interest from luxury goods and watchmaking manufacturers seeking alternatives to traditional leaded brass materials. In addition to meeting increasing environmental and regulatory requirements, the alloy delivers bright, uniform surface finishes suitable for decorative treatments and coatings, including gold, silver and palladium.

To demonstrate the alloy’s capabilities, Tornos showcased a live machining application at the recent Simodec exhibition in France using its Swiss XT lathe. The machine produced a metal pocketknife featuring a handle machined entirely from Eural 2033 alloy, alongside stainless steel and titanium components. The demonstration highlighted the material’s high chip fragmentation, machining stability and surface finish.

“This application showed the efficiency of Tornos machines when machining a high-performance material such as Eural Gnutti’s 2033 alloy,” states Patrice Armeni, director of Tornos France.

Sébastien Vadillo, sales Manager France at Eural Gnutti, adds: “The collaboration enabled us to identify the optimal machining parameters and confirm the value of 2033 in new application areas.”

More information www.eural.com

Four-axis chip breaking attracts attention at MACH

At the recent MACH exhibition in Birmingham, Citizen Machinery showcased the latest evolution of its patented LFV (low-frequency vibration) chip-breaking technology, marking the first major UK exhibition demonstration of four-axis simultaneous LFV capability. Although the advanced functionality was first unveiled during Citizen’s open house in Brierley Hill last autumn, MACH 2026 provided the first opportunity for a wider manufacturing audience to see the technology in action across multiple machine platforms.

Originally introduced more than a decade ago, LFV technology is integrated directly into the operating system of Citizen Cincom sliding-head lathes and selected Miyano fixed-head models. Unlike conventional chip-breaking macros, the system synchronises high-frequency vibration with spindle rotation to create intermittent cutting, effectively breaking long, stringy swarf into manageable chips.

The latest development allows LFV to operate simultaneously across four axes: the X and Z movements on both the main and sub spindles. The result is greater machining flexibility, reduced cycle times and uninterrupted production, particularly during unattended operation and when machining malleable materials such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, copper alloys and plastics.

Five turn-mill centres equipped with four-axis LFV were demonstrated at the exhibition, including three Miyano fixed-head lathes and two Cincom sliding-head models. Among the highlights were the new Miyano BNX-65MSY and the Cincom L32-X series 2, both capable of superimposed machining with up to three tools cutting simultaneously to maximise productivity.

Citizen also demonstrated the breadth of its portfolio with two contrasting machines: the Miyano ABX-80THY, machining large-diameter components from 80 mm bar, and the Cincom R04-VI, producing intricate 2 mm diameter parts. Together, the demonstrations reinforced Citizen Machinery’s ability to deliver high-precision, lights-out manufacturing solutions across a wide range of component sizes and applications.

More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk