Loads Better Performance with SYNERGi Automation System

A new SYNERGi automation system from Mills CNC has helped Bindon Engineering improve an existing in-house machining process by eliminating frequent, disruptive and costly manual part loading and unloading operations.The installation of the bespoke SYNERGi Sprint automated manufacturing cell, dedicated to machining high-precision centre column (activator) parts for a long-term customer, has minimised downtime and optimised workflows, resulting in continuous, uninterrupted production and faster turnaround times.

Mills CNC supplied the system to Bindon Engineering’s 36,000 sq ft facility in July 2025. The automation cell was integrated with an existing 10-inch chuck Puma TT 2500SY twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre with Y-axis capabilities, originally supplied by Mills CNC in 2019.

The new setup has created a more efficient automated machining process for the small-to-medium batch production of high-precision centre column parts, reducing labour-intensive manual intervention and enabling continuous production.

Established in 1966, Bindon Engineering is a family-owned precision subcontract specialist employing 50 people. The company regularly invests in advanced CNC machine tools and automation to improve productivity and reduce inefficiencies.

Ian Lawrence, managing director at Bindon Engineering, says: “Improvement is the name of the game, and we’re always looking at ways to increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies.Our investment in automation is really paying dividends. Turnaround times have improved, and we’ve optimised the production capacity of the TT 2500SY lathe.”

He adds: “With labour costs as high as they are, UK component manufacturers need to fully embrace automation and the unmanned operation of their machines to improve productivity and maintain their competitive edge. This investment is further evidence that this is the direction of travel for Bindon Engineering.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

GrindingHub 2026 isfully booked 

Rising energy and material costs, volatile markets, geopolitical uncertainties, and ongoing pressure to innovate and improve efficiency are currently shaping the operating environment for grinding technology. This makes GrindingHub in Stuttgart this week all the more noteworthy: on 5-8 May, some 460 exhibitors from 28 countries will showcase their latest advances.

The trade show has established itself as a key platform for professional exchange and the presentation of practical solutions related to the grinding process. With three fully booked halls, the number of exhibitors has reached a level comparable to that of 2024, sending a clear signal in an economically challenging environment.

More information www.grindinghub.de/en

Finalists Named for STEM Innovation Competition

Young innovators across the UK have been named finalists of The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2026. Selected from hundreds of entries, the young finalists will now go through a final round of judging and receive feedback from industry experts, before the winners are announced at an awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair in June, the UK’s largest free celebration of STEM for young people aged 10 to 13. Run by EngineeringUK, the UK’s top annual STEM competition encourages young people to think big, challenge facts, ask questions and invent solutions. 

More information www.thebigbang.org.uk

Metal service centre wins big at CBM Awards

Amajor UK-based metal services centres was named as the shining star of the metal industry ‘Oscars’ recently. William King, which specialises in high-tensile steel, aluminium, light gauge processing, electrical steels and niche metal coatings, beat off competition from more than 50 businesses to win the ‘Company of the Year’ at the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) Awards.Held in front of more than 150 people at the ICC in Birmingham, the West Bromwich-based company impressed judges with its commitment to decarbonisation through investment in solar-generated electricity.

More information www.thecbm.co.uk

Trumpf develops new EV welding solution

A new laser welding solution from Trumpf makes the production of power electronics for electric cars more efficient and reliable. The company has developed a highly automated process that enables customers to weld copper electrical conductors directly onto copper busbars. Manufacturers can now replace the screw connections traditionally used with this new technology.

“The key lies in the interplay between laser, sensor technology, AI and data,” says Woo-Sik Chung, responsible for the new laser welding solution at TRUMPF. “Only when all components work in perfect harmony can highly automated and stable processes for series production be realised. The entire process takes well under a second and is therefore designed for high-productivity series production.”

More information www.trumpf.com