Precision machining cutting-edge research institute

The Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching near Munich has its origins in a laser research project group founded in 1976. With four departments in different areas of laser development and quantum physics, the institute researches the interaction of light with quantum matter at extremely low temperatures. 

The laboratories use complex, high-precision equipment built with the support of an in-house workshop. Some 15 engineers manufacture precision components on DMG Mori machine tools. The machine shop includes three of the manufacturer’s five-axis machining centres, a DMU 50 and a DMU 65 monoBLOCK plus, most recently, a DMU 40.

Research at MPQ provides physicists with ever deeper insights into physics at atomic scale. The results are so groundbreaking that two Nobel Prizes in Physics have been awarded to Garching employees.

Michael Rogg, who has been at the institute since 1986 and been head of the workshop for the last 13 years, says: “Our laboratories need special optical instruments to carry out their experiments. The stability of the DMG Mori five-axis machines and their extensive cooling systems allow the required high-precision machining of the often complex geometries, sometimes down to tolerances of a few microns.”

An extensive variety of materials is used in the workshop. As many experiments are carried out in a vacuum, stainless steel components are common, but aluminium, copper alloys and special plastics are also widely used.


Says Rogg: “Unlike in industry, profitability is only a secondary concern in research. What counts first and foremost is a perfect result. One person is always responsible for the entire production of a component, from programming through to final quality control.”

More information www.dmgmori.com

First 30-taper machining centre with 100 tools

At last month’s EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover, machining centre builder Brother introduced a variant of its Speedio U500Xd2-5AX 30-taper, five-axis machining centre able to deploy 100 different cutting tools, without the need for manual intervention. The new development addresses the accelerating industry trend toward high-mix, low-volume production and the need for prolonged periods of lights-out, unattended operation. The sole sales and service agent the UK and Ireland is Whitehouse Machine Tools.


Designed in accordance with Industry 4.0 principles, the U500Xd2-5AX 100T is aimed at subcontractors and OEMs that are already converts to using the efficient face-and-taper BBT30 tool interface, or are receptive to its merits, as opposed to the continued use of 40-taper machines. 

According to Whitehouse Machine Tools, compelling reasons for adopting 30-taper platforms are the very high-speed axis motions, which minimise idle times and raise productivity, the typically 80% reduction in electricity and air consumption, and the compact footprint.

Previous limitations on tool capacity and process integration within a minimal space on a factory floor have been eliminated, and a side shutter for robotic loading and the availability of automated workpiece or pallet storage and handling equipment allows the formation of a fully automated production cell. 

The tool count has been boosted by mounting a 36-tool stocker on either side of the 28-tool turret magazine, enabling manufacturers to keep an unprecedented number of different tools, sister tools and special cutters ready for use, without operator involvement. 

Despite the large tool storage capacity, the machine maintains its rapid 0.7-second tool-to-tool change time, while other top-end features also remain the same. The new model is equipped with Brother’s latest CNC-D00 control system featuring 15-inch LCD touch panel.

More information www.wmtcnc.com

Sixth Dugard installation supports Growth at Dicker

Nestled in the South Downs of East Sussex, Dicker Precision Components has been quietly building a reputation for excellence in precision machining since its founding in 1973. What began as a small CNC workshop in Hailsham has evolved into a thriving machine shop with the support of machine tools from Dugard.

The company’s location near Eastbourne proves advantageous for its core market focus, as Director Mark Love explains: “Some 90% of our business is related to the pump industry and 90% of this involves machining stainless steel. The Eastbourne area is renowned for pump manufacture in the UK.”

This geographical advantage has helped Dicker Precision carve out a specialised niche serving everything from the aerospace and automotive sectors to the defence, medical and offshore sectors. To machine stainless, the company says it invests in Dugard machines for their rigidity, stability and power.

The latest acquisition, a Dugard 760XP VMC, represents both a strategic capacity increase and a technological upgrade designed to meet growing demand while improving productivity. The ‘XP’ designation refers to the direct drive spindle technology that adds power for the continuous stainless steel work that dominates Dicker Precision’s order book.

Says Brandon Love, deputy operations manager: “The direct drive spindle gives us something a bit stronger, addressing the demanding nature of machining stainless steel components for the pump industry, where precision and durability are paramount.”

A significant factor in the machine selection was the Siemens Sinumerik 828D control system, which maintains consistency across Dicker Precision’s machine shop.

“We run our other machines with Siemens, so it just makes sense for consistency and quick turnaround,” he adds. “It’s just so much faster to just keep all the CNC control panels the same.”

More information www.dugard.com

20 years of Starrag/Liebherr-Aerospace partnership

Smooth, precise and with perfect timing: modern landing gear works just like an eagle about to land. For the first time, Starrag presented a fully assembled nose landing gear of the Airbus A350 at last month’s EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover, Germany, representing a symbol of a close partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace that has lasted over 20 years.

It all began in 2004 in Lindenberg, Bavaria, with a single Droop+Rein FOGS machine. Today, the partnership has developed into one of the most productive in the field of landing gear production. To celebrate, Starrag exhibited a fully assembled nose landing gear for the Airbus A350 – manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg and machined on a Droop+Rein machining centre.

The partnership represents the shared journey of two global specialists – one at the system level, the other in mechanical engineering. It is a collaboration of equals based on technical understanding, long-term thinking and a global perspective.

“The trust that Liebherr-Aerospace has placed in us for two decades is both an obligation and an incentive for us,” emphasises Heiko Quack, director of sales for large projects. “Together, we’ve developed processes that are considered a global benchmark – especially when it comes to safety-critical components.”

For over 20 years, the two companies have been working closely together to produce one of the most demanding components in the aviation industry efficiently, reliably and with maximum vertical integration – landing gear. Starrag supplies the machining technology; Liebherr the system solution.

Liebherr-Aerospace operates one of the most modern landing gear production sites in Europe at its Lindenberg site, where four Droop+Rein FOGS machining centres work in combination. This capability is supplemented by robot-supported tool systems, laser measurement and integrated automation.

More information www.starrag.com

Motorsport Inspires RPH’s Hurco Machine Investment

RPH Manufacturing, a tier-one supplier based in Wimborne, has consistently prioritised precision, efficiency, cleanliness and innovation throughout its long history. At the helm is owner and managing director Richard Haim, whose passion for engineering, which began 57 years ago, led him to start his own company in 1981. Upon asking him why he has a preference for vertical machining centres from Hurco, he says: “I like the brand because I know a lot of the Formula 1 Teams are customers of theirs. I have been a lifelong motorsport enthusiast and I thought there could be no better endorsement to purchase a Hurco machine tool.”

Four Hurco VM-series machines, equipped with Max 5 twin-screen controls running proprietary WinMax conversational programming software, today form the backbone of RPH’s workshop. They enable the company to deliver more than 45,000 parts per year to a wide range of industries. Just-in-time and Kanban systems offer customers reliable, often daily supply of parts keep their businesses running and minimise their stockholding.

Haim is always open to innovations and new working methods that can make his business perform more efficiently. A good example is the way in which he has embraced Hurco’s Solid Model Import software. Already a user of Hurco DXF software, he was easily able to realise the additional benefits of applying dimensions directly from a STEP file into a conversational program. 

After 44 years in business, Haim is as committed as ever to running his VM-series machines and has set his sights firmly on reaching RPH’s 50-year trading milestone, which will be in 2031. His unwavering commitment to Hurco underscores the value the machines have brought to his business and his confidence in the supplier’s ability to support his continued success in the future.

More information www.hurco.com