Feature on Grinding and Surface Finishing

Efficient dust collection with Contura pulse controller

Donaldson Filtration Solutions, a worldwide provider of filtration products and solutions, is launching the Contura pulse controller. This new dust collector control solution has iCue connected technology built in, which Donaldson say strengthens its position as a global leader in filtration solutions.

The Contura Controller is designed to simplify connectivity and help customers improve equipment performance. Embedded iCue technology provides an integrated solution for data tracking, performance optimisation and proactive maintenance.

Donaldson’s iCue connected technology is a monitoring system that collects and analyses data from industrial dust collectors to help facilities operate efficiently. Using integrated sensors and a secure cloud-based platform, the system can help customers track critical performance indicators and provide them with real-time insights via an intuitive online dashboard. With this technology, Donaldson customers can leverage real-time data and analytics to support uptime, maintenance efficiency, and help manage their operations’ critical compliance data.

“Making iCue connectivity standard on our dust collectors through the Contura launch reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric technologies that help users operate efficiently,” says Mauricio Goes, vice-president of industrial air filtration at Donaldson. “We’re excited about how this advancement supports uptime and decision-making across multiple facilities.”

Initially available on select dust collector models in Europe and North America, the Contura marks the first step in a phased roll-out which will extend to additional equipment and regions over time. This launch is a key milestone in Donaldson’s broader strategy to deliver innovative, connected filtration solutions to support evolving customer needs and operational expectations.

More information www.donaldson.com

Accelerating innovation in worm thread grinding

Since its founding in 1984, Lih-Jaan has earned a strong reputation for precision engineering, particularly in the field of building thread and cylindrical grinding machines. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, the company became a trusted name in its industry. But as manufacturing demands evolved and the complexity of applications increased, Lih-Jaan set its sights on a new challenge: worm thread grinding.

This highly specialised process requires not only technical precision but also a deep understanding of machine control and customisation. To take this next step, Lih-Jaan needed a partner with the expertise and flexibility to support such an ambitious move. That is when it turned to NUM.


What began as an initial conversation around the NUMgrind software platform evolved into a strategic alliance driven by innovation and opportunity. A renewed momentum emerged when Lih-Jaan identified a specific market need, leading to a strengthened co-operation between the two companies. Working hand in hand, they developed a custom solution that combines flexibility, user-friendliness and the ability to support a wide range of worm thread profiles. Despite a few time-related challenges in the final stages, the joint efforts culminated in a successful machine delivery.

The result was a newly developed worm thread grinding machine. At its core: NUM’s Flexium+ 68 CNC system, paired with a version of NUMgrind and worm thread grinding HMI and MDLUX axes. The machine supports five different types of worm threads, including multi-start threads, and allows for both cylindrical and non-circular grinding – all in one set up.

“NUM’s total solution not only expanded our product portfolio but also enabled us to realise our goal of developing a specialized multi-tasking machine,” states Ava Tsai, sales manager at Lih-Jaan.

More information www.num.com

Midland Deburr & Finish urges sector to buy British

Following the release of the ONS Regional Manufacturing Outlook 2025, Midland Deburr & Finish managing director Chris Arrowsmith is issuing a rallying call to UK businesses and policymakers: “Back UK industry and buy British.”

The report confirms the West Midlands as the UK’s third largest manufacturing region, generating almost 14% of its regional output from manufacturing, compared with the national average of 9.1%. With 279,000 people employed in manufacturing across the region, the sector has seen job growth of 9000 in the past year alone.

Chris Arrowsmith, MD of Midland Deburr & Finish, says: “The West Midlands has always been at the heart of UK industry. From automotive to advanced engineering, our expertise is world class. But if we want to safeguard jobs, skills and sovereign capability, we must prioritise British-made products and services. That means backing SMEs in the supply chain and choosing UK suppliers whenever possible.”

Midland Deburr & Finish, based in Lye, provides specialist finishing processes including vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing and vapour degreasing – all vital for ensuring precision components meet the highest standards for safety and performance.

“By investing in UK-based expertise in these processes, manufacturers get reliable, high-quality finishing – and strengthen supply chains and resilience right here in Britain,” adds Arrowsmith. “We must remain competitive internationally, but that starts with robust supply chains at home. ‘Backing British’ means we can keep innovating, exporting, and creating jobs for the future.

“The West Midlands is delivering for UK industry. Now it’s time for OEMs, policymakers and businesses of every size to back their local supply chains. Buy British, back UK industry, and together we’ll secure growth and resilience for the long term.”

More information www.midlanddeburrandfinish.co.uk

High-Precision Grinding is an Art at GRT-Tech

Passionate grinder Randy Gevers, founder of GRT-Tech, enjoyed years of success in motorcycle racing. However, his success story does not begin with him, but with his father, Antoon Gevers. Anton not only instilled in his son a passion for engines and technology, but also for metalworking, particularly grinding.

After years of working together as grinding machine operators, the Gevers family took the plunge in 2016 – with their father’s early retirement – ​​and went into business for themselves. The first machine Randy purchased was a conventional grinder, with others following quickly. Fittingly, the first customers came from the racing world. Their former employers soon began offering contract manufacturing orders as well.

Today, customers from the aerospace, medical technology, toolmaking, marine and packaging industries have total confidence in GRT-Tech. Antoon often manufactures special parts for motorcycles and vintage cars, which customers entrust to him based on his experience.

Randy quickly realised that machining complex workpieces, such as those used in tool and mould making or medical technology, quickly reached its limits with a conventional grinding machine. So, after moving to the current location in 2018, he purchased a powerful pre-owned Kellenberger Kel-Varia CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine.

Due to the positive experience, another Kellenberger grinding machine quickly found its way to GRT-Tech, a Kellenberger K100 universal internal and external cylindrical grinding machine.

“I’m fascinated by the machine’s high, reliable accuracy,” says Randy. “Added to that are my years of experience, which ultimately makes the difference for the customer.”

More information www.kellenberger.com

Innovative Grinding Technology Impresses EMO Visitors

“We’re delighted that our innovations in grinding technology were met with such great interest among international trade visitors at last month’s EMO exhibition in Hanover,” says Studer CEO Sandro Bottazzo. The Swiss manufacturer of cylindrical grinding machines presented numerous innovations at the world’s leading trade show for manufacturing technology from 22 to 26 September.

One highlight was the world premiere of the new S23 universal cylindrical grinding machine. This versatile CNC machine offers state-of-the-art grinding technology for precision and reliability in a space-saving design. Thanks to its quality features, the S23 complements the portfolio between the entry-level and premium segments. Studer says it impresses with features such as the modern C.O.R.E. hardware and software architecture, an automatic B-axis with 1° Hirth serration for up to three grinding tools, and a Granitan machine base with excellent thermal and vibration properties.

The new generation of favoritCNC, which Studer has equipped with modern capabilities and optimisations, also attracted a great deal of attention. The popular entry-level machine now features an updated CNC (FANUC 0i-TFP), an automatic operating door and loader interface for automation solutions, a resource-saving belt spindle system, and a machine base with a larger X-guideway distance for even greater stability. In addition, the new ‘Conventional Mode’ facilitates the transition between manual and CNC grinding.

On the S31 universal cylindrical grinding machine for small to large workpieces, Studer demonstrated an innovative axis system that it says sets new standards in automated precision cylindrical grinding. The long W axis enables automatic adjustment of the tailstock position to different workpiece lengths, while the active R axis with in-process measuring system can scan complex geometries on the workpiece.

More information www.studer.com