Subcontractor Capabilities Beyond Engineering (CBE+) has installed its first five-axis vertical machining centre (VMC), a German-built Spinner U630 supplied by Whitehouse Machine Tools, The aim is to overcome the complex manufacturing challenges of an R&D space component project ahead of high-volume production.

Based in Chesterfield, CBE+ operates from a 100,000 sq ft facility, providing precision CNC machining, electroless nickel plating and complementary manufacturing services. Its integrated approach allows customers to streamline supply chains through a single manufacturing partner.

The investment was driven by the need to produce a complex, high-tolerance aluminium component that would otherwise have required multiple operations on three- and four-axis machines.

“While we had the engineering expertise to produce the part, we needed the right machine tool to enable cost-effective component production,” says Marie Cooper, CEO of CBE+. “The quality and versatility of the Spinner VMC, coupled with Whitehouse’s technical capabilities when configuring the machine for our requirements, proved an ideal combination.”

The Spinner U630 features a 650 mm-diameter tilting rotary table, with a removable outer ring reducing the interference profile to 500 mm when machining at angles of 90° and beyond. This capability provides improved tool access and allows the use of shorter, more stable cutters for high-accuracy features.

“The success of this project has resulted in our becoming a strategic partner to the space industry customer,” adds Cooper. “They were impressed with how we machine the high-value component accurately in a single clamping.”

The investment also supports the ambition of CBE+ to triple revenue over the next 3 to 5 years, while strengthening its ability to offer advanced machining services to customers worldwide.

More information www.wmtcnc.com

Oracle Precision is investing in three DN Solutions DVF 5000Mk II simultaneous five-axis machining centres with integrated workpiece pallet changers from Mills CNC, increasing capacity and process efficiency for its growing medical device business.

The Rotherham-based precision engineering subcontractor, part of Kaleidex Group since its acquisition in April 2025, manufactures high-accuracy, performance-critical components for regulated sectors. The new machines will be ‘ring-fenced’ for medical device manufacture, including surgical instrumentation and its constituent components.

The machines, all FANUC-controlled, were ordered earlier this year, with confirmation taking place at the MACH 2026 exhibition (pictured). The first was installed in May, with two more scheduled for September and December.

Parts manufactured from stainless steels, polymers and other materials can feature tolerances down to a few microns and demanding surface finishes. Some require more than 20 hours of machining. Oracle Precision’s previous five-axis experience highlighted the benefits of completing complex components in a single set up, reducing cycle times and improving throughput.

“Our ambition to build a world-class medical manufacturing operation can only be achieved by having access to advanced multi-axis machine tools,” says Shaun Palmer, director and co-founder of Oracle Precision. “Achieving 24/7 lights-out unattended operations was, and is, the goal.”

The DVF 5000Mk II machines feature 120-tool magazines, linear scales, laser tool and radio-frequency workpiece probing, 70-bar switchable coolant, and FANUC 31iB5 controls. The first machine has a 15,000 rpm spindle and 28-pallet AWC, while the two subsequent machines will feature 20,000 rpm spindles and eight-pallet AWCs.

Mills CNC is also providing training and process support. “We’re ensuring that nothing gets left to chance,” adds Palmer. “Developing robust machining, inspection and verification processes at the start will stand us in good stead.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk