THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Starrag Machine Achieves Unprecedented MRR

The Starrag S1250 HD five-axis machining centre with hydrostatic guides, which is suitable for machiningtitanium thanks to its rigidity and damping attributes, achieved astonishing results in performancetestsperformed by Starrag at its main plant in Rorschacherberg. Using a carbide cylindrical endmill (40 mm diameter, 18 teeth), the machiningspecialist achieved a metal removal rate (MRR) of 1516 cm3/min. Starrag estimates this MRR is potentially a world record in titanium machining.

Even the prototype of the Starrag S1250 HD proved to be a highly efficient machine for cutting titanium structural components. Two years ago, in roughing tests, the machining centre with hydrostatic guides achieved up to three times the MRR of the Starrag STC 1250 version featuring roller bearings. The improved damping and dynamic performance also ensured high precision and surface quality during finishing.

For the series-produced machine, Starrag engineers imparted a few additional modifications to increaseMRR further and reduce tool wear. As the most critical factors in this context are rigidity and damping, Starrag made the machine and column structure even more sturdy.

Another revision concerned the rotary table, which is now designed as a gearbox version. With a high torque of 25,000Nm and a clamping torque of 32,000Nm, it fully meets the requirements of titanium machining. In addition, the compact swivel milling head was enlarged on one side, creating space for a 50% stronger Aaxis with 12,000Nm of torque and 20,000Nm of clamping torque while retaining accessibility.

In terms of the work spindle, a new feature is the HSK-B160 interface, which ensures high tool rigidity when cutting large depths.

Airbus has already ordered five Starrag S1250 HD machines for its Varel site in Germany.

More information www.starrag.com

Jobs secured as Clarity Group purchases NDB

More than 60 jobs in the Black Country and southwest have been safeguarded following the purchase of a critical supplier to the nuclear and defence sector. The rapidly expanding Clarity Group has purchased NDB Engineering and sister company Cofast from administrators in a deal that will provide security and fresh investment for robotics and a host of productivity improvements.

The business will trade as Cofast going forward and is setting its sights on leveraging new financial backing to attack multi-million-pound opportunities in decommissioning and big domestic naval projects. There is also significant potential to take its technical expertise and precision engineering performance into the aerospace supply chain, a market that demands safety-critical products.

More information www.cofast.co.uk

PP C&A signals £100m global expansion

Global expansion is on the agenda for a UK manufacturing outsourcing specialist after it revealed plans for a major acquisition drive. PP Control & Automation, which works with over 20 of the world’s leading machinery builders, is heading towards a record sales revenue of £40m in 2026, with the longer-term aim of hitting £100m within four years.

Growth will be achieved both through organic opportunities in clean energy, defence and life sciences, and the potential purchasing of complementary manufacturing companies in Europe, the US and Asia. The M&A activity will be led by new CEO Pinaki Banerjee, with discussions already taking place with targets in Italy, Eastern Europe, India and the US. PP C&A employs over 200 people at its state-of-the-art facility in the West Midlands.

More information www.ppcanda.com

Manufacturing optimism at 17-month high

The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to a 17-month high of 51.8 in January, up from 50.6 in December. The PMI has now signalled growth for three consecutive months. Three of the five PMI components were at levels indicating an improvement in overall operating conditions (new orders, output and supplier delivery times). January also saw production rise for the fourth consecutive month and at the joint-quickest pace since September 2024. Higher output was linked to improved export sales, a generally stable domestic market and a boost from customer restocking.

More information www.pmi.spglobal.com

German Machine Tool Output Expected to Grow

After two years of decline, the German machine tool industry expects production to grow by 1% to €13.7bn in 2026. “The fundamental basis for this increase is the expected recovery of domestic demand,” says Franz-Xaver Bernhard, chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).

In 2025, investments were stifled by high costs, insufficient planning security and the absence of economic reform to revitalise Germany as a manufacturing location. In the current year, positive effects are expected from the so-called “special assets” of the German federal government, which have been set up for investments in infrastructure, defence, climate protection, digitalisation and mobility.

More information www.vdw.de