UK NEWS

Zero-finding Nadcap accreditation for AddQual

In a significant milestone for UK-based metrology specialist AddQual, the Derby-based firm has successfully completed its most recent Nadcap audit for 3D Structured Light (3DSL) measurement with zero major and zero minor findings. This rare accomplishment positions AddQual among an elite group of organisations globally that operate at the highest levels of compliance, precision and technical control in the field of advanced metrology.

The Nadcap audit, administered by the Performance Review Institute, is considered the gold standard for process control and quality assurance across aerospace, defence and high-specification engineering. It is designed to evaluate whether technical processes – such as AddQual’s 3DSL inspection capabilities -meet the highest levels of repeatability, traceability and measurement integrity.

“Achieving a zero-finding audit in such a specialist area is rare,” says managing director Ben Anderson. “ We know we’re one of  two UK Nadcap 3DSL-accredited businesses. We also know there are 17 worldwide in total. Passing with no findings is a strong endorsement, not only of our internal systems, but also of the trust we offer our customers in highly demanding industries.”

For AddQual, the achievement is more than a quality badge – it underpins the company’s mission to redefine how manufacturers approach inspection, qualification and problem-solving in high-precision environments. The firm has become known for helping customers make fast, confident decisions under pressure, whether it is qualifying a flight-critical aerospace part, diagnosing a production issue or tracing a dimensional fault to its root cause.

The combination of speed, accuracy and clarity is what differentiates AddQual. Deploying a digital-first model creates a comprehensive, auditable record that simplifies decision-making and reduces ambiguity across engineering, quality and production teams.

More information www.addqual.com

LK launches surface roughness probe for CMMs

CMM manufacturer LK Metrology, which has its manufacturing facility is in Derbyshire, UK, has introduced the Surfacer SRP. This plug-and-play probe has a resolution of 1 µm for analysing the roughness of the surface of a component as part of a CNC measuring cycle on any CMM, provided it has an industry-standard probe head.

The sensor eliminates the need for secondary surface roughness inspection, either manually using a handheld instrument or automatically at a separate metrology station. Manufacturers are able to conduct comprehensive inspection on a component in a single set up in a CMM environment, resulting in significant savings in time and cost. Engineered for ease of use and versatility, the equipment comes with its own downloadable application software, facilitating integration and eliminating the need for third-party software.

Easy swapping between touch probes, tactile scanning probes, non-contact laser scanners and the roughness probe gives users extended multi-sensor capability. The Surfacer SRP mounting is compatible with change racks, including the new versions introduced recently by LK, enabling automated sensor changing and enhanced operational efficiency.

At the heart of the roughness probe lies a special body that accommodates three interchangeable, skidded, stainless-steel probe modules. One evaluates flat, conical and cylindrical surfaces, another measures concave, convex and spherical surfaces, and a third is for inspecting grooves more than 3 mm wide by less than 10 mm deep, or steps of similar height.

The CMM positions a stylus so that it contacts the part, after which the machine axes remain stationary while the probe moves the stylus across the surface under investigation. Wireless communication with the CMM computer via a Bluetooth 4.0 adapter provides data transfer for analysis, simplifying installation.

More information www.lkmetrology.com

KS Composites on fast track with hyperMILL

Imbued in the motorsport industry since Kelvin Smith opened the doors for business in 1985, KS Composites is a manufacturer with a pedigree of working with numerous Formula 1, GT, Le Mans and BTCC teams. Throughout its history, the Melton Mowbray-based company has worked at the very pinnacle of motorsport – and that is why KS Composites has invested in CADCAM software from Open Mind Technologies.

Having formed many close relationships with some of the leading lights in design and consultancy through prototype and development projects, KS Composites offers design services, FEA and CFD. This is complemented by a 48,000 sq ft manufacturing site that supports the design and consultancy services with everything from kit cutting, fitting and assembly to wet lay composites, autoclaves and ovens, a composite shop, machine shop and much more.

Looking at a replica race car the company has manufactured, business development manager Dan Johnston says: “On the vehicle itself we have carbon composite body panels and machined GRP and 3D printed elements. We’re hitting on all our core services with this vehicle. One of the first things to come into our new building was CNC machines. At that point, we identified that we needed a CAM package that could get the most out of our machines. We went to the market and evaluated the options, and it was clear from the offset that hyperMILL was the obvious choice.”

He adds: “hyperMILL is making our life so much easier, especially when making things like a show vehicle. We’re representing motorsport’s pinnacle in terms of performance and precision. So, when making the patterns, they had to be of the same quality – that’s what we have achieved with hyperMILL.” 

More information www.openmind-tech.com

CADCAM delivers major productivity gains for Nova  

Nova Laboratories’ investment in BobCAD-CAM software and associated programmer training from Mills CNC’s Training Academy, is improving the productivity and process efficiencies of its in-house machine shop. Now, high-precision components used in the company’s pharmaceutical processing and production machinery and equipment, both for its own licensed products and its contract manufacturing operations, are being machined faster, more accurately and more cost-efficiently.

To get the most from its CNC machine tools, and to fully exploit their capabilities and potential, particularly with regard to the new Puma 2100Y multi-tasking turning centre, it became clear that investment in a powerful and flexible CADCAM package was required.

Explains machinist Steven Potter: “We had already invested in CAM software to create programs for the DNM 500 but needed something different and more bespoke for the Puma 2100Y.”

Potter researched the market and drew up a checklist detailing the specific CADCAM attributes and features required.

“Although we’d heard of BobCAD-CAM, we didn’t really know much about it, so we contacted Darren Clarke, BobCAD-CAM product manager at the Mills CNC Training Academy. We liked what we saw in a presentation and, because the Academy is a licenced UK reseller of the software, staff there could also deliver on-site BobCAD-CAM training to get us up and running.”

Based on the strengths of the BobCAD-CAM system itself, its affordability and the support provided by the CNC Training Academy, Nova Laboratories made the decision to invest in BobCAD-CAM software – and hasn’t looked back since -driving major productivity gains across its operations.

More information www.millcnc.co.uk

Matsuura Open House

Matsuura UK will launch new products at its annual open house on 4-6 November 2025. Taking place at the company’s newly expanded and refurbished facility in Leicestershire, the event will see the unveiling of two new automated multi-pallet five-axis machining centres: the MAM72-70V PC6 and MX-520T PC7. The company’s Additive Manufacturing Centre will also unveil the latest in metal 3D printing, the HP Metal Jet, while also on show will be the Muratec line of fully automated CNC lathes. Lunch will be served daily by Matsuura UK’s friends at Oregano Pizza.

More information www.bit.ly/4m5c0gH