As global economic uncertainty continues to reshape industrial strategy, supply chain resilience is becoming an increasingly important differentiator across sectors such as aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. OEMs and tier-one manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on agile, dependable supply networks capable of delivering precision components with shorter lead times, tighter tolerances and complete traceability.

For subcontract manufacturers such as Rowan Precision, this shift is driving continued investment in advanced CNC machining technologies designed to support high-precision, scalable production. The company’s manufacturing capability centres on high-performance CNC sliding-head technology, as well as machining centres and multi-axis machining systems.

Originally developed for the Swiss watchmaking industry, sliding-head machining remains one of the most advanced forms of CNC turning available. By supporting the material bar close to the cutting tool using a guide bush, the process minimises vibration and deflection, enabling the production of highly intricate components with exceptional dimensional accuracy.

Rowan Precision operates 13-axis CNC sliding-head machines alongside twin-spindle, fixed-head CNC mill-turn platforms capable of combining turning, milling, drilling, threading and deburring operations within a single cycle. The approach reduces handling, improves repeatability and significantly increases throughput.

The company’s investment strategy is focused on supporting customers that require flexible UK-based manufacturing capability capable of scaling efficiently from prototype work through to full production programmes.

“Customers are looking for far more than capacity,” states Glenn Aston, CFO at Rowan Precision. “They want engineering partners capable of delivering consistency, technical capability and responsiveness under pressure.”

Neil Williams, technical sales manager at Rowan Precision, adds: “There’s a growing emphasis on resilient UK supply chains, particularly within aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. Building that resilience requires investment not only in machinery, but also in programming capability, process control and skilled people.”

More information www.rowanprecision.co.uk

At the recent MACH exhibition in Birmingham, Citizen Machinery showcased the latest evolution of its patented LFV (low-frequency vibration) chip-breaking technology, marking the first major UK exhibition demonstration of four-axis simultaneous LFV capability. Although the advanced functionality was first unveiled during Citizen’s open house in Brierley Hill last autumn, MACH 2026 provided the first opportunity for a wider manufacturing audience to see the technology in action across multiple machine platforms.

Originally introduced more than a decade ago, LFV technology is integrated directly into the operating system of Citizen Cincom sliding-head lathes and selected Miyano fixed-head models. Unlike conventional chip-breaking macros, the system synchronises high-frequency vibration with spindle rotation to create intermittent cutting, effectively breaking long, stringy swarf into manageable chips.

The latest development allows LFV to operate simultaneously across four axes: the X and Z movements on both the main and sub spindles. The result is greater machining flexibility, reduced cycle times and uninterrupted production, particularly during unattended operation and when machining malleable materials such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, copper alloys and plastics.

Five turn-mill centres equipped with four-axis LFV were demonstrated at the exhibition, including three Miyano fixed-head lathes and two Cincom sliding-head models. Among the highlights were the new Miyano BNX-65MSY and the Cincom L32-X series 2, both capable of superimposed machining with up to three tools cutting simultaneously to maximise productivity.

Citizen also demonstrated the breadth of its portfolio with two contrasting machines: the Miyano ABX-80THY, machining large-diameter components from 80 mm bar, and the Cincom R04-VI, producing intricate 2 mm diameter parts. Together, the demonstrations reinforced Citizen Machinery’s ability to deliver high-precision, lights-out manufacturing solutions across a wide range of component sizes and applications.

More information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

B Hepworth & Co, a specialist designer and manufacturer of bespoke marine, rail and defence windscreen wiping systems, as well as washing equipment and integrated control systems, has strengthened its machining capabilities with the installation of two new DN Solutions multi-tasking lathes supplied by Mills CNC: a box guideway Puma lathe and a long-bed Puma sub-spindle, Y-axis lathe.

Installed at the company’s Redditch facility in December, the machines form the core of two highly customised automated manufacturing cells developed collaboratively by Mills CNC’s applications engineers and B Hepworth’s technical team. Integrated with HydraFeed X-Files bar feeders, the cells automate the loading of bar stock and extraction of finished components, helping the company improve productivity, increase throughput and optimise small-part machining operations.

One of the cells also incorporates HydraFeed’s Return Speed extraction system, enabling the automatic transfer of finished parts through the sub-spindle into a high-capacity storage magazine for unattended production.

The cells are now producing a range of small, high-precision components used in B Hepworth’s pantograph and pendulum marine and rail wiper systems. Manufactured from materials including mild steel, stainless steel and brass, the parts feature tight tolerances, intricate geometries and fine surface finishes.

Edward Eddy, commercial director at B Hepworth & Co, says: “Our two new automated turning cells are pivotal in helping us achieve our small turned part production requirements. The investment has significantly increased throughput, reduced outsourcing costs and improved our ability to meet customer lead times and quality expectations.”

The latest machines replace a number of ageing stand-alone lathes and bring previously subcontracted work back in-house. B Hepworth is now working closely with Mills CNC to further optimise unattended machining performance and maximise the cells’ lights-out manufacturing potential.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk