UK NEWS

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

Bowers & Jones demonstrate green credentials

Bowers & Jones has achieved ISO 14001 accreditation, which is presented to organisations with effective management systems and processes in place to reduce their environmental footprint. Bowers & Jones managing director Jane Sommerville says: “Serving customers for 70 years, we recognise our duty to minimise our environmental impact while continuing to deliver the high-quality roll tooling and rolling mill products our customers depend on. This certification demonstrates the environmental management systems we have implemented and reflects our dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices.”

More information www.bowersjones.com

GE Aerospace awards major contract to Barnes

GE Aerospace has awarded a six-year contract to Barnes Aerospace for the manufacture of components required by the T700/CT7 family of engines. This partnership will support the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review ambitions for resilient supply chains and a thriving industrial base.

As part of the deal, Barnes Aerospace will produce T700/CT7 aerofoils at its Newton Abbot facility, critical components that enable the engine’s performance and reliability. This work builds on a trusted partnership between GE Aerospace and Barnes Aerospace that spans more than 30 years, underscoring the strength of their collaboration and shared commitment to delivering high-quality aerospace solutions.

More information www.geaerospace.com