UK NEWS

Quest for investment leads to Sodick wire EDM

The Engineering Quest, a family-owned precision engineering firm established in the 1970s, has made a substantial investment in advanced manufacturing technology by acquiring a Sodick ALC400G wire EDM machine equipped with state-of-the-art micro-wire. The decision signifies more than a simple equipment upgrade; it exemplifies how forward-thinking manufacturers are responding to the evolving demands of high-precision industries, particularly in medical device manufacturing.

The Sodick ALC400G utilises rigid linear motor drives across the X, Y, U and V axes, combined with absolute linear scales to ensure positioning accuracy backed by Sodick’s 10-year positioning guarantee. Central to the machine’s capability is its micro-wire functionality, which accommodates wire diameters as fine as 0.03 mm. This technology proved crucial in the purchasing decision, as no other machine in its class could meet the micron tolerance demands of the company.

This ultra-fine wire capability creates incredibly small and detailed features that would be impossible to achieve through conventional machining methods. In addition, the machine is configured to utilise water-based dielectric fluid instead of oil, primarily to meet the stringent cleanliness requirements essential for surgical instruments.

The ALC400G incorporates Sodick’s Smart Pulse Wire control system, which utilises a Windows-based operating system and a 19-inch horizontal multi-touchscreen interface. The machine features Intelligent Q³vic EDW technology, an automatic programming system that can import 3D CAD files and automatically detect machinable profiles, extracting machining contours with minimal operator intervention.

“The machine has been on site at Quest producing good components for about nine months now and we’re continuing to expand our learning curve to maximise the machine’s potential,” says Will Sharpe, operations manager at The Engineering Quest. “The next step is to implement automated re-tooling and re-fixturing.”

More information https://sodi-tech.co.uk/

Rapid Fusion Secures First US Deal

UK-based Rapid Fusion is looking to break into America after signing a new reseller
agreement with a US additive manufacturing specialist. The Exeter-based business, which
employs 10 people at its state-of-the-art Skypark demonstration centre, has joined forces
with Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) to sell its robotic additive
manufacturing systems to customers in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Bosses at the technology expert believe there are almost £2m worth of opportunities to be
enjoyed in the first year across the western half of the country and have earmarked its
Apollo, Zeus and Medusa solutions as offering significant time and cost savings compared to
existing models. The company will initially target PADT’s existing client base.
More information www.rapidfusion.co.uk

MTA Partners with The Quorum Principle

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and The Quorum Principle have entered
into a strategic partnership that will provide MTA members with enhanced collaborative
capabilities and deliver competitive edge in the global marketplace. Under the partnership
agreement, MTA members will gain access to both the training and consultancy solutions
available from The Quorum Principle.

James Selka, CEO of the MTA, says: “Manufacturing in the UK faces a unique set of
challenges to its ability to compete internationally and remain profitable. The Quorum
Principle’s approach to breaking down internal silos and enabling better collaboration
echoes the MTA’s belief in the power of collaborative growth, and our goal of fostering a
dynamic, competitive and sustainable UK manufacturing sector.”
More information https://thequorumprinciple.com/

Midland Deburr & Finish urges sector to buy British

Following the release of the ONS Regional Manufacturing Outlook 2025, Midland Deburr & Finish managing director Chris Arrowsmith is issuing a rallying call to UK businesses and policymakers: “Back UK industry and buy British.”

The report confirms the West Midlands as the UK’s third largest manufacturing region, generating almost 14% of its regional output from manufacturing, compared with the national average of 9.1%. With 279,000 people employed in manufacturing across the region, the sector has seen job growth of 9000 in the past year alone.

Chris Arrowsmith, MD of Midland Deburr & Finish, says: “The West Midlands has always been at the heart of UK industry. From automotive to advanced engineering, our expertise is world class. But if we want to safeguard jobs, skills and sovereign capability, we must prioritise British-made products and services. That means backing SMEs in the supply chain and choosing UK suppliers whenever possible.”

Midland Deburr & Finish, based in Lye, provides specialist finishing processes including vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing and vapour degreasing – all vital for ensuring precision components meet the highest standards for safety and performance.

“By investing in UK-based expertise in these processes, manufacturers get reliable, high-quality finishing – and strengthen supply chains and resilience right here in Britain,” adds Arrowsmith. “We must remain competitive internationally, but that starts with robust supply chains at home. ‘Backing British’ means we can keep innovating, exporting, and creating jobs for the future.

“The West Midlands is delivering for UK industry. Now it’s time for OEMs, policymakers and businesses of every size to back their local supply chains. Buy British, back UK industry, and together we’ll secure growth and resilience for the long term.”

More information www.midlanddeburrandfinish.co.uk

Walter Tools joins DMQP

Strengthening its worldwide partnership with machine tool manufacturer DMG Mori, Walter Tools is now part of the DMQP (DMG Mori Qualified Products) initiative. For manufacturers striving to build the ideal solution for their business, the DMG Mori online machine configurator enables manufacturers to specify the exact requirements for their machine tool. As a DMQP partner, UK manufacturers specifying a DMG MORI machine can benefit from up to 30% discount when using their DMQP certificate to integrate a Walter cutting tool package into their machine.

More information www.walter-tools.com