Finecast welcomes UK industry stakeholders

Finecast, a West Sussex-based precision casting and machining specialist, opened its doors to a diverse delegation last month to address one of the most pressing challenges facing UK manufacturing today: the future of the domestic casting industry. Delegates comprised members of the Worshipful Company of Founders, a historic livery company dedicated to supporting and promoting the modern metals and casting industries. Also attending the event were industry leaders, academics, engineers and apprentices. 

The day began with an informal roundtable discussion, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of Finecast’s advanced foundry and machine shop. Finecast has recently invested £2m in its machine shop capabilities and is in the process of achieving NADCAP accreditation.

The company also employs advanced inspection technologies such as GOM optical 3D metrology systems for precise geometric measurement.

More information www.finecast.co.uk

Two new automotive contracts secured by Brandauer

Brandauer has secured two major automotive contracts, reinforcing its strategy to evolve into a long-term engineering partner for global clients. The Birmingham-based manufacturer, which recently completed a management buy-out, is now working with Ford Motor Company and a leading Eastern European tier one supplier on projects focused on electrification.

Both collaborations highlight Brandauer’s shift towards early-stage engagement, offering consultancy and design for manufacturing support before progressing through tooling, production and automation to full-scale volume output. This end-to-end approach aligns with the company’s growth ambitions and its target of reaching £12m in revenue by 2029.

Chief executive Rowan Crozier says the business is transitioning from a traditional stamping specialist into a full-service precision engineering partner capable of supporting customers from concept through to high-volume global supply. He notes that automotive remains a key sector, particularly as electrification drives demand for increasingly advanced and precise components.

A milestone within the Ford project sees Brandauer manufacturing a lamination progression tool exceeding 2500 mm in diameter for the first time. The solution incorporates integrated automation to stamp, bond, stack and skew thin-gauge laminations for electric vehicle applications, demonstrating new approaches to motor production. The company has supported the programme with design validation, prototyping and process expertise, with full tool manufacture now underway.

The second contract follows a similar model, centred on the development of a fully automated production line featuring multiple high-performance tools to maximise efficiency and tolerance control.

Together, these projects underline Brandauer’s expanding capabilities and its commitment to delivering integrated engineering solutions, supported by ongoing investment in skills, technology and quality standards.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Bruderer unveiling UK technology first at MACH 2026

A global leader in high-speed precision presses is marking nearly 50 years of exhibiting at MACH by unveiling a UK-first technology at the NEC in Birmingham this week (20-24 April). Bruderer UK is showcasing its new BSTA 280-88-B3 machine, equipped with the latest BSV 170 servo feeder (pictured) and advanced B3 control system, delivering a significant step forward in precision, flexibility and process control.

At the heart of the launch is a fully integrated manufacturing environment, where press, feeder and tooling operate seamlessly under a single control platform. The system allows shut height adjustment in micron increments during operation, advanced tool and press protection, and simultaneous control of up to six axes, enabling high-speed lamination with exceptional accuracy.

Managing director Adrian Haller described MACH as the highlight of the UK manufacturing calendar and the ideal stage to demonstrate this milestone. The company is running a live production line built around the BSTA 280-88-B3, marking the first time this technology has been operated in the UK. The new servo feeder integrates key parameters such as material thickness, pitch and roll pressure directly into the control system, enabling rapid adjustments and faster tool changes at the touch of a button.

Bruderer UK is seeing increasing demand for smart controls, automation and data integration, driven by the need for consistent quality and greater efficiency. At the exhibition, its engineering team is presenting turnkey solutions spanning the entire production lifecycle, alongside advanced tooling, inspection and automation technologies designed to support lights-out manufacturing.

More information www.bruderer.co.uk

New MACH bed mills offer performance and value

MACH Machine Tools (20-110) says its new MACH MDM 700-AR and MACH MDM 1000-AR CNC bed mills provide customers with exceptional cutting performance, guaranteed life-long precision, built-in flexibility and reliability at a cost that “will make your jaw drop and the guys in accounts smile”. Both machines feature BT 40 spindles (5000 rpm), roller-type linear guideways and large worktables (up to 1525 x 350 mm for the larger MDM 1000-AR). The machines deliver positional and repeatable accuracies of 0.006 and 0.003 mm, respectively. MDM 700-AR/MDM 1000-AR machines feature the established DynaPath CNC.

More information www.machinetoolsalesonline.com

A five-axis machining suitable for all machine shops

Covering a floor space of 240 m², the stand (20-160) of XYZ Machine Tools is shining the spotlight on the new XYZ 400 UMC, a model the company believes will bring five-axis machining capability to every machine shop. Highlights include the machine’s 400 mm tilt/rotary table driven with Japanese gear cam mechanism, integrated 25.7 kW chilled spindle and 800 x 600 x 510 mm travel.

One of the key features of this high-precision machining centre is how easily it converts from a 4+1 multi-face capable machine to a five-axis simultaneous solution. This is achieved by upgrading to the Siemens Sinumerik One control with 22” touchscreen and Shopmill conversational software. Also new from XYZ is the KMX 2500 bed mill with a three-axis version of the KMX control that allows users to program not only X and Y but also the Z axis.

More information www.xyzmachinetools.com