News · Article

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Linear rail system is available with a variety of motor options

Reliance Precision Mechatronics, the UK distributor for Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, is offering the LRS linear rail system. The precision units feature a stationary base and load-bearing carriage on an extruded aluminium rail, available in motorised and non-motorised configurations with various stepper motor options or without a motor for custom integration. The system includes a self-adjusting linear bearing, integrated T-slots for accessories, a stainless steel leadscrew with optional coating, and choices of leadscrew nuts for different applications.

Reliance Precision

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Why photochemical etching is the ideal solution for Vestatec’s luxury speaker grilles

Vestatec UK, a supplier of luxury automotive speaker grilles to brands such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini, has resumed its longstanding supply relationship with Precision Micro after a break caused by a 2019 fire and subsequent Brexit and pandemic disruptions. Precision Micro uses photochemical etching to produce intricate, high-precision metal speaker grilles that are then formed and finished by Vestatec. The return was driven by improved UK-based capacity, significantly reduced chemical waste through process upgrades, lower costs compared to laser cutting, superior product quality and faster prototyping due to geographical proximity. Precision Micro reported major environmental and operational improvements following its £5.1 million investment after the fire.

Precision Micro · Llanelec Precision Engineering

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Harvesting particle beams for use in 3D printing

Reliance Precision has partnered with the University of Huddersfield on two Innovate UK-funded projects to advance electron beam additive manufacturing technology. The completed RAMP-UP project, worth £1.4 million, developed patented technology that reduces the need for pre-sintering of metal powder. It is now followed by the £850,000 INSPIRE project, which aims to eliminate pre-sintering entirely and enable powder recycling for greater efficiency and wider adoption of the technology in aerospace, medical and other high-value sectors.

Reliance Precision

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Reliance launches new range of linear guides

Reliance Precision Mechatronics has launched a new range of linear guide ways and slides. The products are available in rail sizes from 3mm to 42mm and feature reinforced stainless steel carriages with a 45-degree contact angle for equal load capacity in all directions. Additional features include large recirculating balls for improved stiffness, along with options for sealing, reinforcement plates and lubrication systems.

Reliance Precision

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Compact external linear programmable actuator offers 508mm stroke length

Reliance Precision Mechatronics has introduced the RoHS compliant IDEA external linear programmable actuator as the UK distributor for Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions. The new size 17 stepper motor linear actuator combines a compact electronic drive and fully programmable control unit in one package, offering a stroke length of up to 508mm along with various screw pitches for fine resolution linear motion. Programming is done through an intuitive on-screen graphic interface with features such as interactive debugging, simulated I/O testing, programmable current control, and a supply voltage range of 12 to 48 VDC. The actuator also includes multiple opto-isolated I/O points and is designed for ease of use without complex programming languages.

Reliance Precision

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | One hundred percent inspection for minute etched components

Precision Micro has developed and installed a bespoke Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system for its photo chemical etching process. The system scans parts in a fraction of a second, comparing them against a known good sample to measure critical dimensions to micron accuracy, detect missing features, and identify surface defects. It enables 100 percent inspection of minute etched components, replacing manual visual checks with a faster and more repeatable method. Data from the system supports continuous improvement and helps meet six-sigma quality standards demanded by customers in the automotive, healthcare and aerospace sectors.

Precision Micro

positive Article · Other · 31 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Micro-etched components for surveillance UAV

Precision Micro has manufactured multiple miniature high-precision components for an innovative nano surveillance UAV using its photo chemical etching process. Key parts include motor laminations produced with the company's R bond technique, magnetic pole plates, and EMI/RFI shielding cans, as well as a component requiring the combination of chemical etching and wire EDM. The non-contact etching process preserves material properties and enables rapid, low-cost design iterations that would be impossible or uneconomical with conventional machining methods. The UAV is used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Precision Micro

positive Article · Other · 30 Oct 2026 · UK Manufacturing

Acres Engineering boss named one of the country’s top 130 manufacturing leaders

Luke Parker, managing director of Acres Engineering, has been named one of Make UK's top 130 manufacturing leaders for his work championing engineering, apprenticeships, community engagement and talent development. The company, based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has received prior recognition including a King's Award for Enterprise and the Manufacturing Impact award from Make UK. Over the past decade Acres Engineering has provided more than 100 apprenticeship and work placement opportunities while running educational events for local schoolchildren. The honours list also features leaders from Siemens, Toyota and Lush.

Acres Engineering

positive Article · Other · 30 Oct 2026 · derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Derbyshire nuts and bolts firm fixes customer deal for three more years

West Special Fasteners has secured a three-year extension to its frame agreement with a major international customer in the offshore oil and gas, FPSO and renewable energy sectors. The Dronfield-based manufacturer will guarantee factory capacity and meet agreed performance targets for its specialist corrosion-resistant fasteners made from high-nickel alloys, stainless steel and titanium. The contract extension coincides with recent UK government announcements supporting North Sea energy production and clean energy investment. West Special Fasteners, which employs 70 people and produces 850,000 components annually, recently received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

West Special Fasteners

positive Article · Other · 30 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | High Temperature Springs

Cross Manufacturing has developed a manufacturing process using powder metallurgy alloy Incolloy MA956 to produce high-performance piston rings. The rings function as near-to-static seals in gas turbines, providing springiness and strong corrosion resistance at temperatures up to 1,100°C. The company is now looking for additional applications for this high-temperature spring material.

Cross Manufacturing

positive Article · Other · 30 Oct 2026 · dpaonthenet.net

DPA Magazine | Reliance expands optical assembly facility

Reliance Precision has expanded its optical assembly capabilities by adding a new specialist cleanroom facility. The investment was driven by growth in its opto-mechanical business and supports production of critical sub-assemblies for aerospace, defence, medical, scientific and analytical customers. The ISO 7 clean area with ISO 4 benches enables precision optical integration combined with electro-mechanical technology under strict contamination and electrostatic controls. The company holds multiple quality and aerospace certifications including ISO 9001, AS 9100 and SC21 Bronze.

Reliance Precision

positive Article · Other · 30 Oct 2026 · Airline.com

Precision Micro: chemical etching of aluminium in the aerospace sector

Precision Micro has developed an improved chemical etching process for aluminium that delivers better edge uniformity, tighter tolerances and high repeatability for complex aerospace components. The technique avoids mechanical stress, burrs and heat-affected zones while enabling intricate geometries such as heat-exchanger plates, helicopter air-intake grilles and UAV parts. The innovation addresses aluminium’s reactivity challenges and supports the strict quality demands of the AS9100 standard amid growing aircraft demand forecast by Airbus.

Precision Micro

positive Article · Other · 30 Oct 2026 · Machine Maker - Latest Manufacturing News | Indian Manufacturing News - Latest Manufacturing News | Indian Manufacturing

Sigma Advanced Systems Secures ₹973 Crore Order for 155mm Artillery Base Bleed Units

Sigma Advanced Systems has received a major order worth approximately ₹973 crore from a NATO customer for the production and delivery of Base Bleed Units for 155mm artillery ammunition. The contract, to be executed over 12 months, expands the Indian company's role in the artillery ammunition value chain, complementing its existing capabilities in shells and fuzes. Sigma aims to leverage vertical integration and its UK subsidiary Nasmyth to strengthen supply chain control and meet growing international defence demand. The deal aligns with India's Make in India initiative and is seen as validation of the company's manufacturing expertise.

Nasmyth Group

positive Article · Other · 24 Oct 2026 · Derbyshire Times

Derbyshire boss ‘honoured’ to be named among country’s top 130 manufacturing leaders

Luke Parker DL, managing director of Acres Engineering in Derbyshire, has been named one of Make UK's top 130 manufacturing leaders. The recognition honours his work championing engineering, apprenticeships, community engagement and talent development, alongside leaders from companies such as Siemens and Toyota. Acres Engineering, which employs around 30 people, has previously received a King's Award for Enterprise and Make UK's Manufacturing Impact award for its 'People's Pledge' and provision of over 100 apprenticeship and placement opportunities in the last decade. The initiative, launched in partnership with Barclays, celebrates individuals shaping the future of UK manufacturing.

Acres Engineering

positive Article · Other · 22 Oct 2026 · ETMM

Brother Speedio W1000Xd2 Boosts Cycle Times at DPE

Diamond Precision Engineering has put its first 30-taper machine, a Brother Speedio W1000Xd2 supplied by Whitehouse Machine Tools, into its Kelvin Park, Birkenhead machining division. Director Harry Pitt says a mild steel automotive part now runs in three minutes instead of five, saving close to 17 hours on a 500-part order, and an aerospace part went from four operations to one. Rail makes up about half of turnover and stainless pumps about a fifth.

Diamond Precision Engineering

positive Article · Other · 22 Oct 2026 · East Midlands Business Link

Derbyshire boss named amongst country’s top 130 manufacturing leaders - East Midlands Business Link

Luke Parker DL, managing director of Acres Engineering in South Derbyshire, has been named one of Make UK's top 130 manufacturing leaders. The list, launched in partnership with Barclays, recognises individuals for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to shaping the future of UK manufacturing. Parker was recognised for his work championing engineering, apprenticeships, community engagement, and talent development, including hosting school visits and supporting armed forces veterans. Acres Engineering has provided over 100 apprenticeship and placement opportunities in the last decade.

Acres Engineering

positive Article · Other · 10 Jul 2026 · UK Manufacturing

Acres Engineering delivers first batch of products supporting RBSL’s new armoured Boxer vehicles - UK Manufacturing

Acres Engineering has delivered its first batch of specially designed, safety-critical products including an engine stand and driver's hatch trolley to support production of the Boxer armoured vehicles for the British Army by prime contractor RBSL. The Derbyshire manufacturer, which has a long-standing relationship with RBSL, is expanding its defence-related work and holds both King's Award for Enterprise and Armed Forces Gold Covenant status. The Boxer programme relies heavily on UK suppliers, with around 75% of each vehicle sourced domestically, supporting over 100 suppliers and 1,000 skilled jobs. Managing Director Luke Parker and a representative from RBSL expressed pride in the collaboration and its contribution to UK defence capabilities.

Acres Engineering

positive Article · Other · 6 Jul 2026 · Insider Media Ltd

Acres Engineering supports production of Boxer armoured vehicle - Insider Media

Acres Engineering has delivered its first safety-critical products, including an engine stand and driver's hatch trolley, to Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land to support increased production of the Boxer armoured vehicle for the British Army. The Derbyshire-based manufacturer, which has collaborated with RBSL for several years, is expanding its defence sector work and holds the Armed Forces Gold Covenant. Both companies highlighted the advantages of Acres being a reliable British supplier, with ongoing discussions for additional projects related to the Boxer programme.

Acres Engineering

positive Article · Other · 1 Jul 2026 · Stainless Steel World

Automated cell boosts medical machining - Stainless Steel World

Kirkstall Precision has installed an automated five-axis machining cell featuring two Brother Speedio M200Xd1-5AX machining centres and a Tezmaksan CubeBOX Blues DR robotic system. The cell, supplied and integrated by Whitehouse Machine Tools, enhances the company's production of low-volume medical components such as orthopaedic parts, surgical instruments and veterinary implants from materials including stainless steel and titanium. The new equipment has reduced cycle times by around 20 percent while maintaining high precision and incorporates energy-saving features that lower power consumption. This expansion supports Kirkstall Precision's focus on ISO 13485-certified medical manufacturing.

Kirkstall Precision

positive Article · Other · 23 Jun 2026 · Derbyshire Times

Derbyshire engineering firm unveils moving memorial to ‘forgotten’ WWII disaster

Acres Engineering, a metal fabrication company based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, designed and manufactured a special memorial to the sinking of HMT Lancastria in 1940, the UK’s worst maritime disaster in which an estimated 2,500 to 7,000 people died. The memorial was unveiled during Armed Forces Week in June in remembrance of those lost, including the great-uncle of Acres Engineering’s managing director Luke Parker. The event included speeches from Parker, local dignitaries and descendants of victims, and featured a march by Sea Cadets raising funds for the Royal British Legion. Acres Engineering, which holds Armed Forces Gold Covenant status and recently won a King’s Award for Enterprise, is now seeking a permanent public home for the memorial.

Acres Engineering