Based in Hull, East Yorkshire, Helix Precision Machining Ltd was established in August 2003. Having gained an excellent reputation for the quality of its precision machined components and for delivering projects on-time and on-budget, over the past 15 years the company has experienced impressive levels of growth.
Frequent investments in the latest CNC machine tools, design and manufacturing software and advanced inspection aids has enabled Helix Precision to regularly increase its capacity, expand its machining envelope and to broaden its range of competencies. In addition to providing a comprehensive range of CNC machining services, the company is now able to undertake a wide variety of secondary operations resulting in the provision of a true one stop solution to its growing customer base.
Helix Precision’s quality management system meets all the relevant requirements of the international quality standard AS9100D and having recently been evaluated against BAE’s exacting standards, Helix Precision is now BAE Systems approved.
​Encouraged by constantly rising demands for the production of complex, high precision machined components, Helix Precision have recently invested in advanced machine tools, such as a 5 axis Haas VF3 YT BT50, equipped with a Lehman 5 axis trunnion table. To enable the company’s inspection department to keep pace with its significant rise in production, a search was recently made for a large, accurate and fast acting CNC Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). After considering several models from leading, global metrology companies, an advanced Zenith 3 CMM was purchased from UK company, Aberlink.
Helix Precision Machining Ltd. Director, Lee Sansam explained. “To help prevent non- conformance situations and rework, we apply a company-wide, ‘right first time’, total quality approach to all of our processes and we make regular strategic investments in the best available inspection aids. We also constantly seek to expand our range of proficiency and the kind of work we are able to undertake. For instance, we have recently invested in a range of BT50 Heavy duty vertical mills for cutting exotic materials and we are currently machining Zirconium for a major Tier one supplier.
​“As we anticipated the expansion of our business and the increase in the machining of complex, accurate components, whist visiting the MACH exhibition in 2016, we witnessed demonstrations of large capacity, precise CNC CMMs from several leading companies. Having had the opportunity to compare the merits of the available machines we agreed that, due to its large capacity, speed of operation and impressive accuracy specification, the Zenith 3 from Aberlink was the perfect CMM for all of our future needs.
“Our output of complex, high precision components recently reached the anticipated high levels. As this began to put strain on our existing inspection resources, we revisited the Aberlink Zenith 3 literature. Although, given the possible progress made by other CMM manufacturers, again we compared the Aberlink CMM with other similar specification machines. Judged against our list of criteria, once again the Zenith 3 CMM came out on top.
“In addition to its impressive accuracy specification and speed of operation, it helped that Aberlink’s intuitive software meant that the Zenith 3 was the easiest to use of the CMMs that we considered. Also, unlike other brands, Aberlink provide unlimited free software updates. As the advanced Aberlink machine had many advantages over the other similar specification CMMs, we were surprised to discover that the Zenith 3 was the least expensive of the machines we looked at.

“Following the CMM’s installation and an Aberlink training course, our quality staff quickly mastered our new CMM’s operating system. To further exploit our new CMMs automatic CNC inspection routines, our quality personnel will soon be writing part programs for our regularly repeated machining work. We will then be able to instantly recall the relevant program, load a single large component or multiple smaller parts onto the Zenith 3, then start a fully automatic CNC measuring routine. On completion, when required, our new CMM will also generate detailed inspection reports.
“Our Aberlink’s Zenith 3 has already proven to be a great success. Not only has our new CMM enabled the rapid, precise measurement of complex components, Aberlink’s Zenith 3 CMM has improved our accuracy capability and also significantly speeded-up the throughput of work in our busy Quality Department.” Designed and manufactured by Aberlink, the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer, the large capacity Zenith 3 series consists of 10 machines with XYZ capacities ranging from 1000x1000x600 mm up to 1000x3000x800 mm.
The Zenith 3 CNC CMM is the result of the design evolution of the award winning Aberlink Zenith too CMM range and of more than 25 years of innovative CMM design experience. The machine’s bridge and all moving parts are manufactured from advanced, strong yet lightweight materials, the resulting extremely low inertia and optimal acceleration characteristics enable the Zenith 3 to deliver extremely fast inspection times.
Thanks to innovations, such as the use of a wider air bearing separation, that results in greater stiffness and significantly improved accuracy, the first term error for the Zenith 3 is more than a micron better than the popular predecessor.
Although the advanced Aberlink CMM is perfectly suited to use within environmentally controlled inspection departments, it is on the shop floor where the Zenith 3 range’s low thermal mass and extremely robust characteristics come to the fore, by enabling the accurate measurement of large components to take place nearer to their point of manufacture.
The impressive hardware of the Zenith 3 is complemented by the range’s intuitive Windows based software. A welcome bi-product of any Zenith 3 CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created in real-time on the operator’s computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence Aberlink’s ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognize and define the various features being measured.

With manufacturing plants in both the US and the UK and a distinguished history that
stretches back more than 100 years, the famous Cogsdill brand is synonymous with the design and manufacture of innovative tooling. Cogsdill tools reduces bore finishing cycle times and increases efficiencies within automated machining processes. The company specialize in deburring, burnishing, reaming, recessing, modular boring tools and facing heads. Cogsdill is also able to design and produce highly effective custom tools that meet customers’ specific requirements.
​The company was founded in 1914 when Stuart A. Cogsdill established a cutting tool regrinding and repair business in Detroit, Michigan. Having quickly established a reputation for developing innovative tooling solutions for tough manufacturing problems, Stuart soon began designing and manufacturing special tools for early automotive pioneers such as Henry Ford and the Dodge brothers. Currently owned and operated by the second and third generation of Stuart Cogsdill’s descendants, from its two key operating units in Camden, South Carolina, USA and Nuneaton, UK, Cogsdill now offers its 21st century customers the same high levels of commitment as its founder did. Although the global automotive industry remains a major user of Cogsdill products, the company now serves a wide range of equally demanding sectors, including the oil and gas and aerospace industries.
Increased demand for the company’s tools has resulted in a significant rise in
production at Cogsdill’s UK facility. Although the company’s Nuneaton’s manufacturing plant has the capacity to satisfy the raised demand, its important inspection provision began to struggle to keep-pace. Therefore, with the aim of boosting the business’ inspection provision, a search was made for a CNC Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), that would be able to inspect multiple tools in a fully automated mode.
Cogsdill Executive Director, Lee Donaldson explained. “Whilst we were considering the need to find a more efficient way of inspecting our output and considering several alternative Coordinate Measuring Machine brands, an Aberlink related article in a trade magazine alerted us to the benefits of the company’s CMMs. Soon after, a successful demonstration of an Zenith 3 CNC CMM at Aberlink’s Head Quarters confirmed the suitability of the machine for our needs.
“As at that time we were waiting for a substantial capital equipment grant to be
approved, rather than order the machine, to help shorten the Zenith 3’s delivery time, we delivered a letter of intent to the Aberlink stand at the recent MACH 2018 exhibition. This enabled our new CMM to benefit from the grant and to be delivered soon after.
“After purchasing the Zenith 3 CMM through Aberlink’s agent in the midlands, Mantech Geometrics, the machine was soon installed and fully operational. The ease of use of the Zenith 3 CMM and Aberlink’s software enabled our operators to quickly master the machine’s controls. In addition to substantially improving our inspection throughput speed, our new CMM has further enhanced our inspection precision capabilities.
“We now use the machine for in-process checks and for performing accurate final inspection routines. At present we are creating inspection programs using the joystick to measure a physical part (teach-and-repeat mode). To help us to realize the machines full efficient potential, we will be writing programs using the Programming from CAD software module, that will link our new CMM to our CAD system. Soon we will be able to load multiple parts onto the Zenith 3’s large bed, download the relevant program and then perform fully automated, mass tool inspection routines.

“Not only has our new Aberlink CMM removed the current potential for inspection hold- ups, due to its impressive operating speeds, fully automated CNC nature and its large bed that is able to hold multiple workpieces, it will be able to handle the inspection needs of any anticipated future rises in our production levels.”
​Designed and manufactured by Aberlink, the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer, the Zenith 3 series consists of 10 large capacity CNC machines with XYZ capacities ranging from 1000x1000x600 mm up to 1000x3000x800 mm.
​The innovative Zenith 3 CNC CMM is the result of the design evolution of its
predecessor, the award winning Aberlink Zenith too CMM range. The machine’s bridge and all moving parts are manufactured from advanced, strong yet lightweight materials, the resulting extremely low inertia and optimal acceleration characteristics enable the Zenith 3 to deliver extremely fast inspection times.
Thanks to innovations, such as the use of wider air bearing separation that provides greater stiffness, significantly improved accuracy has been achieved, for instance, the first term error for the Zenith 3 is now more than a micron better than its popular predecessor. Although the advanced Aberlink CMM is perfectly suited to use within environmentally controlled inspection departments, it is on the shop floor where the Zenith 3’s low thermal mass and extremely robust characteristics come to the fore. These advantageous attributes enable the accurate measurement of large components to take place nearer to the point of manufacture.
The Zenith 3’s impressive hardware is complemented by the CMM’s intuitive Windows based software. A welcome bi-product of any Zenith 3 CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created in real-time on the operator’s computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked o as required. In essence Aberlink’s ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognize and define the various features being measured. A major benefit of Aberlink’s operating software is that the company provide free software updates throughout the lifetime of each of its CMMs.

  With a global Headquarters in Troy, Michigan, at the heart of America’s largest
automotive manufacturing area, in addition to being involved in a multitude of other industrial sectors, Delphi is one of the world’s largest automotive parts manufacturers. Reflecting the global nature of its business, the company operates 138 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 36 joint ventures, and 28 technical centres located in 34 countries.
Delphi boasts extensive experience in high-pressure fuel injection technology and has developed several innovative design and control strategies to meet customer’s requirements for cost competitive, low noise systems that provide accurate injection over the life of an engine. The company is the world’s second largest supplier of diesel technologies and has a strong position in the light duty, medium duty and heavy duty segments, covering everything from low cost light vehicles for developing markets, up to high-technology common rail and Electronic Unit Injector (EUI) systems for the world’s most sophisticated passenger cars, trucks and off-highway vehicles. One of several company manufacturing plants situated in the UK, Delphi’s Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, facility specialises in the high-precision manufacture of EUIs for heavy duty applications, helping vehicle and engine manufacturers around the world to meet increasingly demanding emissions legislation.
Delphi’s advanced EUI comprises an individual camshaft-plunger pump for each cylinder, that is capable of delivering fuel at very high pressures (up to 2500 bar). These high injection pressures are absolutely essential to enable engines to meet current and future emissions legislation, but require incredible manufacturing tolerances – often in the sub-micron region. Delphi’s ingenious EUI systems incorporate full electronic control, with pilot injection being employed to reduce noise. Ensuring optimum operation efficiency, sensors located around the engine feed a continuous stream of data to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) which calculates the exact amount fuel to be injected and the timing of its delivery.
In accordance with the company’s philosophy of continuous improvement, an international truck manufacturer recently challenged Delphi Stonehouse to tighten the geometric tolerances on the interface between the EUIs from 100 μm to 30 μm.
Exceeding drawing requirements, and beyond the inherent capability of the processes involved, the new increased tolerance demanded a revaluation of the manufacturing and inspection methods involved. The urgency of the request called for a rapid reaction from the customer-focused Stonehouse team. Mindful of the required quick response, a manufacturing and inspection strategy was embarked upon for the high-volume injectors. As an inspection bottle-neck was quickly identified as a major potential difficulty, in consultation with Chris Gay, one of the Delphi Stonehouse’s preferred inspection equipment suppliers; several potential gauging solutions were explored. Having deemed dedicated fixtures as being too inflexible, an ideal solution was found in the best selling, Axiom too Coordinate Measuring Machine from the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer, Aberlink.
​ Will Johnson, Delphi Stonehouse Quality Manager, takes up the story. “Having rejected several other measurement strategies, the in-depth understanding of our complex and tight-tolerance measuring problem, shown by Aberlink, on our initial approach to them, gave us the confidence to explore their suggested solution. Within a two week period, working closely with Delphi personnel, Aberlink ran injector measurement trials, made minor modifications to their software, successfully completed arduous R&R trials and installed two Axiom too CNC CMMs within the Stonehouse facility. Mindful of the urgency of our requirements and to further expedite the procurement process, we took advantage of Aberlink’s Rental Scheme. As the Aberlink operator interface is relatively simple, we have enjoyed the benefits of a reduced training time, whilst the high speed of our new Aberlink CMMs will enable us to keep up with the current, unit inspection volume of 2000 units per week, and also our projected throughput of 3000 units. It was enlightening to compare the Axiom too with our existing CMM, that cost 5 times more. We were astonished that our new, less expensive machines delivered similar levels of accuracy, whilst considerably out-performing the more expensive CMM when it came to the speed of inspection routines.”

Despite the prevailing economic conditions, Aberlink has continued to enjoy excellent global sales within the small and medium CMM market. Dave Robinson, Business Development Manager at Aberlink, points out “our strategy of providing high quality products, that are affordable, accurate and above all easy to use, has enabled Aberlink to grow organically to become the largest UK owned CMM manufacture. New initiatives, such as our generous Machine Rental Scheme, have enabled customers to continue to obtain our CMMs at a time of restricted liquidity”.
Always at the forefront of CMM innovation, Aberlink has recently completed installation of several specialist machining centres at its worldwide headquarters in Gloucester. In-house manufacturing is an investment Aberlink has always believed in, not only to control cost but more importantly to ensure the most appropriative equipment and process are used to manufacture the key components it uses to build machines. Every Aberlink CMM’s boast a high-grade aluminium bridge incorporating premium quality air bearings ensuring optimum performance across a range of environments, including less than perfect shop-floor conditions. Whilst ingenious integration of the machine electronics into the CMM frame, rather than a separate desk unit, has resulted in Aberlink machines boasting the smallest footprint of any equivalent size machine.
Popular throughout the world, Aberlink’s revolutionary 3D measurement software provides the user with a powerful, yet easy to use interface, substantially increasing new users’ component through-put, whilst greatly shortening their software leaning period. Aberlink’s flexible 3D metrology software package has been developed as a multi-platform solution, in addition to supporting both manual and CNC CMM’s, it can also be used on portable arms, vision systems, video machines and profile projectors.

The rapidly expanding UK Company MSCM Ltd is a leading manufacturer of offshore hydraulic distribution equipment, servicing the Oil and Gas Industry worldwide. MSCM’s busy R&D department has enabled the development of a comprehensive range of high precision components that are used within the demanding Subsea Controls market. The company’s wide-ranging series of quality products now includes SCM manifolds, ROV lockdown components, Stabplates, Gas Lift Couplings, Valves and Solenoids.
To help avoid a potential bottleneck within the company’s busy Inspection Department, MSCM Inspection Supervisor, Kevin Fitzpatrick recently compared the merits of the available large capacity, high specification, CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines. After investigating the alternatives, and receiving demonstrations from several leading CMM Maufacturers, Kevin found the answer to his demanding requirements in the Zenith too CMM from leading UK manufacturer Aberlink Innovative Metrology.
Although MSCM’s advanced new Aberlink CMM was only recently installed, it is already making a significant contribution to speeding-up the company’s inspection Department and to ensuring the continued supply of high quality components to its long list of Blue chip, Oil and Gas Industry customers.
Kevin Fitzpatrick enthused, “As we are currently ramping-up our production levels to satisfy growing global demand, it became clear that we needed a large capacity CMM that could keep pace with the considerable increase in our output. Our new Aberlink Zenith too has a measuring envelope of 1000mm x 1.5mm x 800mm, this generous capacity makes it suitable, not only for our existing components, but ensures that the machine remains ‘future proof’ when we launch larger products. The impressive speed of our new CMM’s automatic inspection routines has substantially reduced inspection times across our product range and has considerably improved the capability of MSCM’s Inspection Department.
“Our Quality Control staff have found the Aberlink software extremely easy to use, enabling them to quickly create multiple part-programmes. Despite the machine’s ease of use and Aberlink’s comprehensive training, on the rare occasion that we have needed help, a telephone call to Aberlink’s technical department has provided a rapid answer to our problem.
​ “The working environment our products operate within dictate that we carry out 100% inspection on all critical features. As we supply our customers with relevant certification guaranteeing the integrity of our manufactured components, it is extremely useful to us that the Zenith too is also able to generate comprehensive, easy to follow inspection reports.”

Offering the industry’s best performance to cost ratio for this class of machine, Aberlink’s Zenith too CMM series consists of 10 machines with XYZ capacities ranging from 1000x1000x600 – 1000x3000x800. The new range’s cutting edge all aluminium construction, advanced drive design and raised guide-ways ensures that despite a generous measuring envelope, the machines’ extremely low inertia characteristics guarantees supreme speed of operation.
Although the new Aberlink series is perfectly suited to use within environmentally controlled inspection environments, it is on the shop floor where the Zenith too range’s low thermal mass and extremely robust characteristics come to the fore, enabling the accurate measurement of large components to take place nearer to the manufacturing area.
The impressive hardware of the new Zenith too is complemented by the range’s intuitive Windows based software. A welcome bi-product of any Zenith too CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created in real-time on the operator’s computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence Aberlink’s ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured. Aberlink 3D is the easiest to use CMM software currently available, so much so, that a complete novice is usually able to perform relatively involved measurement routines after just 5 minutes training.
​ Aberlink supply a complete Zenith too ‘turn-key’ package, including a comprehensive training programme, a wide choice of motorised or manual probes, Aberlink’s celebrated 3D software and not least the latest generation of high speed custom controllers, that are capable of generating true, three dimensional contours. 

Used throughout the company’s range of products, Aberlink’s 3D Windows based, intuitive software, was designed purposefully around a graphical interface, unlike comparable packages with graphics that can best be described as a software simultaneous picture of the measured component is created on the computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence Aberlink’s ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured. Aberlink 3D is the easiest to use CMM software currently available, so much so, a complete novice is usually able to perform relatively involved measurement routines after just 5 minutes training.

Impressed by the Axiom too’s easy to use software and the machine’s fast CNC
capability, Steve Bower, Manufacturing Manager at Norton Motorcycles machining facility said. “We are rapidly increasing production and working around the clock to meet order books for the 961 Commandos. When the Aberlink CMM arrived we had a backlog of parts to inspect, but because the machine’s software is extremely user friendly, it took very little time to create all the required inspection programs. As our Axiom too is a full CNC machine, we can now simply put follow-on batches of parts on to the machine bed and they are inspected automatically, and when checking smaller components, we are able to load multiple parts at one time. Although I have little previous experience of programming a CMM, I have been amazed at how quickly I have been able to master even relatively complicated measuring procedures. Aberlink’s 3D software creates it’s own programmed path and a model of the part as you measure it, the program generated by the software can then be ran as a conventional CMM program. In additional to being an invaluable tool for the development of prototype work, the Axiom too is incredibly versatile and takes almost no programming time at all, making it the perfect inspection tool for our Manufacturing facility.”

N&R Needham Co Ltd. was established in 1972 in a small industrial unit in Chesterfield. Having rapidly outgrown its original premise, to help satisfy the requirements of its increasing customer base, in 1977 the company moved into its current, purpose built manufacturing facility in Clay Cross, Derbyshire. Prompted by ever rising demands for the company’s services two further factory extensions followed. Continued investments in the latest CNC machinery means that N&R Needham now has an impressive capacity list and is able to undertake a diverse range of work.
To keep pace with customer demands for the accurate machining of large complex components, N&R Needham recently installed a Mazak H1000 horizontal, twin pallet machining centre with a work envelope of 1640mm cubed. Given the size of the parts produced by the Mazak machine and the company’s increased production volumes, a search was made for a large capacity Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) that was able to accommodate extremely large parts and that was capable of delivering the required levels of accuracy.
Having investigated the available large CMMs, an Azimuth machine with a measuring capacity of X1200 Y3000 Z1000, was purchased from Aberlink. N&R Needham Director, Joe Needham explained. “In addition to rising levels of output from our existing machines, the sheer size of the components and the increased production volumes from our recently installed Mazak twin pallet, horizontal machining centre, began to place a strain on our inspection capacity.
“Although each of the large CMM options that I considered were excellent machines, the Azimuth from Aberlink had all of the accuracy, speed and capacity attributes that we needed. In addition, Aberlink’s 3D software proved very easy to use. Our new Aberlink CMM, located in a newly constructed temperature controlled inspection area, is able to handle the largest components that we manufacture. Also, its high-precision specification and impressive speed of operation means that it will be able to measure parts with the most demanding of tolerances and also accommodate any future anticipated increases in production.”
Clive Brooks NR Needham Manager added. “As the main operator of our new Aberlink CMM I was pleased that the machine’s software and controls were so intuitive and easy operate. Aberlink’s first training session allowed me to quickly master all of the machine’s basic functions. Once I had gained some experience on the CMM, a second, more advanced training session further improved my knowledge. Now, on the rare occasion that I have a problem, it helps that a phone call to Aberlink’s help-desk results in a quick solution.”
The imposing Azimuth machines represent the largest CMMs ever manufactured by Aberlink. The range encompasses machines with X-Y-Z capacities from 1200 x 1000 x 1000mm to 1200 x 3000 x 1000mm, with the capability of accepting components of up to 6000kg in weight.
​ The cost effective Azimuth range was designed to deliver outstanding levels of accuracy and repeatability when used in inspection departments or within shop floor environments. To aid the efficient measurement of large and heavy parts at the point of manufacture, the robust machines boast anti-vibration protection to help provide isolation from nearby machine tools. A temperature compensation option is also available.

Azimuth CMMs are fitted with 0.0001mm linear encoders for superior accuracy and features a unique, self-contained drive system to ensure excellent performance over their entire measuring volumes. Given the size of the machines, a touch screen CMM joystick is supplied as standard, allowing convenient, remote operation. To ensure that customers are able to receive an Azimuth CMM to match their exact needs, a wide range of touch probes, a camera system for non-contact inspection and several software options are also available.
 Azimuth CMMs are supplied with Aberlink’s famous, easy to use 3D measuring software. Equally rewarding when used by the novice or an experienced CMM operator, Aberlink’s intuitive 3D software, ensures greater user productivity and profitability. A welcome bi-product of any Aberlink CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created on the computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence this ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured.
Aberlink Business Development Manager Chris Davies concludes. “The Azimuth is not only Aberlink’s largest CMM, but it is the culmination of over twenty years of in-depth experience and excellence in the design and manufacture of innovative metrology equipment that incorporates the very latest materials technology.
​ “When developing larger CMMs, it is not simply a case of scaling up the design of smaller models. The stiffness of a CMM’s structure is critical, but weight must also be kept to a minimum. The Azimuth’s revolutionary bridge incorporates aluminium honeycomb sheets developed for use in Formula One and the Aerospace Industry. The remarkable stiffness to weight ratio that this technique provides, gives the Azimuth an edge in both performance and speed. For a machine of this size, the Azimuth is not only fast, but it is extremely accurate.”

Established in 1973 by John Kratovil, Paragon Precision Products has developed into a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality turned/milled components to international markets. The demanding global industries supplied by Paragon include the defence, aviation, automotive, autosport, fibre optics, medical and scientific research sectors. The well known company also has extensive experience in manufacturing and supplying highly specified components for a range of military applications.
Paragon is committed to maintaining the highest standards of component quality and service whilst optimising productivity; this is achieved by utilising advanced CNC Machine Tool technology. Further efficiencies are gained through the implementation of a progressive Kanban system and whenever possible, by the use of “lights out” production. Paragon’s policy of continuous investment in the most up to date, highly productive technology and the use of progressive production systems, enables the company to produce high-quality components in small, medium and large batch quantities, at very competitive prices. An illustration of the success of the company’s abiding price/quality philosophy is the recent award of a large production contract, won despite the presence of extremely aggressive Chinese competition.
Paragon’s modern production facility provides a clean and efficient, purpose-designed operating environment where a team of precision engineers are able to produce high-quality components to exacting specifications. The company’s well-equipped CNC machine shop houses a comprehensive range of precision machining, milling and turning equipment, all using up to date CNC technology. Operation of the company’s machine tools is optimised by the use of a fully automated, feature-rich CAMWARE system that provides extensive CAD drawing capability and design tools.
To ensure that this ISO 9001 Quality Assured company retain the hard won reputation they enjoy for the high quality of their output, regular investments are made in the best available quality control technology. An illustration of Paragon’s commitment to quality is the company’s recent purchase of an advanced Axiom too Coordinate Measuring Machine from Aberlink Innovative Metrology.
Paragon Precision Products Managing Director Paul Kratovil explains the reasons behind the company’s latest, high-tech acquisition. “Although our Inspection Department is well equipped with a range of modern measuring and testing equipment, the high volume of work now passing through our production facility meant that we needed to procure a high-accuracy, high-speed CMM that could keep pace with our current levels of production. As our proposed CMM would represent the most expensive piece of quality control equipment ever purchased by the company, we considered many alternatives makes. We also took advice from our customers, who operate several different CMMs. Although some alternatives came close, the ‘stand-out’ CMM was the Axiom too from Aberlink.”

Available in manual and CNC variants, the cost effective Axiom too is the best selling CMM from the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer – Aberlink Innovative Metrology. Aberlink’s popular Axiom too CMM can truly be described as the complete Inspection Centre; high measuring accuracies are achieved through the use of the latest metrology techniques and advanced in-house manufacturing methods. The Axiom too boasts an all aluminium bridge resulting in a very low thermal mass, rendering the machine ideal for use either in controlled environments or within less than perfect shop-floor conditions. Thanks to the Axiom too’s use of advanced materials, the machine’s reduced inertia results in class leading speed of operation. For increased accuracy air bearings of optimised stiffness are employed on all axes, whilst a granite Y Beam allows preloading of bridge bearings in both directions. Borrowed from the Aerospace industry, the CMM’s sturdy component support consists of an advanced granite/aluminium honeycomb construction, this technology, provides natural damping and further improves the machine’s thermal properties. Despite the Axiom too’s generous measuring volume 640x600x500 or 640x900x500, the machine’s compact design occupies a relatively small footprint.
Equally rewarding when used by the novice or an experienced CMM operator, the Axiom too utilises Aberlink’s famous, intuitive 3D software, ensuring greater user productivity and profitability. A welcome bi-product of any Aberlink CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created on the computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence this ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured. Aberlink 3D is the easiest to use CMM software currently available.
Paragon Precision Products Managing Director Paul Kratovil continued. “From the moment of our first contact with Aberlink, we were impressed by the company’s very professional manner and their understanding of our needs, later a very impressive machine demonstration helped us to make our decision. Following a short learning curve, our operators found the Axiom too very easy to operate, and are now using our new CMM for a multitude of measuring tasks. The speed and accuracy of the Aberlink machine ensures that it is able to perform a range of complex gauging procedures extremely rapidly. Our new CMM has also proven very easy to programme, by undertaking a manual mode inspection routine of a given component, Aberlink’s 3D software automatically creates a part programme for future use. When working in a CNC mode, the Axiom too’s large component support allows us to load multiple parts, and by selecting the appropriate, pre-written part programme, measure parts in a fully automatic mode.”
​ “As a company we have always adhered to our philosophy of purchasing the best tool for the job in hand, as illustrated by our range of premium quality machine tools. Having applied this same attitude to our CMM purchase, it was particularly pleasing that on this occasion the ‘best tool for the job’ was a British CMM that came in at a very competitive price.” 

​As the world’s first manufacturer to offer a range of commercial air bearing spindles, for more than fifty years Westwind Air Bearings has remained at the forefront of design and manufacturing within this technically challenging sector.

Westwind’s global headquarters and European centre of design excellence is based in Poole, Dorset. The high-tech facility employs over one hundred staff and is the source of new product development initiatives and manufacturing.

Westwind air bearing spindles are used globally in many demanding industries, including PCB manufacturing, automotive coating, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and many other sectors where performance needs fall outside the scope of conventional bearing technology.

Air bearings’ demanding applications and high precision nature means that their component parts have exacting dimensional tolerances. To enable strict adherence to the quality standards required by a new contract, Westwind instigated a search for an advanced Coordinate Measuring Machine. Jordan Tuxford, Westwind Quality Engineer explained, “We looked at precision CMMs from several leading manufacturers. The key requirements were for high operational speeds and large granite beds that could accommodate multiple parts for automated batch measurement. The CNC version of Aberlink’s Axiom too satisfied all of our criteria, it was the easiest to use of the CMMs we considered and offered good value for money”.

“After a one day training course at Aberlink’s Gloucestershire HQ and a trouble-free Axiom too installation, the machine was put to work immediately. A further half day onsite applications visit enabled the inspection process to be fine-tuned. Excellent service from Aberlink means that if help is needed, the Aberlink HQ support staff are always happy to provide advice over the telephone”.

​ “Now we are able to quickly recall the pre-written part program, load multiple components onto the Axiom too and perform a precise and rapid CNC batch inspection”.

​Available in manual and CNC variants, the recently upgraded, cost effective Axiom too is the best-selling CMM from the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer. Popular throughout the plastic industry, Aberlink Innovative Metrology’s Axiom too CMM can truly be described as the complete Inspection Centre; high measuring accuracies are achieved through the use of the latest metrology techniques and advanced in-house manufacturing methods. The Axiom too boasts an aluminium bridge with a very low thermal mass, rendering the machine ideal for use either in controlled environments or within less than perfect shop-floor conditions. Thanks to the Axiom too’s use of advanced materials, the machine’s reduced inertia results in class leading speed of operation. For increased accuracy air bearings of optimised stiffness are employed on all axes, whilst a granite Y Beam allows preloading of bridge bearings in both directions. Borrowed from the Aerospace industry, the CMM’s sturdy component support consists of an advanced granite/aluminium honeycomb construction, this technology, provides natural damping and further improves the machine’s thermal properties. Despite the Axiom too’s generous measuring volume 640x600x500 or 640x900x500, the machine’s compact design occupies a relatively small footprint, with the controller and all peripherals housed within the Axiom too’s workbench.

​ Equally rewarding when used by the novice or an experienced CMM operator, the easy to use Axiom too utilises Aberlink’s famous, intuitive 3D software, ensuring greater user productivity and profitability. A welcome bi-product of any Aberlink CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created on the computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence this ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured. Aberlink 3D is the easiest to use CMM software currently available, as a result a complete novice is usually able to perform relatively involved measurement routines after just 5 minutes training.

As with many of the advanced automotive technologies that have become commonplace within automotive transport, hybrid flywheel technology, known as Kers in the F1 world, was developed in the world of motorsport. Through development in this fiercely competitive arena, Hybrid Power has developed a system that can deliver high, continuously cycling power output over an extended operating life, which far exceeds that of current, battery based hybrid applications. Acquired by GKN Plc in April 2014 from Williams Grand Prix Engineering, GKN Hybrid Power is at the forefront of hybrid flywheel technology. GKN Hybrid Power now makes the advanced technology available to applications such as hybrid buses and other passenger and commercial vehicles to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. The Hybrid Power team, based in Oxfordshire, UK has already introduced the advanced technology into applications as diverse as London buses and the Le Mans winning Audi R18 e-tron Quattro. The GKN system has a number of unique features. The core of the hybrid system is the Magnetically Loaded Composite rota, which provides a highly efficient electrical energy storage capability which is both cheaper and lighter than batteries. Compared to a battery, the electric flywheel has a much higher specific power density. This means that for applications that require relatively short bursts of energy at a higher power, the flywheel system is a fraction of the weight, volume and cost (by as much as a third) of a battery. The benefits of the low carbon certified system include minimal re-engineering requirements and up to 25% fuel improvement. In addition to the ingenious design of the GKN Hybrid Power hybrid flywheel technology, the systems efficiency is dependent on the high precision of its manufactured components. Chris Tye, Operations Manager at GKN Hybrid Power, explained “GKN Hybrid Power’s Gyrodrive electric flywheel technology is a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). When a vehicle brakes, it harvests the energy normally lost as heat. The flywheel stores the energy and returns it to the wheels on demand, boosting power, saving fuel and reducing emissions. When the driver brakes, a traction motor within the drivetrain slows the vehicle and by doing so generating electricity. This electricity is used to charge the flywheel, spinning it at up to 36,000rpm. When the driver accelerates, the system works in reverse. The stored energy is drawn from the flywheel and converted back into electricity to power the traction motor. This action reduces the work done by the internal combustion engine and, depending on the application, improves fuel economy by up to 25%. “Our system can continuously deep cycle at high power without the longevity concerns for batteries when operated similarly, it can also operate through a broader range of operating temperature when compared to battery alternatives, in addition, full cycle life costs are lower. “Given the loads placed on hybrid flywheel technology and the punishing environments it is designed to work in, all of GKN Hybrid Power’s components are manufactured to the highest quality standards, also, many of them have challenging dimensional tolerances. “The commercial success and increasing demand for our hybrid flywheel technology recently began to place a burden on our existing manual Coordinate Measuring Machine. So before we started to encounter inspection bottle necks we began a search for a second, larger, CMM that was more capable had the benefit of CNC operation. 

​“Having considered machines from several companies, including the manufacturer of our existing CMM, we decided that Aberlink’s Zenith too, fitted with a Renishaw PH10M motorised indexing heads and SP25 scanning probe system, was the ideal CMM for our growing needs. In addition to accommodating all of our existing parts, the machine’s large capacity - x1000 mm x y1000 mm, z 600 mm, will enable it to accept all anticipated future large components. “As the Zenith too is so easy to operate and Aberlink’s software is so intuitive, following a brief training session, our operators quickly became proficient in the machine’s operation. As our new Aberlink CMM is fully CNC, within 3 weeks of its installation, our CMM operator had written over 100 part programs related to our most common components. Now, we are able to load a single large part or multiple smaller components onto the bed of the machine, recall the relevant program, and with the press of a button instigate a fully automatic CNC measuring routine.” Manufactured by Aberlink Innovative Metrology, the largest UK owned Coordinate Measuring Machine manufacturer, the Zenith too Coordinate Measuring Machine range consists of 10 machines with XYZ capacities from 1000x1000x600mm –1000x3000x800mm. The Zenith too’s cutting edge, all aluminium construction, advanced drive design and raised guide-ways ensures that despite its choice of generous measuring envelopes, the machines’ extremely low inertia characteristics guarantees excellent speed of operation. Impressive accuracy and repeatability figures are further aided by the range’s measuring structure being completely independent of the machine’s granite surface table. Although the large capacity series is perfectly suited to use within environmentally controlled inspection environments, it is on the shop floor where the Zenith too range’s low thermal mass and extremely robust characteristics come to the fore, enabling the accurate measurement of large parts, or multiple smaller components to take place nearer to their point of manufacture. The impressive hardware of the new Zenith too is complemented by the range’s intuitive Windows based software. A welcome bi-product of any Zenith too CMM inspection routine is that a simultaneous picture of the measured component is created in real-time on the operator’s computer screen. Dimensions between the measured features, mirroring those that appear on the component drawing, are then picked off as required. In essence Aberlink’s ‘smart’ software represents an intelligent measuring system that is able to automatically recognise and define the various features being measured. Aberlink 3D is claimed to be the easiest to use CMM software currently available, so much so, that a complete novice is usually able to perform relatively involved measurement routines after just 5 minutes training. Aberlink supply a complete Zenith too ‘turn-key’ package, including a comprehensive training programme, a wide choice of motorised or manual probes, Aberlink’s celebrated 3D software and not least the latest generation of high speed custom controllers, that are capable of generating true, three dimensional contours.