Precision Moulds & Tools Services Ltd was formed in 1991 by two partners who shared a passion for high-precision machining and high-quality tool making. Over the past 24 years, the company’s founders have used their experience — gained in some of the most advanced tool-rooms in the world — to create what is now an internationally renowned business.

Highlighting the company’s pursuit of the highest standards of dimensional accuracy in all its production processes, Precision Moulds & Tools inspects manufactured components using tool-maker’s measuring microscopes from Andover-based Mitutoyo UK (www.mitutoyo.co.uk) that are located in climate controlled inspection areas. Each tool undergoes detailed final inspection on completion and comprehensive inspection reports can be supplied with the tools when they are delivered.

Precision Moulds & Tools sales director Joe Boscarini says: “As well as our ability to design and manufacture on time and at the right price, our international reputation is based largely on the consistent premium quality of the mould tools that we produce. Our use of advanced inspection technology helps ensure the levels of consistency that give our customers the confidence that replacement inserts or other parts will be absolutely identical to those originally supplied.

“Several years ago, we undertook a search for an easy-to-use highly precise measuring technology that would allow our tool-makers to perform rapid in-process dimensional checks at each stage of tool manufacture.

"After witnessing several demonstrations and considering alternative systems, we decided that the Mitutoyo MF tool-maker’s measuring microscope was the ideal instrument for our needs, so we bought our first unit.

“The use of binocular stereo measuring microscopes gives us advanced optical inspection and measuring capability. Extended depth of focus, long working distances and a wide field of view minimise operator eye fatigue while increasing our inspection efficiency and productivity.”

Expanding markets

Initially serving the domestic connector market, Precision Moulds & Tools was soon attracting clients from other industrial sectors, including medical, pharmaceutical, automotive and electrical.

Winning contracts for the production of single- and multi-cavity plastic injection mould tools for use in conventional twin-shot strip-fed and overmould applications has allowed the Stoke Mandeville-based company to grow rapidly. Indeed, the ISO 9001:2008-certified business now has more than 38,000ft2 of purpose-built manufacturing space; and as well as closed-cell climate-controlled tool manufacturing, the facility accommodates administration functions, design and development, a dedicated climate-controlled inspection facility and a mould shop, which houses moulding machines that are used for first-off sampling and initial batch runs. Clients can also bring in their own machines for closed-cell tool validation.

Reflecting the international experience of the company’s founders, Precision Moulds & Tools opened a factory in Sri Lanka in 2004 that mirrors the UK plant and has Mitutoyo tool-maker’s measuring microscopes.

Mr Boscarini says: “Our first measuring microscope proved to be the perfect instrument for ensuring the accuracy of our tools. As our business has expanded and our workload has increased, we have purchased additional units and placed them in strategic locations throughout our Stoke Mandeville site, where we now have six. Their inherent accuracy and ease of use ensure that the tool-makers in both of our facilities can achieve the highest standards of precision.”

Microscope with a multi-function capability

The Mitutoyo MF tool-maker’s measuring microscope used by Precision Moulds & Tools is a high-power multi-function measuring microscope offering monocular or binocular observation with a clear non-flare image and a wide field of view. Its measuring accuracy is the highest in its class. It provides a long working distance; and the illumination source — reflected or transmitted — is selectable between high-intensity LED or halogen (a variable-aperture diaphragm suppresses diffraction).

Meanwhile, a quick-release mechanism allows the work stage to be moved quickly, while coarse/fine feed handles on both sides allow precise focus and observation regardless of the operator’s handedness. Optional eyepieces allow observation up to 2000x magnification.