Steadfast Solutions (www.steadfast-solutions.co.uk), a precision engineering sub-contractor based in Oldbury, has replaced three ageing wire EDMs with the latest Sodick SL400Q models from Sodi-Tech EDM (www.sodick.org).

This brings the total number of Sodick machines on site to 17. Gary Smith, a co-founder of the company, said: “Replacing older machines with newer technologies has been an on-going strategy at Steadfast from the outset.

“It gives customers the confidence that our commitment to offering the best quality and delivery — at a competitive price — cannot be bettered elsewhere.”

Although Steadfast supplies a number of different sectors, its automotive clients continue to command most of its output.

Progression press tool parts such as dies, punches and strippers are its core business, as are precision components, jigs and fixtures — all produced using the new Sodick wire EDMs, which feature Sodick’s digital Smart Pulse generator and linear-motor technology, as well as a 19in colour touch-screen control.

The new machines complement a larger-capacity SL600Q that was delivered in 2014.

Mr Smith said: “The three machines have not stopped working since they arrived, including overnight and at weekends. We work to tolerances of 5µm in many instances and have never had a problem — a level of reliability that is critical to our business.

"We can set jobs with the confidence that they will come off to specification.

“At night, we have cameras on the machines in case there is a stoppage, but the automatic wire-threading technology is very reliable.”