Gloucestershire-based
Nortim Precision Engineering has consolidated and strengthened its operations with two new Fanuc-controlled DN Solutions’ multi-tasking turning centres supplied by
Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland.
The machines — a 12in chuck Puma 3100LSY and an 8in chuck Lynx 2100LSYB — both feature sub-spindles, Y-axis and driven tooling capabilities. They were installed at Nortim’s 7,000ft
2 machine shop in Stonehouse in April and July respectively.
These acquisitions have significantly increased Nortim’s in-house machining capacity and capabilities, supporting its continuous improvement programme and reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, right-first-time machined components with reduced lead times.
Since installation, the lathes have been machining a wide range of high-precision, complex components for domestic and international customers, both existing and new, across sectors including oil and gas, medical, pharmaceutical, food and drink processing, automotive, materials handling and electronics.
Components — often prototypes or small-to-medium batch sizes — are machined from materials including stainless steel, Duplex, carbon steel, aluminium alloys, Inconel and engineering plastics like PEEK and Acetyl. Cycle times for intricate components made from difficult-to-machine materials can exceed 3-4hr.
In addition to supplying machined components, Nortim also provides full and sub-assembly services. Established in 1971, the company is a progressive, family-owned business employing 15 staff and regularly invests in advanced machine tools and technologies to improve productivity, enhance process efficiency and maintain its competitive edge. Its ethos — built on integrity, trust and transparency — has helped it build a strong reputation across the industries it serves. Nortim’s managing director Tony Powell said: “Our word is our bond. We do what we say, deliver on our promises, and go the extra mile for our customers.”
High-performance machinesNortim’s relationship with Mills CNC dates back to 2004 and includes investments in Daewoo, Doosan and DN Solutions’ CNC lathes and machining centres. The company values Mills’ high-performance machines and comprehensive after-sales services, including delivery, installation, finance and CNC training.
Manufacturing director Jon Kemper said: “We have built strong relationships with Mills over the years — it always seems to have the right specification machines we are looking for and can often deliver and install them from stock in double-quick time.”
At the start of 2025, Nortim was approached by a specialist bathing and care equipment customer needing highly accurate tubular components for height-adjustable baths. The required tube length exceeded the capacity of Nortim’s existing CNC lathe, prompting the company to explore new options. After visiting Mills CNC to assess the Puma 3100LSY, Nortim determined that its 12in chuck, 102mm bar capacity, 1,285mm turning length and 420mm turning diameter, made it ideal for both the new and existing projects.
Rather than opting for a twp-axis version, Nortim chose the sub-spindle, Y-axis and driven tooling variant to enable ‘one-hit’ machining. This eliminated the need for re-orienting parts or transferring them to machining centres for milling operations.
Mr Kemper explained: “The multi-tasking, mill-turn capabilities of the Puma 3100LSY were a key selling point. The productivity gains from eliminating stop-start production and easing pressure on our milling resources were vital.”
With the Puma quickly tied up by incoming work, Nortim made a further investment in a compact Lynx 2100LSYB to handle smaller part processing. The 8in chuck, 65mm bar capacity lathe with sub-spindle and driven tools was installed in July and is already making a positive impact. Mr Powell continued: “Again, we went with Mills CNC — the Lynx is already contributing to improved throughput and efficiency.”