Excel Precision Group has cemented its position as one of the UK’s leading specialists in electrical discharge machining (EDM), with a growing fleet of Sodick machines supplied by
Sodi-Tech Europe forming the backbone of its advanced manufacturing capabilities.
This long-standing relationship has enabled the company to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of aerospace, defence and oil and gas sectors while achieving significant growth.
Operating from facilities in Gloucester and Birmingham, Excel Precision Group runs a comprehensive suite of wire and spark erosion equipment.
Gary Taylor, group managing director, explained: “We are one of the leading suppliers of subcontract wire and spark erosion across the UK and we have a division that sells EDM consumables. So that’s everything from wire, filters and anything you need, from a consumable spare part point of view.”
The company’s customer base spans some of the most demanding industrial sectors. Mr Taylor said: “We predominantly work in aerospace, defence and oil and gas. However, we also do work in Formula One and the medical sector as well, which is growing.” Both facilities hold Nadcap AC7116/3 Rev B and AS:9100 Rev D certifications, underlining the group’s commitment to quality.
Excel Precision’s investment in Sodick technology reflects a philosophy of continuous improvement. The latest additions include three AG60L die-sink EDM machines, with the most recent arriving last autumn. The fleet also includes an ALC400G, an ALC600G and an AL60G, creating a versatile production capability across the group’s sites.
Mr Taylor continued: “We have a relationship with Sodick that’s based on many years of trusted partnership. We have a range of wire and sinking machines across both facilities. We work closely with Sodick to meet our customers’ demanding needs, and we’re always looking to innovate and keep up with the latest technology.”
The technical advantages of Sodick’s machines have delivered measurable benefits. The ALC600G wire EDM has transformed production of complex titanium defence components. Where previous equipment achieved a 90% pass rate on angled faces with 5µm tolerances, the Sodick machine delivers 100% conformance—a critical improvement for high-value aerospace applications. Cycle times have also been cut dramatically, with parts that previously required 65 minutes now completed in just 35 minutes, a 46% productivity gain. Components that once needed two separate machines can now be finished on a single Sodick unit, streamlining workflow and reducing handling.
Consistent qualityThe AG60L die-sink EDM has proven particularly effective for stainless steel actuator components and other aerospace parts, delivering superior surface finishes even on bottom faces where debris accumulation can be problematic. Advanced flushing systems and precision control overcome these challenges, ensuring consistent quality. Beyond part performance, Sodick machines offer operational advantages including a compact footprint, energy efficiency improvements of more than 50% compared to legacy equipment and enhanced reliability.
Mr Taylor highlighted the importance of these capabilities in supporting critical sectors: “If we look at the landscape, there are many different things going on in aerospace and indeed defence, where requirements are becoming a lot more stringent, but the demands are very much there, obviously with all the different conflicts across the globe. We have all the accreditations from NADCAP to AS:9100 and we have the experience and equipment to deal with the demands and the requirements of these sectors, whether it’s tolerances, part complexity or the exotic materials that these companies are looking for us to machine.”
Operational flexibility is another key strength. Mr Taylor added: “We have machinery on site, like the Sodick ALC600G, that can offer tight tolerances, repeatability and a quick turnaround on parts. Our facilities are available outside of normal hours, which enables us to turn parts around very quickly. More recently, we’ have been expanding into other areas across the country and indeed Europe, where companies are looking for this quick turnaround service on typically complex, difficult parts. The future is very bright. We are in a very strong position and we’re looking to grow. We want to grow with our customers, and we’re looking to grow into potential new sectors as well.”
The partnership between Excel Precision Group and Sodick demonstrates how strategic investment in advanced EDM technology can transform a business. By combining cutting-edge equipment with rigorous quality systems and operational excellence, Excel Precision has positioned itself to meet the evolving demands of the UK’s most critical industrial sectors while delivering the reliability, precision and rapid turnaround that modern aerospace and defence applications demand.