Rainford to highlight micro machining at MACH

The new Kern Fortis

Rainford Precision, widely regarded as the UK’s leading specialist in micro‑manufacturing technologies, will return to MACH with an extensive portfolio of new machining solutions (Hall 6, Stand 112). Alongside its well‑established range of ultra‑precision cutting tools from partners including Union Tool, Louis Belet, 6C Tools AG, Delmeco SA, DTS GmbH, Hobe GmbH, Hufschmied GmbH, IWATA Tool Co, Saito Seisakusho Co Ltd (ATOM), Schreurs Tools GmbH and Sorma S.P.A., the company will present a selection of world‑class machine tool brands designed for niche high‑accuracy applications.

Visitors to the Birmingham NEC from 20–24 April will be able to explore new technologies in precision machining, turn‑mill, PECM and micro waterjet cutting from leading global manufacturers. Among the most anticipated exhibits is the latest ultra‑precision platform from Kern Microtechnik, a firm that has built a strong reputation at previous MACH events. Rainford Precision will introduce the newly launched Kern Micro HD+, the latest evolution of Kern’s flagship Micro HD series. The machine extends Kern’s patented micro‑gap hydrostatic technology from the linear axes to fully hydrostatic B and C rotary axes, delivering significant gains in spindle run‑out, rigidity and thermal performance.

Pictured right: the Finecut micro waterjet machine from Rainford Precision

The Micro HD+ incorporates more powerful motors and topology‑optimised structures to deliver higher dynamics while maintaining micrometre‑level accuracy over extended production cycles. The compact platform accommodates workpieces up to 350mm in diameter and 400mm in length, with an integrated tool magazine capable of holding up to 210 tools. It routinely achieves surface finishes of Ra0.05µm in serial production, reducing or eliminating the need for subsequent finishing operations.

For customers requiring the same level of precision on larger components, Kern has also launched the Fortis HD, which offers the micron‑accurate performance of the HD platform on a larger five‑axis machine with travels of 780 x 420 x 450mm, 120deg of B‑axis rotation and full 360deg C‑axis rotation.

The Kern technology will be complemented by ultra‑precision turning solutions from Innolite. Every machine in the company’s IL series delivers sub‑nanometre precision for the production of demanding optical surfaces and advanced engineering components. The range spans compact systems such as the IL200 through to large‑format vertical platforms like the IL1200 and IL1600, capable of machining optical components up to 1.5m in diameter.

The IL400L combines femtosecond laser processing with diamond machining through Innolite’s ILPAC system, enabling the precise machining of brittle materials that are typically unsuitable for conventional diamond turning. Core technologies such as DirectDrive3D and NanoGrip clamping provide dynamic control at 10,000 fixed points per second with sub‑micron repeatability.

High‑speed, high‑accuracy production
Manufacturers seeking high‑precision turn‑mill performance will be able to review the latest Benzinger CNC systems. As the exclusive UK agent, Rainford Precision will display machines from the TNI, Take 5, GoFuture and DoLittle ranges. These modular platforms deliver high‑speed, high‑accuracy production with thermal stability and run‑out values below 0.5µm. The DoLittle series is tailored for components up to 26mm dia, featuring 15,000rev/min spindles and tool block designs that support sub‑10µm tool‑change accuracy. For bar‑fed production up to 42mm dia, the GoFuture series combines high‑precision capability with hard‑turning performance up to 72HRc, producing mirror‑quality surfaces below Ra3µm.

Pictured left: Benzinger DoLittle machine

Rainford Precision will again represent Finepart AB, the Scandinavian manufacturer renowned for its high‑precision micro‑abrasive waterjet systems. The Finecut WMC500II series operates at 4,000 bar through compact cutting heads, achieving kerf widths of just 0.2mm and positional accuracy of ±2.5µm. Its non‑thermal erosion process eliminates heat‑affected zones and distortion, making it suitable for advanced composites, aerospace alloys, ceramics, hardened steels and shape‑memory materials such as NiTi. Configurations are available in three, four and five axes for components ranging from 200µm to 500mm dia.

The company will also highlight major developments from its cutting tool partners. Union Tool will present its new HGLB and HWLB series for machining hardened steels up to 70HRc, while Louis Bélet will showcase its Excalibur PCD range for non‑ferrous materials. IWATA Tool’s Toglon deep‑hole drilling technology will also be demonstrated, offering enhanced performance for sectors such as aerospace and motorsport. These tools are supported by Rainford Precision’s in‑house digital microscope analysis service, enabling detailed wear assessment and process optimisation based on data‑driven insights.

Rainford Precision’s technical specialists will be available throughout MACH to discuss application challenges and outline how the company’s technologies can support manufacturers seeking greater accuracy, efficiency and capability in micro‑scale and high‑precision production environments.