Hone-All Precision Ltd

Accuracy in the medical manufacturing sector is non-negotiable as even the slightest error has the potential to alter treatment outcomes or jeopardise patient safety. From initial diagnoses to dosage calculations and surgical procedures, precision directly impacts on the effectiveness of care plans and treatments, ensuring optimum care for each patient.

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Precision also matters in the design and use of medical equipment. Often featuring intricate designs, medical tools must be manufactured to the highest standards, meeting exacting specifications to ensure safe use in critical situations. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is the cornerstone for the production of medical instruments, ensuring an unwavering degree of integrity and accuracy.

Unparalleled Precision

CNC machining is underpinned by unparalleled precision which is a critical factor in medical applications where even the tiniest deviation can deliver adverse consequences. As the basis for reliability and safety in patient treatment and care, CNC technology, and excellent levels of skill and expertise, ensures that healthcare clinicians and providers can carry out procedures where there is a zero margin for error. Whether crafting intricate components for surgical instruments or precisely engineered implants, CNC machining guarantees the precision required for these lifesaving devices.

Exceptional Repeatability

Another advantage of CNC machining that makes it indispensable for the medical community is its ability to seamlessly transition from design to mass production without compromising on quality. Once a design is finalised, CNC machining enables the consistent replication of complex geometries and precise specifications, which is essential for the production of medical devices on a large scale while upholding performance standards. With outstanding levels of repeatability, CNC machining ensures that every product is as accurate as the first, with no deviation.

Material Versatility

The medical industry also benefits from CNC machining’s flexibility in working with a broad array of materials. From biocompatible materials essential for implants to robust and durable metals for surgical instruments, CNC machining accommodates the use of specialist materials that are crucial for the manufacturing of medical devices. Common materials used in medical equipment manufacturing include:

• Titanium: Used for implants due to its biocompatibility and strength.

• Stainless steel: Commonly employed in surgical instruments for its durability and resistance to corrosion.

• Plastics: Ideal for creating components in medical devices such as orthopaedic implants or instrumentation due to their lightweight and biocompatibility.

• Cobalt-chrome alloys: Utilised in dental implants or prosthetics for their strength and resistance to wear.

Outstanding Intricacy

In medical technology, there is a need for intricate shapes and small components which poses significant challenges for manufacturers: how to quickly achieve consistent and accurate results without compromising on quality and generating waste. CNC machining works with exceptional accuracy, achieving the intricate details and tight tolerances that are required for small components. Also, many CNC machines have multi-axis capabilities, allowing for the complex movements that are essential for crafting tiny, three-dimensional shapes with intricate geometries.

Achieving Consistency Through Monitoring

Finally, the real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities inherent in CNC machining ensure that each step of the manufacturing process maintains exacting standards. Meticulous oversight contributes significantly to the final product's quality and consistency, which is an essential requirement in the healthcare sector.

Contact Hone-All For A Free, No-obligation Quotation

For a free, no-obligation quotation or to find out more about our CNC machining services for the medical industry, please call Hone-All on 01525 370666 or send us a message and our team will be in touch.

Precision rollers are cylindrical components that are engineered with meticulous accuracy and fine tolerances. These rollers, which are manufactured from high-grade materials, feature precisely designed surfaces and geometries. Offering consistent and controlled movement as well as exceptional reliability, precision rollers play a vital role in the packaging industry which we will explore in this article.

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Robust Seals

Industrial packaging machinery benefits immensely from the application of precision rollers, particularly in creating robust and uniform seals on packaging materials, which are essential in many sectors to preserve product integrity and freshness. Precision rollers, therefore, help to ensure that goods reach consumers in perfect condition, underscoring their essential role in guaranteeing product quality throughout the supply chain.

Accurate, Aesthetically pleasing Labelling

Another critical role precision rollers play in the packaging industry is the accurate application of labels. Industrial rollers help to achieve the ideal tension and alignment of labelling materials, ensuring that labels are affixed correctly and neatly. Precision roller technology will help to achieve better product presentation and branding, which impacts positively on consumers’ perception of their favourite brands.

Efficient Product Wrapping

Many products are best sold in shrink or stretch-wrapped film, which helps to preserve their quality and prevent contamination with dirt or debris. Wrapping operations rely heavily on precision rollers which facilitate the even stretching and application of wrapping materials around products, guaranteeing secure and tidy packaging. These rollers play a pivotal role in ensuring products maintain their pristine condition from production line to end user, safeguarding against external elements that might compromise their quality.

Forming Packages And Trays

In the formation of packages or trays, precision rollers ensure accurate and uniform shaping, which is instrumental in creating standardised packaging that meets quality expectations. Meticulous shaping guarantees consistency in packaging, aligning with industry standards and legal regulations, and improving the overall appeal and functionality of the final product.

Precise Cutting

Precision rollers also play a crucial role in cutting operations within packaging processes, guaranteeing that packaging materials are cut accurately and consistently, which is essential for a uniform and professional appearance for the end product. High levels of precision ensure that each packaged item maintains optimum presentation, meeting the exacting standards expected in today's competitive market.

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As industry leaders in the production of high-quality precision rollers and assemblies for the converting, and many other industries, Hone-All guarantee a consistent and reliable service that doesn’t compromise on cost-efficiency.

To find out more, or to request a free, no-obligation quotation, please get in touch today.

The UK has a proud history of producing some of the best quality defence equipment in the world, from fighter aircraft to missiles and machine guns. As one of the most dynamic manufacturing industries, which, together with aerospace, accounts for over £12 billion in output, the defence sector is well-positioned to support the UK economy as it rebounds from the slump caused by the global pandemic.

For manufacturers, supporting the defence sector will help to underpin the economy as it slowly recovers in the next few years. Defence manufacturers will be able to improve their profitability, secure new export opportunities, and strengthen global supply chains, while continuing to support over 207,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

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Access To Niche Technologies

Nearly three-quarters of manufacturing SMEs are investing heavily in digital and AI technology, improving every element of the design and engineering process. Access to cutting-edge tech means products and equipment for defence can be produced more economically than ever, while securing the highest standards of production. In aerospace and defence, product specifications need to be even more stringent than in other industries, so advanced technique are utilised to achieve the standards that other methods cannot. 

Investing In People

For the UK’s manufacturing workforce in the defence sector, the future is particularly optimistic. Average salaries are high – and professional development is a consistent priority, so SMEs benefit from a stable workforce that is highly valued and, in return, committed. With the best talent in the industry, output will continue to be high, while overseas partners will be attracted by the high standards that British manufacturers deliver.

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The sector also demonstrates positive social responsibility to its workers, with most businesses ensuring diversity and inclusivity in their recruitment processes. Two-thirds of manufacturers invest in apprenticeships while nearly all engage in training programmes to ensure staff stay at the forefront of engineering.

Hone-All: Supporting The UK Defence Industry

At Hone-All, we have the equipment and expertise to deliver precision engineered components for the defence and aerospace industry. To find out more, or to request a free, no-obligation quotation, call us on 01525 370666.

When the limitations of conventional drilling pose an obstacle to your project, CNC gundrilling provides a cost-effective and reliable way to drill holes with a diameter to depth ratio in excess of 100:1. CNC gundrilling combines Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology with high-quality, carbide gundrill tools to create holes between 3mm and 28mm in diameter, up to 2,500mm deep.

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Hone-All have a range of CNC gundrilling machines at our facility in Leighton Buzzard, which deliver highly accurate results in the shortest possible time. Ideal for straight drilled channels and precise round holes, our CNC gundrilling services can meet high tolerance parameters to ensure the greatest precision, with no need for time-consuming or expensive secondary finishing.

Industries We Serve

CNC gundrilling is suitable for a range of materials, including high grade alloys, stainless steels, aluminium, titanium, and thermoplastics. Industries we work with include:

• Injection Moulding
• Aerospace
• Medical technology
• Hydraulics
• Petrochemicals
• Motorsport

Information/Parameters We Need To Quote For Deep CNC Gundrilling

• The material specification – this is essential to ensure accurate quoting as material properties differ, as do the speeds and feeds required to machine them efficiently.
   
• Outside dimensions – we need this to assess which machine the component can be held on as well as to ensure we have a suitable wall thickness to ensure the drilling process can be completed safely.
   
• Inside diameter of the bores required – this is required to ensure we have tooling available, as although we have a vast range in stock, certain materials, such as Inconel, may require specialist tooling, as do blind bores with specific forms at the base.
   
• Overall length – as with the first two, these are required for tooling and machine capacity decisions and help us calculate the weight of the components.
   
• The bore type – i.e., is it a through bore or blind bore? If it is a blind bore, is a specific form required, such as a flat bottom or a particular radius at the base? Standard deep hole drilling leaves a sharp W shape at the bottom of the bore. Any non-standard form can increase unit cost due to the requirement for specific drill grinding or bespoke tooling requirements. 
   
• Bore quantities and positional details – CNC gundrilling is most often utilised on parts which are not being drilled on centre, or holes, or multiples of holes, are required in fully machined blocks / milled sections. To quote accurately, we need the number of bores required, their position of them, and the positional tolerances required in relation to each other and the outside diameter.
   
• The bore tolerance – bore tolerance is a major factor when quoting the CNC gundrilling process. If the tolerance is below the industry standard of ±0,1mm, a honing process may be required.
   
• The depth tolerance – if you require a blind bore, we need to know the tolerance required on the bore depth. As long as there is excess material on the length and it is a round bar, we can “back-face” to achieve tighter tolerances on depths.
   
• Any surface finish requirement – in addition to the bore tolerance, this is needed to ascertain whether we have to add a honing operation.
   
• T.I.R. or Straightness requirements – we need to know these as even though we may be only carrying out an initial gundrilling or deep hole drilling operation, we need to ensure there is sufficient material to be machined down to correct any drill wander. Industry standard for drill wander is 1mm per 1 metre drilled.
   

Why Choose Hone-All For CNC Gundrilling?

At Hone-All, we offer quality-assured CNC gundrilling that is guaranteed to deliver the tolerances and accuracy you need for your next engineering project.

With decades of experience with a wide range of projects, we have the skills, knowledge, and tools to achieve exceptional results no matter how challenging the requirement. We value our partnerships with our customers and deliver a bespoke service that consistently meets their needs, on time and within the agreed budget.

To find out more about our CNC gundrilling services or to request a free, no-obligation quotation, please call us on 01525 370666 or send us a message.

Receiving the best quality rollers from a precision roller manufacturing company largely depends on an effective contract review and process planning activity. Having a clear design brief shortens the manufacturing process and reduces the risk of problems occurring with the components. What questions should you ask and what information do you need to provide to be assured of the best result?

Questions To Ask An Industrial Roller Supplier

There are two main questions we feel you should ask a supplier, relating to the standards they apply to their work and how they deal with their customers.

What Manufacturing Standards Do You Follow?

The quality benchmark for engineering and manufacturing is ISO 9001. This sets out minimum standards for production quality, materials and testing in most industries. The Aerospace Industry, however, follows even stricter standards, as set out in EN 9100. It is not obligatory for a supplier to apply EN 9100 unless they are working for an aerospace customer. At Hone-All our opinion is that the enhanced EN 9100 standards make a huge difference in both quality and performance, and so all our rollers comply with aerospace standards, regardless of the sector.

What Is Your Approach To Working With Customers?

Many people share the opinion that the most important element of a supplier relationship is the end product. How they get to that point and the relationship they have with the supplier is a secondary matter. This is true in so far as a high-quality product is the ultimate goal, but we believe that an openhanded relationship is the key to getting there. In common with all reputable suppliers, we pride ourselves on our flexible and honest service. We liaise extensively with our customers at the beginning of the relationship in order to understand their business and their applications.

This enables us to collaborate with customers to ensure all their drawings and parameters are accurate and achievable. This may take a bit of time to get right, but it is ensures that the parts are manufactured correctly. It also saves a significant amount of time on repeat orders.

Supplying Complete Drawings

Probably the most important factor in ensuring an accurate and high-quality product is for your precision roller manufacturer to work from accurate and complete drawings. Without complete drawings, there is very little chance that the end product will meet your specifications, so it is worth taking time to iron out the design phase before commencing a project.

Why are incomplete drawings a problem? The print roller industry uses a lot of advanced manufacturing technology, but the actual designs for rollers stay fairly constant. Many manufacturers use the same kind of roller that they have used for decades. The result can be that drawings are not updated regularly, especially in companies that have been in business for a long time where the knowledge of the component and it’s required process is more extensive than the drawing reflects.

The problem is that when using old drawings, in practice the manufacturing process depends on a lot of acquired knowledge held by various engineers. When a company changes hands or these engineers leave, the knowledge is frequently not added to the drawings and is subsequently lost. The result is that the manufactured product, although faithful to the old drawing, does not reflect the customer specifications which may have improved and developed over the years. This is understandably a source of frustration for both manufacturer and any new supplier.

Our approach is to address potential technical inaccuracies in design drawings before we start building your parts, working with you to overcome points of error and discussing your actual requirements. This may lead us to amend the drawings, adjust your specifications, surface finishes, fits etc. We work closely with you throughout this process to iron out all the details. It is worth getting this right, as doing so ensures your finished products perform the way they are supposed to, avoiding frustrating delays at the testing stage.

Avoiding Industrial Roller Mistakes

Avoid the common mistakes manufacturers make when ordering industrial rollers, by downloading our new Industrial Rollers Guide. Our free e-book explains the industrial roller manufacturing process and how mistakes are likely to occur, helping you avoid missed deadlines and component faults. Get your copy today by clicking here.

The manufacturing sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by emerging technologies and new market dynamics. Dubbed Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution foretells an interconnected, intelligent, and highly automated future for manufacturing. Integrating principles from IT and operational technologies, Industry 4.0 enables real-time data collection, advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and adaptable automation.

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Reducing Costs And Downtime With Industry 4.0

Smart manufacturing powered by technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and collaborative robotics can enhance quality, productivity, and sustainability. A survey by PwC estimates that it is possible to achieve over 30 per cent savings in maintenance costs and a 50 per cent reduction in downtime from utilising data-driven insights and predictive analytics. However, realising these benefits involves significant initial investments and organisational change management:

Securing Supply Chain Resilience

Building supply chain resilience is also crucial, as the pandemic and subsequent war in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities to global disruptions. Strategies include diversifying the supplier base across regions, improving supply chain visibility through digital tools, and instituting contingency plans based on risk mapping. A robust business continuity plan can also minimise downtime from local disruptions.

Staying Agile In The Face Of Change

As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, organisations must regularly re-evaluate their long-term plans and priorities: tracking emerging technologies, changing regulations, customer preferences, and conducting scenario analysis will be vital. Investments decisions should balance automation and sustainability goals with desired business agility.

Increasing Market Responsiveness

Adopting lean manufacturing principles and flexible production approaches can also facilitate greater responsiveness to market changes. Small batch manufacturing, modular equipment design, and reconfigurable production lines facilitated by the IIoT allow smooth scaling of output. Equally, cross-training, and upskilling workforce in digital technologies is essential.

Staying Ahead Of Your Competitors

An adaptable organisation that can anticipate and respond to change proactively will be well positioned to unlock the promise of smart manufacturing. The ability to collect data-driven insights and recalibrate strategies accordingly will separate the leaders from their less prepared competitors. Surviving the future of manufacturing necessitates building organisational resilience today through technology, talent, and investments in supply chains.

Hone-All: At The Forefront Of Precision Machining Technology

At Hone-All, we provide expert precision machining services for manufacturers who are ready to embrace the evolving manufacturing landscape but lack the resources, labour, or skills to take this on in-house. With decades of experience supporting manufacturers and a consistent commitment delivering the highest standards for our clients, we are the first choice for outsourcing honing, deep hole boring, and drilling, with all work completed in the UK at our Bedfordshire facility.

For more information, please call us on 01525 370666 or request a quotation for your next project.

Thin-wall tubular components play a vital role in modern food processing equipment and operations. With highly skilled expertise, and advanced manufacturing methods, enabling precise dimensions and finishes, these lightweight yet durable components deliver crucial advantages that promote improved hygiene, efficiency, and food safety across the industry.

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In this article, we’ll consider what thin-wall tubular components are and why they are suited to the demands of the modern food processing industry.

What Are Thin-wall Tubular Components?

Thin-wall tubular components are lightweight tubing and piping with walls as thin as 1mm, sometimes less. They are precisely engineered with tight dimensional tolerances using advanced manufacturing techniques; despite their thin profile, they maintain exceptional strength and structural integrity without the weight of traditionally fabricated parts. Made from stainless steel or other durable alloys, these corrosion resistant components support the design of hygienic, cleanable systems, while precision tolerances result in exceptionally smooth, crevice-free surfaces that are polished to a uniform finish.

So, what benefits do thin-wall tubular components offer for the food processing industry?

Hygiene And Cleanability

The polished smooth walls of thin-wall stainless steel tubular components minimise areas where food residue and contaminants can adhere. Combined with a high precision fit, this facilitates thorough cleaning and sanitisation to maintain stringent hygiene standards. Ease of cleaning supports compliance with hygiene regulations and guidelines in food production facilities, ensuring products leave the facility in prime condition and protecting consumers from potential harm.

Corrosion Resistance

Constructed from high grade stainless steel that has been optimised specially for the food industry, thin-wall tubular components are highly resistant to corrosion, even when exposed to repeated cleaning cycles and wet ingredients. Their durable construction ensures strength, chemical compatibility with cleaning agents, and longevity even in demanding processing environments.

Dimensional Accuracy

Machined to exacting tolerances, thin-wall tubular components deliver reliable and consistent performance. Tight seals prevent the ingress of contaminants while promoting optimal flow and hygiene, which facilitates compliance with strict safety and quality control protocols across pumping, mixing, heat exchange, material conveyance, and other critical applications.

High-precision thin-wall tubular parts deliver exceptional safety, quality, and efficiency in food production. As manufacturers aim to meet consumer demand for cleaner labels and greater transparency, high-performance components will increasingly provide smart and streamlined processing solutions.

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At Hone-All, we provide end-to-end precision engineering for UK food and beverage producers who are seeking cost-effective solutions that won’t compromise product safety or quality.

To find out more, please call Hone-All today on 01525 370666 to chat to our experts about your business’s needs.

In an inspiring turn of events, the UK's manufacturing sector has made a significant leap in the global rankings, overtaking France to claim the eighth position. This achievement, highlighted in the latest 'Manufacturing – The Facts' report from @MakeUK, is not just a statistic; it represents the resilience, innovation, and continuous growth of our sector.

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Let's delve into what this means for us at Hone-All and the wider manufacturing community.

UK Manufacturing: A Global Contender

According to the report, the UK's manufacturing output was valued at a remarkable £224 billion in 2022. This growth is a testament to the sector's robustness and its critical role in the economy. Notably, aerospace and transportation performance, industries closely aligned with our work at Hone-All, saw a remarkable 27.9% increase in exports, underscoring their economic significance.

Exports and Economic Contribution

Despite the challenges posed by recent global events, six of the top ten markets for UK exports continue to be in the EU, indicating the enduring strength of these trade relationships. This is encouraging for businesses like ours, and many other SMEs, who rely on both domestic and international partnerships.

Redefining Manufacturing Careers

Contrary to outdated perceptions, manufacturing jobs are now among the best paid, surpassing both the service sector and the economy's overall average. The report states the average manufacturing salary is nearly 10% higher than the economy's average. This is a crucial point to emphasise in attracting young talent and redefining the image of manufacturing careers.

Regional Highlights: The East of England's Contribution

The East of England, with its diverse range of industries, including advanced manufacturing, is a vital part of the UK's manufacturing landscape. Although not as large as the Northwest in terms of manufacturing output, the region is known for its innovation and technical expertise, particularly in areas such as aerospace and precision engineering – sectors that Hone-All directly contributes to. This regional success story is an integral part of our identity at Hone-All, reflecting our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the growth of the local economy.

The ascent of UK manufacturing in the global rankings is more than just a triumph; it's a clarion call for continued innovation, investment, and dedication.

At Hone-All, we're proud to be part of an industry that is not only thriving but also leading the way in economic growth and employment. As we look to the future, let's continue pushing the boundaries, investing in our workforce, and forge strong partnerships within the UK and beyond.

When you’re in need of a precision machining specialist, but the marketplace is crowded with many competitors from which to choose, it can be challenging to know which will best suit your business’ needs. From large multinational companies to small, family-run enterprises, there is an assortment of precision engineering businesses offering similar services.

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Small-scale precision machining businesses, embodying a ‘family business’ culture and service ethos, are a feature of the manufacturing sector in the UK and, like Hone-All, offer a depth of knowledge and expertise crafted over many years. But, if the services they offer are broadly similar to their competitors, what are the benefits to working with a smaller, more personally led, precision engineering firm?

Shared Ethos And Vision

Precision engineering businesses with a ‘family-led’ ethos value long-term staff retention, development, and continuous improvement to deliver the finest services for customers, both now and in the future. Business planning is sharply focused on meeting the needs of customers, giving customers more confidence that they will be looked after, and achieve value for money in their engineering projects.
 

For the business run with a personal touch, it is imperative that every member of staff buys into the company ethos. With a more tangible sense of community, colleagues are committed to producing superior results, not solely for personal profit or gain, but to reinforce the company’s reputation as an industry leader.

Forward-Thinking Promotes Innovation

In family-ethos precision engineering businesses, technological advancement is more likely to be at the forefront of their work. Because engineers, department heads, and support staff are valued as individuals and not merely for the roles they perform, internal communication is often better and trust more widespread – not just among the management team but extending to all employees, who enjoy a sense of ownership of the brand.
 

Trust, familiarity and freedom of expression mean there’s a readier exchange of business ideas within the company which, when focused on achieving outstanding service for customers, yields greater engagement with the latest ideas and technologies for superior and cost-effective precision engineering.

Long-Term Dependability

Many family firms have been in existence for generations; the stability they offer can develop confidence and trust among customers who return time after time, confident of securing the same high standards for their projects. While Hone-All doesn’t fall into this category, we share the long-term commitment of a family business to sustainable growth and good business decisions over years and decades rather than a short-term view. Instead of working with purely profit led precision engineers who rarely offer consistent personnel, methods, or standards, customers of family-ethos businesses can be assured of a personalised service that delivers the same high-quality results every time.

Contact Hone-All For A Service That Puts Our Customers First

At Hone-All, we pride ourselves on our approachability, teamwork, and accessibility, which enables us to achieve outstanding results every time. Our highly trained engineers take genuine pride in their work, utilising outstanding expertise and knowledge to deliver superior results for a range of industries, including Aerospace, Oil and Gas, Medical, Defence, and manufacturing. To find out more, or to discuss a project, please give us a call today.

Drilling is, in simple terms, the process of creating a hole in materials using a variety of drilling tools to vary the size or depth of the hole. In precision engineering, however, drilling is more complex, yet it’s a common and important process that uses advanced, specialist machinery to deliver outstanding accuracy and speed. The type of equipment best suited to drilling depends on several factors, so it’s vital to select the right technology for the job. Here is an outline of the five main drilling technologies, the majority of which we can provide here at Hone-All.

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1) Deep Hole Boring

At Hone All, we specialise in deep hole boring, in which long holes are drilled into solid bars. Specialist drill heads are fitted into a precise drill tube, which is used to produce bores which range from 20mm to 203mm in diameter. We use cutting edge machine tool technology to ensure exceptional accuracy and superb surface finishes over lengths of up to 3 metres.

2) CNC Gundrilling

CNC gundrilling, also known as deep hole drilling, is used to machine holes from 3mm to 28mm in diameter, to depths of up to 2500mm. Instead of used a conventional twist drill that rotates, gundrilling uses a single carbide tip cutting edge to remove chips from the material as it gradually advances through the component. Gundrilling is suitable for achieving precision bores that have high depth-to-diameter ratios in metals.

3) Trepanning

Typically, drilling destroys the material in a bored hole, reducing it to swarf chippings – think about how drilling a masonry wall results in a large accumulation of debris that is a nuisance to clean up. Trepanning is a specialist drilling method that removes only the perimeter of the hole, leaving the core material untouched. The cylindrical core can be removed for reuse or recycling, reducing costs and waste. Trepanning is quick, consuming less energy than traditional drilling, and can be used to drill diameters from 100mm upwards.

4) EDM Drilling

EDM drilling is used to make rapid and accurate deep holes in conductive metals. The method uses a rotating tube electrode combined with high pressure flushing to burn a hole through the conductive substrate, ensuring exceptional straightness accuracy. EDM drilling is particularly suitable for high volume applications in the aerospace industry.

5) Spark Erosion

Spark erosion is a valuable method for machining intricate or complex shapes that conventional drilling cannot produce. Using electrical discharges (or sparks) between two electrodes separated by a dielectric liquid which is subject to voltage, spark erosion carefully removes material from the substrate, achieving high levels of accuracy. With spark erosion, there is no mechanical abrasion.

Contact Hone-All for professional advice about drilling

Unsure which method of drilling is most suited to your manufacturing needs? Get in touch with our experts at Hone-All. We can provide specialist advice about which method will deliver outstanding results for your business, so give us call on 01525 370666 and even if we can’t help with your requirement, we will put you in touch with someone who can.

What’s in a price? It’s a simple question, and one that often has unexpectedly complicated answers. This is because some things – such as skill, experience, and technical knowledge – are difficult to quantify. Issues such as identifying additional processes are also important. If you’re interested in learning about honest CNC machining quotes, here are some pointers to help navigate the often murky waters of engineering pricing.

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Precision Skill

Deep hole drilling is one of the most ancient arts in human civilisation. The Chinese were using bamboo drills to create oil wells at least 1,700 years ago, and the Ancient Egyptians used drills in the construction of the pyramids, 3,000 years before that.

Evidence shows that precision boring and honing underpin almost every technological advancement, from building temples to constructing spacecraft. Yet – surprisingly – this skill is rare in the modern world.

The ability to create a hole of exact dimension and diameter is not something that is routinely taught. This means that it is a much needed, but very unusual skill. Because of this, companies such as Hone All invest heavily to train new practitioners, and to keep developing the expertise. Some of the cost of this valuable training is reflected in the quote.

Long-Term Planning

Everybody needs a sound organisational plan. One of the things that we do at Hone All is ensure that our machines are regularly serviced to the highest standard, which means that we don’t have unexpected delays due to breakdowns.

We also invest in machines with formidable credentials. This means that we plan for quality, ensuring that clients do not reappear in the workshop a few weeks down the line with a broken part.

This type of planning is helpful for rigorous supply chain management. However, it is also crucial for sectors where quality matters. These include aerospace, oil and gas, and medicine. In industries where parts have a pre-guaranteed lifespan, being able to offer detailed time-conscious quality assurance saves numerous headaches. This type of precision can cost a little more, but the quality quickly leads to savings in the long-term.

Honest Pricing

What does this really mean? Honest pricing takes into account everything from the cost of training apprentices to the variable prices of high-quality metal. Honest companies will be transparent about this.

Often, jobs can be completed with budget cuts. This works some of the time. However, it can go horribly wrong. Knowledge of metals, their behaviours, and their response under different types of stress is insider knowledge that can make a real difference in core industries.

Investing In Quality

When you work with Hone All, you’re buying into a commitment to quality, expertise, and skill. If you’d like to discuss your requirements with us, we’ll be happy to give you an honest, open, transparent price. Simply get in touch by contacting us by phone, email, or via our online instant text portal.

At Hone-All we are committed to the belief that simpler is better when it comes to supply chains. Most people know Hone All for our practical services in advanced honing, boring, and CNC machining. However, we’re also dedicated to trouble shooting, project management, and ironing out supply chain creases.

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Here’s an example taken from a recent machining and honing project:

Parts Manufacturing Project

The problem:

A part is needed in Germany and the material is purchased there.

The part needs heat-treating so is sent to Eastern Europe.

Machining is carried out back in Germany.

It then needs honing, so is sent to England.

It is then sent back to Germany, where everybody has taken a very lengthy coffee break whilst waiting for it.

We’ve all been here. It’s not the fault of companies or of shipping suppliers. It’s usually because vital skills are spread around in places that algorithms struggle to understand.

Costly Supply Chain Delays

Manufacturing complicated parts results in an increase in cost and reduction in productivity.

While the necessary part spends several weeks meandering around the globe, the entire supply chain suffers. Racking up extra shipping, transport, storage, and tax duties, any unnecessary stop-overs can lead to spiralling costs.

Project Management For Parts Manufacturing

With our wealth of experience in manufacturing parts, we were able to take command of the entire supply chain.

We project managed everything. This included organising:

• Buying the material
• Heat treatment for the parts
• Machining
• Honing
• Delivering the finished part

This prevented repeated onshoring and offshoring, and also rapidly accelerated the process.

Reliable Precision Machining Company

As well as managing cost and productivity, good supply chain management is also about reliability. There are some industries, such as aerospace, defence, and medical equipment, where reliability is the deciding factor in which company secures the best tenders.

At Hone-All we always look for ways to offer our clients a competitive edge. This might be producing a part with minimal striations, microscopic accuracy, or metallurgic quality. Equally, it might mean offering project management that achieves all the above with streamlined efficiency and a massive reduction in costs.

Becoming integrated into broader supply systems has benefits for both suppliers and clients. At the end of the day, everybody wants a reliable, cost-effective solution to their needs – especially with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit at the current time.

If your current solution isn’t as watertight as you would like it to be, you’ll lose nothing by asking whether Hone-All can help. In our opinion, quality parts should not have to take a world tour to reach their destination, and delays should not have to ruin a contract bid!

For more information about how to save money and time whilst increasing quality, please get in touch.

At Hone-All, we leverage our expertise and hard-earned experience in CNC machining to provide specialised manufacturing services across a range of industries. Our capabilities cover a wide spectrum of precision engineering techniques, including Deep Hole Boring, Deep Hole Drilling, Honing, CNC Turning and more!

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Visitors are often surprised to hear we have over 4000 live customers ranging from a single individual manufacturing components in their back garden all the way through to some of the most prestigious OEM’s and we are proud to say that each one is treated as the most prized possession they are!

Here we explain how our specific services meet the unique demands of different sectors.

Deep Hole Boring: Aerospace, Petrochemical, and Hydraulics

Our mastery in deep hole boring is particularly sought after in the aerospace, petrochemical, and hydraulic sectors. We produce high precision, internal bores from 20mm to 200mm diameter, essential for complex components in these industries. The accuracy and finish we achieve on our modern machinery is essential for the competitive nature and high-performance requirements in these fields​​.

Deep Hole Drilling: Oil and Gas, Aerospace, and Motorsport

Deep hole drilling is another area where we excel. Our capability to create holes between 3mm and 25mm diameter, up to 2500mm deep, is vital for oil and gas generation and exploration, aerospace, and motorsport applications where weight reduction is critical, but strength must not be compromised. This process is suited for a wide range of materials, including the toughest superalloys, which are common in these sectors​​.

CNC Gundrilling: Medical, Automotive, and Injection Moulding

Our CNC gundrilling services are tailored for industries like medical technologies, automotive, and tools for injection moulding where multiple and offset holes require accurate drilling. We cater to requirements for holes between 3mm and 28mm diameter, to depths of up to 1500mm. The precision and quality of our gundrilling make it suitable for high-grade alloys and complex applications in these industries​​.

CNC Honing: Foundation of Precision

CNC honing, the foundation of our business, remains a key element of our offering across every industry. This service is crucial for achieving tight tolerances, critical surface finishes and geometry requirements. Our decades of honing expertise combined with our knowledge of materials and finishes are applied across every sector where the height of precision is a non-negotiable​ feature.

CNC Turning: Versatility and Precision

Our continual investment in technology has enhanced our CNC turning capabilities, with a capacity of up to 550mm diameter and 4 metres between centres. This service is integral for industries requiring turning, boring, and trepanning with exact tolerances. It forms a crucial part of our unique, single-source supply package​​ for every one of our customers and industries we serve.

Hone-All: Your Partner in Precision Engineering

At Hone-All, we pride ourselves on our ability to manufacture comprehensive and precise solutions across all the diverse industries we find within UK Manufacturing. Our talented and highly skilled team enable us to meet the high standards and specific requirements of each and every sector, every single day.

For more information on how our precision engineering services can benefit your industry-specific needs, contact Hone-All at 01525 370666 or send us an enquiry.

Since its inception in October 2016, the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) has been seen as a catalyst for job creation and business expansion in the UK's manufacturing sector. Over the years, the programme has supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England, resulting in the creation or preservation of more than 12,435 jobs.

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Extending to more than 4,500 enterprises across the country, the MGP has paved the way for substantial growth, as well as safeguarding existing jobs. Research indicates that over 95 per cent of the businesses benefiting from the programme anticipate significant growth in the next five years. Among the key areas of impact cited by 63 per cent of businesses is the creation of new products, highlighting the programme's role in fostering innovation and diversification.

The programme has funded £13.9 million in grants which are disbursed by a team of Manufacturing Growth Managers. This injection of capital has not only directly fuelled growth but has also encouraged private sector investment, resulting in a £25.7 million in funds from private sources.

How A Lack Of Awareness Is Holding Back Support Schemes

The Manufacturing Growth Programme is an example of how strategic support and investment can energise the manufacturing sector, drive job creation, and fuel economic growth. However, the MGP is only one such programme, and its origins lie in the abandonment of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) which was created in 2002 to offer technical and strategic advice to manufacturing SMEs.

Backed by £27 million funding, half of which was provided by the Government, in its first year the MAS improved business productivity by 30 per cent, reduced waste by 37 per cent, and increased inventory turnover by 90 per cent.

In 2010, the MAS experienced a 25 per cut in funding and, with no warning, was abolished in 2015 as part of the Conservative government’s austerity programme.

The Help to Grow Digital scheme promised 100,000 vouchers to boost digital skills among UK small businesses by offering a grant of up to £5,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of the costs of selected digital software. Due to low take-up – less than 1,000 vouchers were issued – the scheme was shelved in February 2023.

1% take up is appalling – the question is – why was it so slow?

Was the product not attractive, was the marketing or targeting incorrect, or did businesses simply not hear about it?

How Effective Delivery Vehicles Are Needed To Raise Awareness

Effective delivery vehicles, including targeted marketing and outreach campaigns, are urgently needed to bridge this awareness gap and ensure that more small businesses can benefit from the support programmes and grants on offer for manufacturing SMEs.

This is one of the reasons why, at Hone-All, we are calling for the creation of a dedicated Minster for Manufacturing, or similar senior Government post, to more effectively coordinate support schemes and ensure that targeted help is provided for an industry that has faced a multitude of challenges in recent years, including supply chain bottlenecks, shortages of raw materials, and labour deficiencies.

If you want to learn more about the campaign our Director is spear heading, please follow Andrea on LinkedIn or visit www.supportukmanufacturing.com for more information. Click here if you'd like to get in touch with the Hone-All team.

Injection moulding is a widely used manufacturing process in industries as varied as automotives, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food production. To produce high-quality injection mould tools, precision drilling of deep holes with a high length-to-diameter ratio is often necessary, which is why CNC gundrilling is often chosen.

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In this article, we'll explore four key benefits of gundrilling in the injection moulding tooling process.

Deep Hole Drilling For Complex Moulds

A key advantage of gundrilling is its suitability for creating deep holes with a high length-to-diameter ratio. In injection moulding, intricate moulds often require cooling channels and other complex features, so deep holes play a crucial role in regulating temperature during the moulding process. CNC Gundrilling allows engineers to create precise, deep holes that promote efficient cooling, contributing to better-quality moulds and shorter cycle times.

Accuracy And Precision

Gundrilling utilises a single-fluted tool that guides coolant through the centre of the tool, which is effective for the evacuation of swarf, maintaining the straightness of the hole, and minimising the risk of deflection. This helps to achieve exceptional hole accuracy, ensuring that moulds are manufactured to exacting specifications for consistent, high-quality end products. Accurate holes are essential to achieve uniform moulding, reduce waste, and streamline production processes.

Enhancing Surface Finish

As well as producing highly accurate holes, gundrilling enhances the surface finish of the holes by employing an effective cutting action with a continuous flow of coolant to flush out swarf and debris. As a result, the internal surfaces of the holes are smoother, reducing the risk of imperfections or excessive wear during injection moulding. Improved surface finish contributes to the longevity of the moulds and the quality of the final products.

Versatility

Gundrilling is a versatile process that can be applied to a variety of materials commonly used in mould making. Whether you're working with tool steels, stainless steels, aluminium, or other materials, gundrilling can be utilised to achieve the specific requirements of each injection moulding project. Versatility is an important advantage for manufacturers as it promotes greater flexibility in material selection without compromising on drilling precision and efficiency.

Contact Hone-All For More Information

At Hone-All, we blend cutting-edge Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) technology with the exceptional technical expertise of our team to gundrill holes in blocks, plates, and bars between 3mm and 25mm to a depth of 2500mm. Larger than that diameter range, we move over to deep hole boring but that can only be done on round bar.

For more information, or to request a free, no-obligation quotation, please get in touch with our excellent technical sales team here at Hone-All on 01525 370666 or send us an enquiry.

The UK has agreed an ambitious plan to tackle climate change by achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. The industrial manufacturing sector, which has a key role to play in reducing the emission of GHGs, has made rapid progress in this area in the past three decades. In 2021, the manufacturing industry emitted approximately 80 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, a fall of 40 per cent since 1990.

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In this article, we'll explore how the manufacturing industry is proactively embracing the challenge of achieving net zero emissions and its potential implications.

At The Forefront Of Change

The UK’s industrial manufacturing executives have proven to be ahead of the curve in comprehending the potential effects of the net zero agenda on their companies. According to a recent survey, 88 per cent of executives are actively exploring strategies to reduce their business’s carbon footprint and transition towards a greener future.

Decarbonisation In Action

To achieve net zero emissions, manufacturers are developing comprehensive decarbonisation plans that encompass a range of innovative strategies, such as improving energy and process efficiency which reduces emissions and enhances cost-efficiency. By implementing state-of-the-art technologies and practices, manufacturers are streamlining their operations while reducing their impact on the environment.

Circular Economy And Sustainable Practice

Another crucial aspect of the transition to net zero is the adoption of circular economy principles. Manufacturers are exploring ways to increase the reuse of products and raw materials, thereby minimising waste and resource depletion. A shift towards a circular economy not only aligns with environmental goals but also promotes economic resilience and mitigates supply chain problems where limited resources can be reused.

Clean Energy

Manufacturers are investing in alternative raw materials that are environmentally friendly and have a lower carbon footprint. Also, they are transitioning towards cleaner sources of energy, including solar electricity, hydrogen, and environmentally friendly fuels. By adopting these changes, businesses promote their commitment to sustainability and actively reduce the carbon intensity of manufacturing processes.

Creating A Sustainable Workforce

The shift towards net zero emissions is not just about meeting environmental targets but shaping a brighter future for the manufacturing industry. By embracing sustainability, manufacturing becomes a more desirable and innovative field in which to work. In turn, this results in the creation of highly skilled and lucrative green and digital employment opportunities across the country.

The Importance Of Clarity

For manufacturers to make the greatest impact on the drive for net zero, it’s important that they have clarity about how to measure their carbon emissions, monitor progress, and report their findings. A multitude of approaches simply causes confusion, so it’s vital that the Government commits the industry to reform by providing a simple tool for monitoring and measuring a manufacturer’s carbon footprint and the parameters to which the industry should work to accelerate progress towards net zero.

Your Next Step

At Hone-All, we’re committed to sustainability and supporting our customers to reduce their impact on the environment through effective eco-friendly strategies. For a free, no-obligation quotation, please get in touch on 01525 370666 or send us an enquiry.

Short lead times have always been enticing for customers but, in recent years, manufacturers have found it harder to offer fast turnaround times. The global pandemic, war in Europe, shortages of raw materials, and spikes in consumer demand have redefined manufacturing timetables, which is why it’s more important than ever to outsource specialist precision engineering to reduce waiting times without compromising on product quality.

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So, what have been the key drivers of longer lead times in recent times and what impact are these having on the manufacturing industry?

Supply Chain Disruption

Efficient supply chains help businesses to remain competitive and sustainable by ensuring that raw materials, tools, and finished products are in the right place at the right time. However, the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to global supply chains as the immediate closure of factories, shortages in key commodities, and transport restrictions disrupted the worldwide flow of goods. The war in Ukraine and economic sanctions on Russia also impacted the supply of some commodities; chip shortages, for example, caused a 26 per cent slump in global car production in 2021. Supply chain disruption is a major cause of longer lead times, particularly if manufacturers source key raw materials or services from overseas suppliers.

Raw Materials Shortages

Manufacturers obtain raw materials from multiple sources but have been grappling with significant shortages, driven by an array of factors. Increased demand for certain products has led to stress on key commodities; for example, nickel and copper, which are key ingredients in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicle, are in short supply. Extensive supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, and trade conflicts have also severely restricted the availability of critical inputs, which has led to delays in manufacturing processes and longer lead times.

Soaring Demand

Surges in consumer demand haven’t just stretched the availability of raw materials, but have overwhelmed manufacturers, even when they have been able to secure supplies of essential commodities. Usual timelines have become elongated as manufacturers have had to create waiting lists for orders, especially if they haven’t been able to secure the additional manpower or equipment needed to scale-up production.

Labour Shortages

Labour shortages in manufacturing have an adverse effect on production timescales and lead times. According to MAKE UK, 36 per cent of manufacturing vacancies are proving difficult to fill due to applicants’ lack of skills, experience, and qualifications. While the exodus of overseas workers following Brexit may be partly to blame, a shortfall of school leavers seeking employment within the manufacturing sector is also impacting on recruitment.

Business Insolvencies

Since the end of the pandemic, many businesses have struggled to survive. As insolvencies have soared, it has become clear that the long-term effects of Covid-19 and global political events continue to bite. In 2022, 1 in 202 companies were declared insolvent, an increase of 50 per cent on the previous year and nearly one-fifth higher than the year before the Covid-19 outbreak. Companies that survive face the financial burden of repaying loans, such as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), and covering increased energy costs, which prevents them from investing in the human resources or equipment needed offer shorter lead times – which is where outsourced precision engineering can be beneficial.

These factors have created intense pressures at all levels of the supply chain and businesses are doing their best to overcome them, but it is certainly a time when patience is becoming a skill as highly valued as the machining expertise we offer.

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For more information about how Hone-All may be able to help your business to trim its lead times, please get in touch today on 01525 370666.

Honing is a precision machining process that plays a crucial role in many areas of manufacturing and industry, but there are few applications more demanding than Formula 1. Unlike the engines used in conventional cars, F1 engines are exposed to extreme pressures and stresses that take them to the brink of what internal combustion engines are supposed to do: components within an F1 engine can spin up to 20,000 times per minute, while the internal pressure can reach 1500psi a second. Nevertheless, Formula 1 cars must deliver exceptional and reliable performance to optimise the chances of victory and minimise the risk of mechanical defects and failures.

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In this article, we’ll explain how, at Hone-All, we use honing to ensure highly functional surfaces on engine components to improve engine power, reduce friction, and enhance reliability, durability, and consistency - all of which are vital in the high-stakes world of motorsport.

Optimising Engine Power And Performance

In terms of engine power and performance, honing is used to achieve extremely precise cylinder bore dimensions. By doing so, the piston rings can form an effective seal against the cylinder walls, mitigating blow-by – the escape of combustion gases past the piston rings – and maximising compression. The meticulous sealing process is imperative to achieve optimum combustion efficiency which ultimately contributes to enhanced engine power output.

Reducing Friction

The reduction of friction is a key factor in the efficiency and durability of F1 engines. By creating a flawless surface finish on the cylinder walls, honing promotes oil retention and effective lubrication between the piston rings and the walls. This reduces friction and minimises wear, enabling the engine to operate with improved efficiency and reduced energy loss. Consequently, the engine not only performs to its best but also maintains its longevity - even under the extreme conditions of the racetrack.

Securing Reliability And Durability

Reliability and durability are fundamental in Formula 1 motorsport, in which engines are subjected to extreme of temperature, pressure, and force. Proper honing techniques play a key role in the manufacture of robust and durable cylinders that are able to withstand demanding conditions. The precise honing process ensures that the engine components function optimally and minimises the risk of failures during races.

Achieving Consistency

Consistency in honing is not only critical for engine reliability but also for achieving consistent performance. A balanced engine is key to smooth operation and reduced vibration, resulting in a more predictable and controllable driving experience. Formula 1 teams rely on honing to fine-tune engine performance, ensuring that each cylinder contributes uniformly to the power output and overall efficiency of the engine.

Get In Touch With The Experts In Honing

At Hone-All, honing was the foundation of our highly successful business and is a key service that we offer our customers, utilising the latest CNC technology to achieve outstanding results for a cost-effective price.

To request a free, no-obligation quotation or to discuss your honing requirements with one of our team, please call us on 01525 370666 today or send us an enquiry.

The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving in response to technological advances, changing consumer expectations, and global market dynamics.

As we enter the third and fourth quarters of 2023, it's crucial that manufacturers stay abreast of trends that will shape their business strategies and drive success. In this article, we’ll explore three key manufacturing trends that are expected to dominate the industry in the coming months.

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1. Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

For consumers and businesses alike, sustainability is becoming a more acute concern, and will continue to be a major focus for manufacturers in the last two quarters of the year. Increasingly, consumers are seeking proof of sustainable practice throughout the supply chain, from the sourcing of raw materials to environmentally friendly production processes and packaging. According to recent research, 40 per cent of consumers choose brands who demonstrate sustainable practices and values. By reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and embracing circular economy principles, manufacturers can meet consumer expectations and gain a competitive edge in the market.

2. Investing In AI And Digital Technology

Evolutions in Artificial Intelligence are reshaping the manufacturing landscape, so businesses that embrace change will gain a distinct advantage. In Q3-Q4 2023, manufacturers will continue to invest in digital technologies to improve their business processes, fostering a culture of innovation and enhancing the customer experience.

Two key technologies that will play a significant role are 5G and Robotic Process Automation (RPA):

• 5G networks will enable faster and more reliable data transfer, facilitating real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and efficient supply chain management.
• RPA, coupled with AI will automate repetitive tasks, streamline operations, and optimise productivity.

By leveraging these digital tools, manufacturers will be able to unlock new opportunities for growth and efficiency savings.

3. Reshoring For Supply Chain Resilience

In recent years, disruptions in global supply chains have highlighted the vulnerability of relying on offshore manufacturing. Consequently, manufacturers are increasingly bringing production back to the UK, a strategy that offers several advantages including reduced shipping costs, improved quality control, shorter lead times, and increased flexibility to respond to unforeseen market changes. By reshoring production, manufacturers can enhance supply chain resilience, mitigate risks, and strengthen local economies. This trend will continue to gain momentum as companies seek to achieve greater control and stability in their operations.

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The manufacturing industry is poised for significant change throughout 2023 as the industry strives to enhances efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

At Hone-All, we can help your manufacturing business to improve its competitiveness so, to find out how we can help, what we do, and more about our precision machining services, please call us on 01525 370666 and speak to one of our excellent team.

With the rise of global shipping routes, international communication networks, and digital technologies, it is unsurprising that many businesses viewed overseas markets as a powerful opportunity to reduce costs and improve profits. Yet, for many, the concept of local manufacturing - working with manufacturers and suppliers within close proximity to their operations - is gaining traction as business leaders being to recognise the advantages it offers.

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So, what are the key benefits of local manufacturing in the supply chain and how could adopting this strategy benefit your business?

1. Environmental Sustainability

Local manufacturing can make a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the distance over which components will need to be shipped and minimising storage requirements, localising the supply chain helps to cut damaging carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption. An environmentally sustainable approach resonates with consumers, who increasingly seek eco-friendly products, and delivers a more efficient use of energy. By demonstrating a commitment to local manufacturing, businesses will enhance consumer confidence and contribute to building a greener, more sustainable future.

2. Quicker Time-To-Market

In manufacturing, time is of the essence. Shorter lead times reinforce customer confidence and secure long-term loyalty, which is vital to a profitable and sustainable business model. Working with local manufacturers can overcome the problem of lengthy delays in the supply chain, as the knowledge and resources needed are more readily available and are not subject to global delays. As manufacturers can collaborate with partners in the same time zone using a common language, communication is faster and more efficient. Issues that arise during production can be quickly addressed, reducing lead times, and speeding up the entire product development cycle.

3. Fewer Supply Chain Disruptions

Relying on overseas suppliers often introduces the risk of supply chain disruptions due to factors such as shipping delays, customs issues, severe weather, or geopolitical tensions. By partnering with local manufacturers, you can mitigate these risks and avoid the potential disruptions that could leave your production line floundering. Local sourcing ensures a more stable supply chain with shorter lead times, enabling you to maintain production continuity and consistently meet customer expectations.

4. More Appealing Branding

According to research, many consumers associate British-made products with quality and value. With 85 per cent of people stating that a ‘Made in Britain’ marque would encourage them to purchase products manufactured in the UK, it is clearly important to seize upon this passion for domestic manufacturing by promoting products that have been made on our shores. As consumers become more aware of the origins and sustainability of products, highlighting local manufacturing is a strategy that resonates with a growing segment of consumers. By leveraging the appeal of locally made products, you can tap into consumer preferences and differentiate your brand in the market.

5. Support For The Local Economy

Finally, choosing local manufacturing benefits the UK economy. When materials and labour are sourced from local suppliers, the money spent circulates within the community, contributing to economic growth and fostering job creation and improved living standards. By investing in the local community, your business will become an integral part of its development and success and can actively promote this to increase its prominence and consumer loyalty.

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At Hone-All, we provide end-to-end precision engineering for UK manufacturers who are seeking to gain maximum benefit from their local supply chains.

If you would like to drive down your costs, shorten lead times, and insulate your business against the risks of global supply chain disruptions, please call Hone-All today on 01525 370666 to find out how we can help.

The UK manufacturing industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, but positive signs suggest a promising future is on the horizon.

Although the sector experienced a contraction in Q1 2023 and a decline of -3 per cent is forecast for the year as a whole, renewed optimism and confidence in the UK economy suggests that any downturn won’t be as deep or prolonged as first anticipated.

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In this article, we’ll explore the current state of the UK manufacturing industry and the positive outlook for its growth.

Room For Optimism?

Despite the recent challenges faced by manufacturers, industry leaders remain optimistic about the future for the sector and are committed to growth. For this reason, manufacturers continue to invest in their operations, employ skilled workers (when they can find them!), and embrace technological innovation, unlike in previous recessions when they tended to retreat into a disaster mentality.

Manufacturing business leaders are displaying their usual resilience and adaptability, positioning their companies for success in the future.

The Strength Of UK Manufacturing

While the UK manufacturing industry faces competition on the global stage, there are many advantages to producing goods at home, particularly in highly skilled and high-tech sectors.

According to the Boston Consulting Group (BGC), the UK remains the 9th largest manufacturing nation globally, with an annual output of £183 billion. The Royal Academy of Engineering estimates the value of the UK's engineering and manufacturing sector to be higher at £645bn, equivalent to 32 per cent of the country’s gross economic output. Whichever figure you choose, it’s clear that the UK’s manufacturing industry makes a significant contribution to the country’s economic outlook and offers important potential for its future growth.

2024: Return To Growth

Despite the contraction this year, forecasts predict that the UK manufacturing industry will return to growth in 2024. Projections indicate a modest growth rate of at least 0.8% for the sector, a result of increased confidence in the UK economy and manufacturers’ efforts to adapt to changing market dynamics. The resilience and determination of the industry to bounce back are key factors driving this anticipated growth.

The Positive Subcontractor Sector

The subcontractor sector within UK manufacturing has shown notable positivity in the first three months of the year surging by 60% compared to the previous quarter. This further strengthens the overall industry outlook as subcontractors are vital contributors to manufacturing supply chains and the economic viability and success of small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular. Their positive performance reflects growing demand and a willingness to invest in outsourced manufacturing services.

Specialist Outsourced Precision Machining From Hone-All

At Hone-All, we offer expert precision machining services for manufacturers who choose to outsource their specialist requirements.

With decades of experience in the sector and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards, we are the first choice for outsourcing CNC honing, CNC turning, deep hole boring and drilling, with all work completed in-house at our Bedfordshire facility.

To find out more, please call us on 01525 370666 or request a quotation for your next project.

In an economic landscape that has experienced considerable volatility in recent years due to the impact of Brexit and the global pandemic, manufacturing companies face numerous challenges in optimising their operations to maximise profitability. A key factor that influences manufacturing success is effective supply chain management: the ability to efficiently coordinate and integrate different elements within the supply chain which can have a profound influence on a company's performance, cost structure, and success.

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In this article, we’ll discuss the impact of effective manufacturing supply chain management and why optimising processes is crucial to gain a competitive advantage.

Improved Efficiency

Improved efficiency is one of the main benefits of effective supply chain management in manufacturing. By streamlining manufacturing processes and ensuring smooth coordination of activities, business can achieve higher levels of productivity. Optimised inventory management, accurate demand forecasting, and efficient shipping and logistics systems are integral components of a well-managed supply chain. These factors combine to reduce lead times, eradicate production bottlenecks, and enhance overall efficiency.

Better Collaboration

Effective supply chain management necessitates close collaboration between customers, suppliers, distributors, and other partners. By establishing strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication, manufacturers can ensure timely and reliable access to necessary inputs and resources. Collaboration enables better planning, inventory management, and synchronised production schedules, thereby reducing the risk of disruptions and improving customer satisfaction.

Greater Flexibility

In a dynamic and fast-moving business environment, manufacturers must be responsive to evolving market demands to remain competitive. Effective supply chain management provides the flexibility that manufacturers need to be versatile and avoid stagnation. By implementing agile processes and leveraging real-time data, companies can respond promptly to changes in customer preferences, market trends, and unexpected disruption. Consequently, production volumes can be adjusted more quickly, and resources allocated more efficiently to maintain a competitive edge.

Reduced Costs And Enhanced Profitability

An optimised supply chain helps manufacturers to reduce their overheads and lower costs, for example through implementing fuel-efficient transport options, cost-efficient ordering practices, and strict handling procedures. This improves profitability by minimising wastage, decreasing lead times, and enhancing overall cost-efficiency. By improving supply chain management, manufacturers can ensure that inventory is optimised to reduce stockouts and excesses and improves the accuracy of demand planning.

Find Out More

At Hone-All, we deliver expert precision machining services within the time constraints of your project to prevent frustrating bottlenecks in the supply chain and help you to meet your deadlines. To find out more, please get in touch on 01525 370666 or send us a message.

You outsource your CNC honing or other machining to a third-party specialist, you need absolute confidence that your machined components will meet exacting specifications, with no deviation from the exceptional quality for which your business is known. Outsourcing honing is a cost-effective and logical decision that reduces your long-term expenses and protects your brand’s reputation for superior products; therefore, it’s vital that your sub-contract partner matches your commitment to quality.

From the initial inspection to the final delivery, every step of the process must be carefully executed to safeguard the integrity of the goods. At Hone-All, a critical element in this process is enhanced packaging, which helps to secure exacting standards and streamline communication between stakeholders.

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Securing Quality

At the forefront of quality control is our exceptional Goods Out team, whose expertise in identifying Foreign Object Debris (FOD) is crucial. FOD describes small debris or loose objects that have the potential to cause significant damage to manufactured parts during shipping.

By meticulously inspecting each product before it is wrapped and packed, the Goods Out team ensures that no contaminants or foreign materials compromise the final product. By conducting a rigorous inspection process, the team perform an essential quality control measure to ensure that only pristine goods are sent for delivery.

Ensuring Transparency

To address any potential issues raised by couriers or customers, photographs are taken during and after the wrapping and packing process. These images are unequivocal evidence that all machined parts are in optimum condition when prepared for dispatch and that they are packaged securely to prevent damage.

By capturing visual evidence of every step of the process, we ensure transparency should queries or concerns be raised and showcase our commitment to quality.

Documenting Quality

Enhanced packaging goes beyond the physical protection of machined parts; it also includes a comprehensive documentation trail, including delivery notes, quality certificates, and material certificates, which are meticulously prepared to accompany each shipment. Documentation serves as proof of quality and compliance with regulations; and in most cases, the documents are automatically sent to customers for their records.

The attention to detail in our documentation reinforces our commitment to quality and provides customers with confidence that their finished product will meet or exceed their expectations.

Seamlessly Communicating

Effective communication is vital throughout the inspection and delivery process. The Customer Induction Questionnaire plays a crucial role in streamlining communication: by collecting essential information about customer preferences, delivery instructions, and potential shipping concerns, the questionnaire enables us to tailor our packaging and delivery approach to eradicate the risk of damage.

Seamless and transparent communication with our customers ensures that their expectations are met, and potential issues are proactively addressed, and instills confidence that all of our precision machined parts will arrive in pristine condition and to the exact specifications requested.

Get In Touch For More Information

To find out more about our CNC honing, or other precision machining services, or to chat to us about your next machining project, please call Hone-All today on 01525 370666 or send an enquiry to our team.

In manufacturing, a robust production control system is essential to maintain efficiency and quality, and to meet customer demands. Lead times are often tight, so manufacturers must be able to produce highly precise parts quickly and reliably, without compromising on product quality.

At Hone-All, we’ve been using the RedAnt production control system for almost 20 years. Throughout that time, it has grown with us and thanks to its continuous improvement and development, it caters for all our current and future production control needs.

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In this article, we’ll explore the key features that make RedAnt the go-to solution for effective monitoring in engineering and manufacturing industries.

What Is RedAnt?

The RedAnt production control software is one of the most comprehensive systems of its type, offering manufacturing small and middle-sized enterprises (SMEs) a highly effective e-solution that is flexible and functional. As an end-to-end production solution, RedAnt offers core modules that embrace every element of day-to-day manufacturing needs, including:

• Database Management
• Quotations and Estimates
• Customer Orders
• Production Management, Scheduling & Real-Time Data Collection
• Supply Chain Management, Purchasing and Orders
• Inspection and Delivery
• Invoicing
• KPI Monitoring and Measurement

It also includes exceptional traceability and essential certificates for guaranteeing product quality, including conformity, calibration, customer and supplier non-conformity, and concessions.

Tailored For Success

RedAnt is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every business has unique requirements, so an effective production control system must be designed with customisation in mind. From small-scale operations to large enterprises, RedAnt can be tailored to suit a business’s specific needs. Whether it's managing inventory, tracking orders, or streamlining processes, RedAnt provides a comprehensive solution that drives success and helps us to meet our customers’ lead times.

Praised By Industry Leaders

The exceptional traceability and functionality of RedAnt have earned it praise from industry leaders, including Rolls Royce and BSI. These renowned businesses recognise the value that RedAnt brings to the production control processes of their supply chains. By leveraging RedAnt, we achieve greater visibility and control over our operations, leading to enhanced productivity and customer satisfaction.

Comprehensive Control

RedAnt offers comprehensive control over every aspect of manufacturing processes. Featuring historical data analysis, traceability of components and processes, and performance metrics tracking, RedAnt empowers Directors and Senior Managers to make data-driven decisions, identify bottlenecks, and optimise production processes to optimise efficiency.

Adaptability And Compliance

A key strength of the RedAnt production control software is its adaptability. As a manufacturing business evolves and industry standards change, RedAnt accommodates new developments, improvement ideas, and updates in ISO specifications. At Hone-All, we understand the importance of staying compliant and up-to-date, and RedAnt helps us to achieve that. In fact, if a change is requested that will benefit all clients, it is usually added free of charge. Charges to adapt the system only apply if the change is specific to one business, and in such cases, a switch can often be applied.

Find Out More

To find out more about how RedAnt enhances and improves our precision machining services and why we’re the first choice for over 5000 customers, please call Hone-All today on 01525 370666 or send an enquiry and one of our team will respond soon.

In manufacturing processes, particularly those that create highly precision parts for the medical, automotive, or aerospace industries, efficiency is essential to ensure the timely delivery of high quality products. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) stage is a key element of the manufacturing process, not only because it provides customers with valuable information about lead times and costs, but also because it can significantly impact the manufacturing process.

Contact The Team at Hone-All Today

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that we consider at the RFQ stage to optimise our manufacturing efficiency and deliver exceptional result's for our customers.

Accurate Costing And Lead Times

Understanding a customer’s project requirements and needs is crucial for us to provide accurate costings and lead time estimates. By carefully analysing the application, the specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes involved and utilising the power of manufacturing process software, we can provide more detailed and precise quotations. This helps our customers to plan around the anticipated delivery date and our team to streamline the manufacturing process for optimum efficiency.

Checking Drawn Features

Foresight, as the saying goes, is not about predicting the future but minimising surprises. During the manufacturing process, it’s essential that our machinists have a detailed understanding of the features that are required on a part, so they reduce the risk of inaccuracies and mistakes by carefully examining the initial drawings at the RFQ stage. This enables us to identify potential issues or challenges that may arise during production so that adjustments can be made to ensure the end product meets the desired specifications. Additionally, understanding the application can often lead to us challenging the need for specific drawing requirements which often results in us being able to reduce costs and lead time by simplifying or removing a drawn, but non-essential, feature.

Considering Concentricity

Concentricity is a critical factor in many manufacturing projects, particularly those that involve rotating or precision tubular-type components. It’s essential to consider concentricity requirements at the design and then material procurement stage, as this allows suitably sized materials to be sourced and machining techniques to be chosen. By giving careful thought to achievable concentricity, we optimise process efficiency and minimise the need for replacement, reworking or concession adjustments.

Handling Thin Wall Components

Thin wall components require special attention during the machining process as these delicate structures can be prone to deformation or distortion, which compromises the overall quality and functionality of the product. To safeguard quality standards, we apply our decades of experience and expertise to carefully select appropriate machining sequences, the correct cutting and clamping tools and machining parameters to ensure precise and accurate production of thin wall components.

Transparency In Quotations

Finally, clear and transparent communication is key to establishing trust and avoiding misunderstandings. Our detailed quotations offer a comprehensive breakdown of all planned operations, in the order we will be machining. Despite being advised that we are divulging our IP, we believe that by providing exceptional transparency, we empower our customers to understand the manufacturing process, make informed decisions, and provide valued feedback if necessary. Clear communication from the outset fosters a collaborative relationship with our customers which contributes to enhanced efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Contact Us To Find Out More

At Hone-All, open and honest communication underpins our customer relationships and contributes to outstanding service, the highest standard of quality and accurate, projected lead times. To find out more about our services, please call us on 01525 370666 or send an enquiry.