5-Axis CNC Machining in Cambridgeshire, Held to 5–10 Microns
Specialist 5-axis milling on DMG MORI and Matsuura machines, holding 5 to 10 micron tolerances.
27 years' machining experience · NDA signed as standard
27 yrs
Machining experience
5–10 µm
Tolerances held
ISO 9001
& ISO 14001 certified
NDA
Signed as standard
24/7
Machining available
Overview
What 5-Axis CNC Machining Does for Your Part
Specialist 5-axis milling on DMG MORI and Matsuura machines, holding 5 to 10 micron tolerances.
5-axis machining can reduce the number of setups needed for parts with features on several faces. The strategy and achievable result depend on geometry, workholding, material and the drawing requirements.
Based at Unit 1, South Fens Enterprise Park, Fenton Way, Chatteris PE16 6WA, APT serves Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Leicestershire. Industries served include aerospace, defence, motorsport and medical, with a strong R&D and prototype focus.
Two in-house machinists run the machines, supported by a trusted network of CNC programmers and inspectors built up over 20+ years. Work is seasonal, with consultants and contractors brought in during busy periods.
The risk
Planning Your 5-Axis CNC Machining Enquiry
5-axis machining can reduce the number of setups needed for parts with features on several faces. The strategy and achievable result depend on geometry, workholding, material and the drawing requirements.
Drawing requirements
Identify the dimensions and features that control fit and function. Include the drawing revision and material grade.
Physical sample
If drawings are unavailable, a physical part can be scanned and modelled to produce full drawings. Explain any known wear or damage.
Required date
Include your target date and discuss feasibility. Overnight and weekend machining is available when needed.
Inspection requirements
Specify whether you need CMM inspection and an inspection report. Reports are supplied on request.
Our process
How Your Job Runs, Step by Step
- 01
Send your requirements
Provide STEP, IGES or drawings, material, quantity and your required date. Send a physical part if you need reverse engineering.
- 02
Discuss the scope
Discuss machining suitability, design review and any inspection requirements with APT. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard.
- 03
CAM programming
Toolpath programming uses OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion.
- 04
5-axis machining
DMG MORI CMX 70 U and Matsuura MX-520 milling machines; 24/7 running is available when needed.
- 05
CMM inspection
5-axis scanning CMM inspection, with inspection reports supplied on request.
What you get
The Difference It Makes
Small-batch focus
One-offs, prototypes and typical batches of 1 to 100 parts.
Machining experience
Founded and wholly owned by Thomas White, a precision engineer with 27 years of machining experience.
Confidentiality as standard
An NDA is signed with every customer.
Certified systems
ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Cyber Essentials certified.
Flexible capacity
Consultants and contractors support busy periods; overnight and weekend machining is available when needed.
Inspection on request
5-axis scanning CMM inspection reports on request, including for parts made elsewhere.
In detail
5-Axis CNC Machining: Capability and Enquiries
Confirmed equipment, services and requirements for discussing your part.
Machines and working envelope
That covers the majority of brackets, housings, manifolds, impellers, fixtures and structural components that R&D and low-volume production teams need.
Typical parts we machine
Examples of work that suits 5-axis machining include angled manifolds and brackets, impellers and blended aerodynamic surfaces, housings with features on multiple faces, medical fixtures, motorsport uprights and research rig components with tight positional tolerances between bores.
Machining equipment and software
APT uses DMG MORI CMX 70 U and Matsuura MX-520 5-axis milling machines, with OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion for CAM programming. Machining tolerances are 5 to 10 microns (0.005–0.010 mm).
Machining size and batch range
Maximum machining part size is 675 mm × 600 mm × 550 mm (X × Y × Z), with cylindrical parts up to 600 mm diameter. Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts; one-offs and prototypes are welcome. Contact APT about the suitability of your particular part.
Materials
Materials machined include aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and exotic alloys. APT has also machined glass and carbon. Please specify the material and grade in your enquiry so suitability can be discussed.
Inspection and certification
APT holds ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and Cyber Essentials certification. A 5-axis scanning CMM is used for inspection, with inspection reports supplied on request. Standalone inspection is also available for parts made elsewhere.
Files and confidentiality
STEP, IGES and technical drawings are accepted. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. If no drawing exists, send a physical part for scanning, modelling from the scan and production of full drawings.
Team and availability
Two in-house machinists run the machines, supported by a trusted network of CNC programmers and inspectors built up over 20+ years. Work is seasonal, with consultants and contractors brought in during busy periods.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, as previously confirmed for this website. 24/7 machining is available, including overnight and weekend running when needed. Contact APT to discuss your required date and availability; extended running does not mean every deadline can be met.
FAQs
Common Questions
What tolerances can you hold?
+
Machining tolerances are 5 to 10 microns (0.005–0.010 mm). Discuss your part and specified features with APT.
What is the maximum machining part size?
+
Maximum machining part size is 675 mm × 600 mm × 550 mm (X × Y × Z), with cylindrical parts up to 600 mm diameter. Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts; one-offs and prototypes are welcome. Contact APT about the suitability of your particular part.
What quantities do you machine?
+
Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts. One-offs and prototypes are welcome, with a strong R&D focus.
Which materials have you machined?
+
Materials machined include aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and exotic alloys. APT has also machined glass and carbon. Please specify the material and grade in your enquiry so suitability can be discussed.
Which files do you accept?
+
STEP, IGES and technical drawings are accepted. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. If no drawing exists, send a physical part for scanning, modelling from the scan and production of full drawings.
Can you inspect parts made elsewhere?
+
Yes. Standalone inspection on a 5-axis scanning CMM is available, with reports supplied on request.
Is my design kept confidential?
+
An NDA is signed with every customer as standard.
Is overnight or weekend machining available?
+
Yes. 24/7 machining is available when needed. Contact APT about your deadline and current availability.
Discuss Your 5-Axis CNC Machining Requirements
Send your files or details of your physical part, with material, quantity and your required date. Call 07717 694970 or email info@aptechno.co.uk.
ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 · Cyber Essentials · NDA signed as standard