Latest News

Iberia Maintenance are to update their existing RPI high precision rotary tables at their engine repair centre in Madrid to full MRO Integrated Measurement and Assembly platforms.

The engine repair centre occupies an area of 52,560 m2 and provides MRO services for the RB211-535E4, CFM56-5A1/-5B/-5C4/-7x, CF34-3A1/-3B1, JT8D-217/-219 engines which are tested on site at their 100,000 lbs capacity test cell.

Iberia Maintenance is one of Europe's maintenance providers still growing and needs to increase capacity to meet their customer's demands.

Matsuura Machinery PLC will integrate a Tsudakoma Direct Drive 4th axis rotary table onto a new incarnation of its world renowned High Speed Vertical Machining Centre - the Matsuura FX-2.

The Tsudakoma / Matsuura combination has been selected by a leading Subcontractor to provide the ultimate in machining performance for the production of high precision, intricate geometry components".

Rotary Precision Instruments have supported FMB Oxford in their successfully bid to win a significant order to supply 6 direct drive Goniometers and supporting equipment to the PETRA III radiation source in Hamburg, Germany.

PETRA lll will be a new high-brilliance synchrotron radiation source on the DESY site in Hamburg-Bahrenfeld. For a total investment of 225 million Euro, to be shared by the German Federal Government (90%) and the City of Hamburg (10%), the existing storage ring PETRA will be converted into one of the most brilliant x-ray sources worldwide. After starting the conceptual design in 2002 and the final approval of the project in May 2005, the reconstruction of the storage ring started on July 2, 2007. PETRA III will commence user operation in 2009.

Metris LK have recently completed the successful installation of a 15-HC90 co-ordinate measuring machine fitted with an RPI P1200VHDS2 High Precision Rotary Table.

The installation has recently been carried out at Snecma and will be used for inspecting their aeroengine components.

The V series rotary table which is a favoured solution for LK was supplied with an improved load capacity of 5500kgs and achieved a total positioning accuracy of less than 0.9 arc seconds.

Rotary Precision Instruments has won a significant tender for the design, manufacture and installation of a heavy duty 3-circle diffractometer for powder diffractometry required for the PDIFF beamline at the SR source ANKA at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe in Germany. The instrument will be optimised for rapid data-collection on nanocrystalline and microcrystalline powder samples in a variety of in-situ experimental environments and will be capable of being equipped with multiple detectors for simultaneous or sequential recording of diffraction signals.

ANKA is a synchrotron light source - that is, a particle accelerator dedicated to the production of light for research and technology

Within the facility, electrons are accelerated almost to the speed of light and fly in a closed orbit inside a stainless steel tube around a 35 m diameter circuit. Large electromagnets are positioned at regular intervals along this so-called storage ring, to guide the electrons around the curves and keep them focussed in the centre of the tube.

As the electrons fly around the curves through the magnetic field, they emit electromagnetic radiation - an effect which was first discovered here in Karlsruhe more than a hundred years ago by Heinrich Hertz. The emitted light is intense, highly focussed and extremely broadband, covering the entire spectral range from hard x-rays to the far infrared and terahertz ranges. This broadband nature of the emitted light is inexplicable according to classical physics, but is predicted by Einstein's relativity theory.

The combination of brilliance and broad spectral range makes synchrotrons the most powerful light source known to science. Many experiments involving x-ray and infrared analytical techniques are only possible when a synchrotron is used as the light source.

Synchrotrons are large, expensive instruments that are beyond the means of most laboratories. Therefore they are built as central facilities serving the national and international scientific communities. Scientists from all research areas come to the synchrotrons to perform their experiments.

With the opening of ANKA in March 2003, Karlsruhe joined the exclusive club of some 50 cities worldwide that have their own synchrotron light source.

DEA have recently completed the successful installation of two DEA Global Advantage co-ordinate measuring machines fitted with RPI R800SH2
High Precision Rotary Tables.

The installation has recently been carried out at Rolls Royce Hucknall and will be used for inspecting their aeroengine components.

The R series rotary tables which are a favoured solution for DEA were supplied with a reduced flatness tolerance of 0.002mm and achieved a total positioning accuracy of less than 1.5 arc seconds.

RPI is able to develop, construct, deliver and install heavy duty Diffractometers for Powder Diffraction. Our standard product range can be tailored to suit our customers specific needs, however, one-off designs can also be developed where required. RPI's expertise in precision spindles, high precision machining & assembly, high accuracy encoders & calibration together with digital displays and CNC control systems can be utilised to produce unique solutions.

Recent customers for Diffractometers include MPV, PSI, ESRF, Swiss Light Source, Spanish CRG Beamline, Swiss Norwegian Beam Line.

RPI have just completed their first full air bearing assembly and inspection platform for Guizhou Liyang Machinery Factory China for the inspection of aero engine components. The system included air bearings with an axial
and radial runout of less than 0.0001mm an X and Y centring platen, Levelling platen, four data collections probes and analysis software.

Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd have developed a modular system for the high accuracy measurement and subsequent assembly of aero engine components. Worldwide installations at MRO facilities and aero engine manufacturers have clearly demonstrated the following benefits:

The European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory has designed and built the worlds largest mirror ever built for a space telescope. At 3.5-metres in diameter the mirror will collect long-wavelength radiation from some of the coldest and most distant objects in the Universe.

The main objectives of the project are to study the formation of galaxies in the early universe and their subsequent evolution, investigate the creation of stars and their interaction with the interstellar medium. Whilst also observing the chemical composition of the atmospheres and surfaces of comets, planets and satellites, examining the molecular chemistry of the universe.

With the mission rapidly reaching its 2008 launch date when the launch mass of 3300kgs will be sent into space on the Araine 5 launch vehicle where it will continue to collect data until 2012.

Additional information can be seen at ESA Science & Technology web site.

Or for further information regarding RPI's range of rotary tables for space and scientific research purposes please visit our bespoke solutions product page.
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RPI and it's customer Mr. Sajeendran from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have successfully completed the acceptance test procedure of a special 2 axis rotary table to be used for the calibration of machined parts used in the assemble of weather satellites, namely momentum wheels, solar array drives and scan mechanisms.

Mr. Sajeendran thanked RPI for supporting him technically on this project allowing him to buy a bespoke rotary table to his specification that would allow him to continue his work.

For further information regarding RPI's bespoke products please visit our Bespoke Product Range

If you are interested in finding more information regarding RPI's ISRO acceptance test please feel free to views and add your comments to our Blog Page.

Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd, formally Eimeldingen UK Ltd have re-introduced its range of high capacity machining rotary tables (MH, MV, MB). RPI who have always had the ability to design and manufacture high accuracy, high load capacity machining rotary tables have been out of this market for 3 years due to a non compete agreement made during a recent re-structuring process.

As part of this re-introduction RPI can now offer a full repair and service of existing Eimeldingen UK machining and metrology rotary tables.

As a UK agent for Tsudakoma rotary tables RPI can now offer a wide range of maching rotary tables.

For further information regarding Eimeldingen rotary tables now supplied by Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd please feel free to contact a member of our sales team at either Sales@RPIuk.com or on 01225 426206.
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Upon calibration of a Type DP300 precision rotary table manufactured by RPI UK Ltd, the unit, destined for the Hellenic Institute of Metrology (EIM), in Thessaloniki, Greece, the accuracy of the table was found to significantly exceed customer expectations.

The National Physical Laboratory found that the 300mm diameter table, which had a specified accuracy of within 1 arc, second, was in fact almost 3 times more accurate, with a total range of 0.35 seconds of arc (equivalent to 17 millimetres in 10 kilometres).

From these results, it is clear to see why rotary tables manufacturers Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd based in Bath, England are justifiably proud of their reputation as designers and manufacturers of the most accurate rotary tables in the world, and why these tables are not only used as the reference standard for many Countries worldwide (in the last 12 months, we have supplied tables to National Laboratories in Finland and Estonia, as well as having a unit installed in the UK National Physics Laboratory), but also for a huge range of applications such as scientific research, precision measurement, mass spectrometry, and the manufacture of jet engines, with a customer base including many of the world's leading companies.

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RPI have recently completed the installation and commissioning of two MRO Integrated Measurement and assembly platforms at the new jet engine overhaul facility, N3 Engine Overhaul Service, a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and Rolls Royce. RPI developed this modular system for the high accuracy measurement and subsequent assembly of aero engine components. Worldwide installations at MRO facilities and aero engine manufacturers have clearly demonstrated the following benefits:

Rotary Precision Instrument have successfully completed the supply of a High Accuracy 5 axis Diffractometer to the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne (MPV). Although based on a similar product supplied to PSI (Paul Scherrer Institute) in Switzerland the product was tailored to meet MPVs load requirements and supplied with a through bore to accept their measurement equipment. MPVs request for a high accuracy Elevating Base Assembly was an engineering challenge for RPI, who previously have not supplied this axis.

In order for RPI to maintain the accuracy of the rotary axes the Base Assembly needed to have high rigidity, a simple but innovative solution was provided which fully met the customers specification. The Base Assembly design, provides vertical adjustment of the equipment of +/- 40mm, with a 0.0005mm resolution (0.080mm = thickness of 1 Human Hair), to suit the beamline operating height.

The customers requirement for Roll and Yaw errors of +/-4 arc seconds was also a challenge, however, during final calibration the measured results of 0.9 arc seconds of Yaw and 1.5 arc seconds of Roll were achieved.

Rotary Precision Instruments are entering the final stages of the development and production of a special 2 axis rotary table for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) based in Thiruvananthapuram India. RPI have worked closely with the ISRO since August 04 to develop this product for the geometric / dimensional inspection and calibration of machined parts for the assembly of satellites namely momentum wheels, solar array drive and scan mechanisms. The satellites are being developed for weather forecasting, cloud imaging, communications and metrology studies. The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. ISRO has established two major space systems, INSAT for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and management.

Tsudakoma and Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd the largest manufactures in the world of machine tool and metrology rotary tables and accessories announce their UK partnership for the supply of Tsudakoma rotary table products in the UK. The full range of products can be seen on the Tsudakoma web site.

Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd now offers the Tsudakoma range of machining rotary tables and accessories. The addition of Tsudakoma's high quality yet economical rotary tables neatly compliments our existing range of high accuracy high load capacity machining tables. With over 50 years experience in the manufacture, integration and maintenance of rotary tables, Rotary Precision Instruments now offers a comprehensive service for the whole of the UK.

Jinan TMMT Precision Measuring Tools CO Ltd, China, and Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd the largest manufacturers in the world of metrology rotary tables and accessories announced their UK partnership for the supply of precision granite instruments and assemblies.

Imported from the Jinan region of China, "Jinan Black" granite offers high precision, reliable stability and durability.

Rotary Precision Instrument has won a significant tender to supply a high accuracy 3 axis Diffractometer to the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne. RPI's successful tender is based on existing technology developed during the design and manufacture of many different Diffractometers, Monochromators and Goniometers supplied to various institutes including PSI, ESRF, Diamond, SNBL and the Chicago University.

The Australian Synchrotron will provide a world-leading technical capability, and the nucleus around which new science and industry networks will form as researchers interact at their own national facility. The synchrotron will deliver better and faster experimental techniques that will not only enhance current fundamental and applied research, but also open up new avenues of investigation to Australian science. This facility will promote the international collaboration now so important to leading edge R&D, becoming a hub for research that will greatly benefit Australia and its regional neighbours.

RPI have just completed the successful installation of five new MRO Integrated Measurement and assembly platforms into Rolls Royce Derby. This brings the total number of new machines, being used by this customer, to seven. The MRO Integrated Measurement and assembly platforms have been designed to improve the measurement of components by increasing rigidity and reducing vibration encountered in the shop floor environment.

Adrian Blake, assembly shop supervisor said, "the improved rigidity and elimination of vibration has increased confidence significantly in the measured results achieved, with the whole process becoming much more repeatable than other systems".

Having previously purchased from RPI over 100 individual rotary tables the installation of complete MRO Integrated Measurement and assembly platforms including granites, column units, rotary tables, software and hardware highlights RPI's ability to provide complete solutions to Industry Leaders.

Its modular design enables the customer to select a machine capable of measuring component up to a maximum height of approximately 3000mm with a Ø2000mm weighing 11,000kgs. The system can be manually or motor driven with angle and probe displacements up to a maximum of four channels being recorded on a PC.

Aardman Animation's have taken the art of animation to new heights with the help of a revolutionary camera mount made by Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd. RPI is not alien to the manufacture of camera equipment and have now gone full circle from the days when we were OMT and manufactured 35mm motion picture cameras.

Each of the camera mounts are fitted with high accuracy worm and wheel sets and high precision Crossed roller bearings supplied by INA resulting in practically zero backlash, one in each axis allowing 360 Degrees of motion, enabling the camera to be moved through almost any angle.

The sophisticated programmable facility for movement and repositioning enables movement in extremely fine increments and precise positioning, crucial when pinpoint accuracy in terms of filming angles and distance needs to be guaranteed.

The fitting of high precision Crossed Roller Bearings supplied by INA were critical in achieving a smooth vibrationless operation with smooth running and minimal axial and radial movement. The Crossed roller bearings were ideal for the normal operations but also achieved the greater demands for smooth running and higher running accuracies, all features more commonly seen in our high precision rotary tables.

RPI´s main product is a range of high precision rotary tables for use in the metrology, aerospace, scientific, light and heavy machining industries. For this project we were able to use our expertise in rotary motion to produce the bespoke camera mount to suite Aardman´s particular requirements. The units were designed and manufactured at our Bath works.

Aardman´s Mechanical Development Engineer Alan Gregory was full of praise for the product: "We had been looking around for ages before we were lucky enough to find RPI who have come up with the goods," he said.

"It is vital when producing animation with models such as the ones we use that you have the very best equipment around, and with RPI that´s been achieved".

Rotary Precision Instruments announce the opening of their new factory building, effectively increasing factory floor space by 40%.

The opening was combined successfully with a drive for the recruitment of apprentices needed to sustain the successful future of the business. Special guests included local MP Don Foster and representatives from the various educational establishments from the Bath area including the University of Bath, Bath and North East Somerset Council´s education department, Norton Radstock College, Beechen Cliff School, the Learning and Skills Council, Connexions and Hallmark industries.

Attributed to the successful opening of the new building and the support of the special guests from the education establishment are more than 40 applications from teenagers interested in engineering apprenticeships being received.
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Jinan TMMT Precision Measuring Tools CO LTD, in partnership with RPI reports a successful MACH06 show. A high percentage of the visitors to the stand were purchasing and metrology / inspection engineer's with some of the enquiries already being converted into orders. Visit MACH 2006 to see RPI's future trade shows.

This week RPI UK Ltd were proud to announce that our electrical engineering student Chris Jones completed his HNC in Electrical/ Electronics at the City of Bristol College with an impressive average grade of Distinction.

This continued growth of high qualified staff within RPI ensure the highest quality and precision within our design and manufacturing of all our products and services.

This week Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd was proud to announce the internal promotion of David Worthy to the position of Works Manager with effect from 1st January 2007. Since joining RPI from a large multi-national for which David held the position of European Engineering Manager responsible for major projects in April 2005.

David has established himself as a key part of the RPI production team with a Bsc in Engineering and years of hands on experience David will be integral in the managing and running of production and procurement.

RPI have donated a Colchester and a D.S.G. centre lathe to Norton Radstock College to support the trainning of engineers for the future.

The support that the college has given to RPI has been fundimental in allowing us to create a focused and effective apprentice training scheme within our business, we are extremely pleased to have been able to donate these machines.

Following the successful sale of the Eimeldingen companies in Germany and the USA, Eimeldingen UK Ltd has changed its' name to Rotary Precision Instruments UK Ltd, the strategic re-structuring of the businesses will allow RPI UK Ltd, still based at its Bath site, to grow and develop the metrology business in which it has been the World leader since the 1960's when the company was known as O.M.T.

Parent Company Hallmark Industries under new Chief Executive Chris Scott has given its full support to significant investment in capital plant, extended premises, and the development of new employees via the reintroduced apprenticeship program.

To support the high skill levels needed within Eimeldingen UK a new apprenticeship scheme has been started. Working closely with Norton Radstock College, we have created a 4-year apprenticeship program to train the next generations of skilled staff, each new apprentice will spend 3 days at college during their 1st year, followed by 1 day per week for the remaining 3 years.

The program is on-going, with at least 1 apprentice joining the buisness each year.

This year we are delighted to welcome Lee Coates to the team.

Having served an apprenticeship with Wickman Machine Tools in Coventry, John has always been involved in precision manufacturing, as Technical Director with Tarl Engineering in Coventry, General Manager of Polamco Bath, Managing Director of Obit Precision in Wantage, and subsequently as Divisional Managing Director for the Machining Division Of the Accura Group of Companies, responsible for 6 UK sites employing 250 staff.

Wendy Grant is an experienced accountant with a rounded background gained in SME environments. Her experience gained in global accounting and currency reporting has been exceptional in prior positions held.

Wendy's finance experience has encompassed both financial and statutory accounting, management reporting, group consolidations, tax compliance, setting budgets and forecasting.

She has brought her experience to improve areas such as systems, managing and developing staff and inputting into contract tenders.