At The Engineering Quest, our journey has always been about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in precision engineering. Today, we’re proud to unveil the next chapter in that journey - a ground-breaking partnership with Sodick that has led to the installation of a truly one-of-a-kind machine, developed exclusively to meet the rapidly evolving needs of our global customers.
Meeting the Demand for Microscopic Precision
Just two years ago, our production volumes for certain critical medical components hovered around one part per day. Fast forward to today, and we’re producing over 500 intricate components each week - a transformation driven by both customer demand and our unwavering commitment to innovation. These components, often smaller than a grain of rice, are essential in vitreoretinal surgery, procedures involving the back of the eye. They must meet incredibly tight tolerances, be impeccably clean, and be cost-effective for widespread application. With rising demand across the UK, Japan, Asia, Africa, and the US, our capabilities had to evolve, and fast.
A UK-First: Tailor-Made Sodick Wire EDM Technology
We approached Sodick with a challenge: develop a solution capable of producing high volumes of ultra-precise, micro-scale components with consistency and cleanliness. What followed was a dynamic engineering collaboration resulting in a UK-exclusive wire EDM machine, specifically tailored for our operations in Milton Keynes.
This wasn’t just an off-the-shelf machine - it was a fully re-engineered solution built around a 30-micron wire (thinner than a human hair) and equipped with newly developed onboard technology. Key enhancements included:
- Advanced cleaning systems to support fine wire evacuation.
- Specialised control software optimised for micro machining.
- Streamlined machining processes to boost efficiency and output.
- Technology to reduce the recast layer, a critical factor for medical applications.
Every feature was tested, adapted, and validated in direct response to the real-world challenges we face as precision engineers working at the frontiers of micro-fabrication.
Engineering Excellence in Action
“We don’t just engineer,” explains Will Sharpe, one of our senior staff, “we craft. Micro machining is one of our core competencies, and our customers often bring us designs that seem unachievable. Through close partnerships, like the one we’ve developed with Sodick, we find a way to make it happen.” From the earliest discussions through to the machine’s installation and ongoing support, Sodick’s team remained collaborative, responsive, and fully committed. The result? A state-of-the-art production system now delivering high volumes of complex medical components with near-invisible features and sub-millimetre tolerances.
Exporting UK Innovation Around the Globe
This unique machine doesn’t just serve a single function - it underpins a whole range of over 500 unique component styles that we now produce. These are already being used by leading medical institutions worldwide, highlighting the role that The Engineering Quest continues to play in advancing global health technologies from our base here in the UK.
As we look to the future, our focus remains the same: delivering precision, scalability, and reliability to some of the world’s most demanding industries. This latest milestone is just one example of how we’re continuing to innovate and lead in the field of precision engineering.