North Axis Engineering has invested in its first five-axis machining centre barely a year after it was set up.
With efficiency and single-hit machining increasingly a priority, North Axis confirmed the purchase of a Hurco 5-axis VM10Ui last December.
Co-founder Dale Robson said, “We’re delighted to be investing in our first 5-axis machine within our first year of operation. We already have work lined up that requires simultaneous 5-axis cycles.
Together with Andy Battersby, Dale Launched North Axis Engineering in Cramlington, Northumberland to fill a gap in the North East for high-precision, quick-turnaround subcontract work targeting the subsea, aerospace and automotive sectors, the owner-directors could hardly have predicted the pace at which their new venture would accelerate.
North Axis was founded on a clear and focused vision: to deliver a responsive, versatile machining service capable of producing precise, high-quality components, whether one-offs, small batches or large production runs. For the directors, investing in the right CNC technology was non-negotiable. Even within the constraints of a start-up budget, they understood that reliability, accuracy and ease of use would be critical. Having worked extensively with Hurco equipment in the past, they knew where to turn.
The business opened its doors at the start of 2025 equipped with a used Hurco VM10i 3-axis machining centre and a TM8i CNC lathe. Compact yet powerful, the VM10i offers impressive metal removal rates and the performance of a machine that would normally occupy a larger footprint on the shop floor. The TM8i, with its 2-inch bar capacity and maximum turning length of 525 mm, provides robust and accurate turning capability. Central to both machines is Hurco’s intuitive Max5 control, enabling rapid programming, reduced set-up times and swift progression to first-off components, which is an essential advantage in subcontract environments.
By March 2025, demand had justified further expansion. To broaden its machining capabilities, North Axis purchased a new Hurco VM30i directly from the manufacturer, complete with the supplier’s own H200 rotary table. With generous travels of 1270 x 508 x 508 mm, the VM30i accommodates larger components, while the integrated fourth axis opens the door to more complex rotary work and efficient second operations on turned parts.
North Axis has also positioned itself as more than a machining services provider. CADCAM programming, MIG and TIG welding, and a range of engineering and fabrication services sit comfortably within its expanding portfolio. This breadth allows the company to respond flexibly to customer requirements and strengthens its role as a trusted manufacturing partner.
Tel: 01670736691
Photo: North Axis directors Andy Battensby (left) and Dale Robson (right) with Jack Brown (centre), Hurco Europe’s Sales Engineer for the North East of England.