Machinery & Manufacturing | Issue 23 | Sept-Oct 25

EDM

QUEST FOR STRATEGIC INVESTMENT

absolute linear scales, and Sodick’s 10-year positioning guarantee. Crucially, its micro wire functionality supports diameters as fine as 0.03mm, enabling the micron-level tolerances required for medical instruments. Mark Palmer explains: “These are intricate components for microsurgery. The 0.03mm wire allows us to produce highly precise features impossible with conventional methods.” Rather than purchasing a standard machine, Engineering Quest collaborated closely with Sodick to develop a customised solution. Will Sharpe reflects: “Sodi-Tech were very helpful from the outset. We discussed our challenges and requirements in detail, and they were receptive to everything we asked.” Richard Bailey of Sodi-Tech adds: “This machine was developed specifically for Quest. We incorporated 30-micron wire capabilities and made slight modifications to optimise performance for their components.” Configured to use water-based dielectric fluid, the machine meets strict cleanliness standards required for surgical instruments. It also features Sodick’s Smart Pulse Wire control system, a 19-inch multi-touch interface, and Intelligent Q³vic EDW technology, allowing automatic programming from 3D CAD files. The implementation has transformed production, enabling up to 500 components per week while maintaining precision. Will Sharpe concludes: “With ongoing learning and plans for automated re-fixturing, we aim for around-the-clock production. Partnering with Sodi-Tech, we can innovate continually, delivering complex designs at competitive prices.”

The Engineering Quest, a family-owned precision engineering firm founded in the 1970s, has made a significant investment in advanced manufacturing by acquiring a Sodick ALC400G Wire EDM machine with state-of-the-art micro wire capabilities. This move is more than a simple equipment upgrade; it demonstrates how forward-thinking manufacturers are responding to the evolving demands of high-precision industries, particularly medical device production. The decision was driven by surging demand for micro-machined medical components. Will Sharpe of The Engineering Quest explains: “Over 20 years ago, our customer handcrafted NHS surgical instruments for eye surgery, producing just one or two a day. A change in legislation made these instruments disposable, immediately increasing production demand. We offered a wire EDM solution that could raise output to 250 instruments a week.” Operating several EDM machines at its Milton Keynes facility, Engineering Quest now meets production requirements for over 400 instrument variants, with batch sizes from 10 to 1,000. Will adds: “These instruments are for eye surgery, often at the back of the eye. They must be extremely small, clean, and cost-effective, yet we must meet the surge in demand, particularly over the past two years. The parts are now exported globally, including Japan, Asia, Africa, and the US.” After a thorough market review, Engineering Quest selected the Sodick ALC400G from Sodi-Tech UK. The machine features rigid linear motor drives across all axes,

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