DN Solutions’ machines measure up to Aberlink’s high expectations and standards.

This development fits into a broader pattern of investment in advanced machining technologies across the industry. As manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce lead times and improve product quality, the adoption of sophisticated machine tools is becoming more prevalent. Aberlink's investment is indicative of a wider shift towards integrating high-precision machining within metrology companies, allowing for greater control over the production of critical components. This trend is not unique to Aberlink; other players in the metrology and machining sectors are likely to follow suit, seeking to optimize their manufacturing processes through similar investments. The engineering significance lies in the potential for these machines to enable faster turnaround times, higher accuracy, and more complex component production, which are crucial in today's competitive landscape.

Looking ahead, the next development to watch will be how Aberlink leverages these new capabilities to further innovate its product offerings. The integration of advanced machining technology could pave the way for more sophisticated CMM designs and potentially open new markets for the company. Additionally, it will be interesting to see how Aberlink's competitors respond to this move, as the race for improved manufacturing efficiency and product quality continues to heat up. The interplay between metrology and machining is becoming increasingly intertwined, and Aberlink's strategic investment could set a precedent for others in the industry.

---

In March 2025, Aberlink, a leading UK manufacturer of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), installed two new DN Solutions machine tools at its facility in Stroud, Gloucestershire. The acquisition included a DN Solutions DNM 6700XL 3-axis vertical machining centre and a Lynx 2100LSYB multi-tasking lathe, marking the first time Aberlink has invested in DN Solutions equipment in its 33-year history. These machines were supplied by Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, and have significantly enhanced Aberlink's in-house machining capacity and capabilities.

The new machines are pivotal in machining a variety of high-precision components that are integral to Aberlink's range of CMMs. These components, which include CMM bridge beams, rails, air bearings, and housings, are machined from materials such as extruded aluminium alloy, aluminium billet, steel, brass, and engineering plastics. The components are produced in small batches, often up to 50 units, and are machined to stringent tolerances and high surface finishes. This level of precision is crucial for Aberlink's CMMs, which are known for their rigidity, accuracy, speed, and reliability. In 2024, the company was awarded a King's Award for Enterprise in recognition of the outstanding design innovation and error mapping of its Extol CNC CMM.

Aberlink's CMMs are used by a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, motorsport, medical, oil and gas, and energy sectors. The company's product range is diverse, featuring smaller shopfloor models like the Fulcrum and Extol, as well as larger bridge-type machines such as the Axiom, Halo, Horizon, and Azimuth. These machines are designed to meet the varying needs of customers, from those requiring on-site inspection to those needing dedicated, temperature-controlled inspection areas. The affordability of Aberlink's CMMs, combined with their build quality and the integration of proprietary 3D software, has been a key factor in the company's market growth and customer satisfaction. The company also offers free software upgrades and waives annual maintenance fees, further enhancing its value proposition.

The investment in DN Solutions machines was driven by a company-wide continuous improvement programme aimed at addressing inefficiencies in Aberlink's production process. An audit conducted in 2024 identified bottlenecks and highlighted the need for more efficient machining processes to meet increasing demand, particularly from international markets like China. Marcus Eales, Aberlink's owner and director, emphasised the importance of the machine shop to the company's operations: "Our machine shop is responsible for making a high volume of precision components that go into every CMM. For example, there are up to 150 different parts in our best-selling Axiom CMMs. To meet tight customer delivery schedules, it is crucial that our machine tools and processes are efficient and up to scratch."

The DN Solutions machines have been integrated into Aberlink's machine shop, which is equipped with a mix of CNC and manual machine tools, including older 'legacy' machines from the late 1990s and early 2000s. This investment is part of Aberlink's commitment to maintaining a robust and flexible manufacturing capability. The company has always maintained an in-house machine shop since its incorporation in 1993, recognising it as a vital component of its growth and success. The new machines will help Aberlink continue to deliver high-quality products while improving efficiency and reducing lead times.

Aberlink's commitment to innovation and quality is further underscored by its recent investments and accolades. The company remains focused on delivering value to its customers through advanced technology and exceptional service. As the demand for precision measurement solutions continues to grow, Aberlink is well-positioned to meet the needs of its diverse client base, both domestically and internationally.