Pentaxia cuts composite part production time 50% and eliminates concessions with MSP metrologySponsored

The change delivered immediate results on one project alone, cutting production time for a set of composite parts from 40 to 20 hours and removing a 100% concession rate. Fifty sets were delivered without a single part requiring rework.

The problem: machining blind

MSP PerfectPart was first deployed on a project involving composite components made from multiple materials, where variability and distortion made accurate setup difficult using conventional methods.

Pentaxia had previously relied on a manual setup process that required significant decision-making, with operators shimming and clocking features by hand — often taking multiple shifts to set up a single part.

We didn't have a good way of checking our setup, and the process didn't account for all six degrees of freedom, said Lucian Lazar, Lead Technical Engineer at Pentaxia. I don't think there was a single part that was set up 100% correctly — each one had a concession raised against it.

Pentaxia also lacked visibility of machine performance, meaning any issues were only identified after machining had taken place.

We were essentially machining blind, which created a stressful environment, Lazar explained. These parts were worth tens of thousands of pounds. None of the operators wanted to take part in this project because the pressure and risk were so high.

The fix: NC-Checker + NC-PartLocator

Determined to make the project a success, Pentaxia invested in a new CMS machine and introduced MSP's PerfectPart suite to address problems at different stages of the CNC machining process.

The deployment included NC-Checker for assessing CNC machine performance and NC-PartLocator for automating the part alignment process.

NC-Checker has proven so valuable at identifying machine issues that no part is machined unless the machine has first been assessed using the software, even if that means running it multiple times a day.

NC-PartLocator has transformed Pentaxia's part setup routine and removed many of the stressful decisions. The contrast between before and now is extraordinary, Lazar said. We can generate the alignment in a single operation and start machining almost immediately.

The faster setup procedure has cut production time per set of parts by 50%, from 40 hours to 20 hours. The removal of manual error, combined with NC-Checker's machine performance assessment, has also enabled Pentaxia to eliminate concessions entirely.

A new shopfloor culture

While the technology was initially introduced as a leap of faith to support a specific contract, its impact has extended far beyond the original requirement, influencing a broader machining strategy and fostering a more confident, controlled shopfloor culture.

All of the complex jobs go on the fondly named MSP machine because that's the safest place for them, Lucian said. The most complex parts now have the fewest errors — a total paradox compared to traditional manufacturing.

A complex project no longer has the fear factor and is seen as a positive challenge. The process is reliable and repeatable, and confidence across the shopfloor has soared.

Lucian concluded: At the end of the day, it is the natural progression for CNC manufacturing. We used to machine parts by hand, then 5-axis CNC machines were created. This is the logical next step. People don't need to be setting up parts by hand anymore when MSP can do it automatically.

For more information, visit https://mspltd.com/.

Source: MSP press release, June 2026. Media contact: Hannah Brown, marketing@mspltd.com / 01665 608193.

Editors Notes: MSP specialise in world class precision software and part manufacturing solutions, revolutionising the way the advanced manufacturing industry make and measure parts around the world. The company is based in Alnwick, Northumberland and is an associate company of Renishaw PLC.