Contract manufacturer ActionPlas Group has installed a new coordinate measuring machine (CMM) from LK Metrology as part of a £1 million investment programme aimed at supporting higher‑value precision manufacturing work, including components for a Formula 1 team.
The Pudsey-based company specialises in machining and fabricating plastic and metal components for industries including automotive, food and drink, pharmaceuticals and power generation. The new inspection capability is now being used to support pre-delivery verification of complex machined and additively manufactured components.
According to the company, increasing demand for complex geometry and tighter tolerances – particularly in low‑volume, high‑performance applications – led to the decision to upgrade its inspection equipment. Components associated with the energy recovery systems used in Formula 1 race cars require extremely precise measurement and validation before delivery.
Jonathan Wray, technical director at ActionPlas, said the company’s previous measuring system struggled to handle the complexity of some new parts. He noted that components used in Formula 1 race cars must fit correctly first time because failures during competition cannot be tolerated.
The LK Metrology Altera M 20.12.10 CMM provides a measuring volume of approximately 2.0 x 1.2 x 1 metre, enabling the inspection of larger assemblies as well as smaller high‑precision parts. The system is equipped with a Renishaw SP25M scanning probe kit capable of both high‑speed scanning and traditional touch probing.
The installation also includes LK CAMIO 2025 R2 inspection software, which supports GD&T measurement and automated inspection routines based on CAD models. Training and consultancy services were provided as part of the installation to support integration into the company’s quality control processes.
The CMM is now used daily across ActionPlas’ R&D, quality control and production teams. The company says the improved inspection capability allows it to verify demanding tolerances and take on more complex contract manufacturing work while providing customers with increased confidence in part conformity.
