When production stops, prototypes slip, or test windows shrink, speed matters as much as accuracy. Thompson Precision is a precision engineering partner in Essex built for exactly those moments: solving complex problems quickly and delivering parts without compromising quality. Our typical turnaround is around five days, and we offer expedited options in as little as 12 hours depending on complexity and material availability.
Fast and Accurate Engineering
We remove delays at every stage of the process. Each job is owned by one multi‑skilled engineer from initial data review and programming through setup, production and inspection. That single point of accountability cuts hand‑offs, prevents rework and keeps delivery dates on track—especially on “impossible” jobs where details matter.
Speed never replaces discipline here; it’s supported by it. A temperature‑controlled inspection department with a large‑format Hexagon CMM running PC‑DMIS enables automated inspection, FAIRs and clear reporting on large and small components. Our ISO 9001 quality system, held since 1990, underpins the whole workflow, so even under pressure the right checks happen at the right time.
Capacity that eliminates bottlenecks
Urgent work needs both the right people and the right machines. Thompson Precision can quick‑turn 3‑, 4‑ and 5‑axis CNC milled parts up to 2,000 × 1,000 × 600 mm, plus multi‑axis turning for prismatic and rotational features in the same build. We plan tooling and work holding to minimise setups, protect critical faces and maintain stability on thin‑wall and deep‑feature parts. When timing is genuinely critical, we structure shifts and operations to meet the date, including same‑day options where feasible.
Material on the shelf, work started today
4 Axis Large Horizontal Machining from Solid – High Performance Electronics Enclosure
Waiting for stock is one of the fastest ways to lose a week. We hold extensive stocks of commonly specified metals and plastics, plus high‑density model boards and foams so programming and machining can begin immediately. For exotic materials, we move quickly with trusted suppliers and keep you updated on realistic lead times.
Design input that prevents expensive delays
Many urgent projects stall because late design changes collide with manufacturing reality. Our in‑house SolidWorks team offers rapid DfM feedback: small tweaks to wall thickness, radii, thread depths or datum schemes that protect tolerances and turnaround. If you have a concept, a sketch or an early CAD model, we can help turn it into a manufacturable part and get it on a machine fast.
Reverse engineering that unblocks legacy supply
If a critical part has no drawing or the original supplier is unavailable, we can laser scan and reverse engineer the component, produce a robust manufacturing model and drawing, then machine and validate the replacement. That keeps equipment running and programmes on schedule.
Case in point: large hydraulic manifold under pressure
A customer needed a large aluminium hydraulic manifold – approximately 1100 × 600 × 400 mm – with oil galleries up to 500 mm deep. Our team imported the 3D model, planned safe strategies for deep drilling and thread milling, and simulated toolpaths to protect surface finish and positional accuracy.
The part ran on a large CNC machining centre with in‑process verification. Each operation was checked on the CMM, and a concise inspection report accompanied delivery. The result was a complex, high‑pressure component delivered to tolerance – fast enough to keep the wider programme on track. Find out more here.
Where Speed Plus Precision Pays Off
We work across industries where accuracy and lead time matter: medical and pharmaceutical R&D, aerospace and defence development, scientific equipment, motorsport, automation and robotics, and electronics. Whether you need one proof‑of‑concept part, a small batch for testing, or time‑critical spares, the same rapid, disciplined approach applies.
What makes our quick‑turn possible
- 5‑axis, 4‑axis and 3‑axis CNC capacity up to 2,000 × 1,000 × 600 mm, plus multi‑axis turning
- Temperature‑controlled metrology with Hexagon CMM (PC‑DMIS) and FAIR capability up to large envelopes
- ISO 9001 quality system maintained since 1990
- Extensive in‑house raw material stocks
- Rapid design support in SolidWorks and a single team from concept to machined part
- Reverse engineering via laser scanning when drawings are missing
- Typical five‑day lead times with expedited options available
Our quick‑turn workflow
- Rapid response: send CAD and drawings; we confirm feasibility and lead time straight away.
- Early DfM feedback: fast checks to avoid features that risk schedule or quality.
- Programming and tooling: offline CAM, optimised strategies for deep features and thin walls.
- Material pulled the same day from in‑house stock (or fast‑tracked if specialist).
- Machining: 5‑axis where it reduces setups and risk; turning where it adds efficiency.
- Inspection and FAIR: CMM validation and clear reports where required.
- Dispatch or integration: components shipped or fitted into assemblies on request.
If you have a drawing, a CAD model, a legacy part or simply a problem to solve, Thompson Precision will help you get from idea to part – fast, accurate and documented. Contact Us today.
