Precision Engineering Blog

How Precision CNC Machining Powers Formula 1 Engine Components

Friday, December 12th, 2025

Formula 1 race cars in Grand Prix competition.

Imagine a Formula 1 piston machined to tolerances of just 10-20 microns, thinner than a quarter of a human hair, which measures around 70 microns thick. These ultra-precise components endure 20,000 RPM, where pistons accelerate at over 10,000g, facing extreme heat, pressure, and vibration that demand flawless reliability. One tiny deviation can spell disaster: engine failure mid-race, lost power delivery, poor thermal efficiency, or a DNF that costs championships.​ Continue reading →

Specifying a Rush CNC Job

Saturday, November 15th, 2025

CNC Machining 5 axis with Thompson staff operating machineHow to get Complex Parts in Days, not Weeks

Need same day or quick turnaround CNC machining for complex parts? Learn what to send in your rush RFQ, design choices that save days, and how to balance speed, precision and FAIR/CMM documentation with Thompson Precision’s premium service.

If you are staring at a deadline with a critical part still on the screen, the difference between shipping on time and missing a gate often comes down to how well you specify the rush job. The right information helps a shop start immediately, choose the quickest manufacturing path and avoid rework. The wrong information adds hours of back‑and‑forth and can turn a two‑day turnaround into a week. Continue reading →

How Thompson Precision Solves Complex Problems Fast

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

Machining completed project

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. Continue reading →

Precision Engineering in the Medical Industry

Monday, July 14th, 2025

doctors looking at medical scanner

From minimally invasive surgical tools to the latest diagnostic scanners, modern healthcare depends on components that are machined to micron level tolerances. A single imperfection can compromise patient safety, disrupt regulatory approval, or delay time to market. That is why medical OEMs and life science researchers increasingly rely on precision engineering partners who combine advanced manufacturing technology with deep material and design expertise.

Thompson Precision – the sister company of JH May – has been at the forefront of high accuracy machining for decades, and today offers a fully integrated service for medical and pharmaceutical innovators.

Continue reading →

The Rise of Micro-Engineering: Why Small is the New Big in 2025

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

micro precision engineering prototype

In an age of rapid innovation and miniaturisation, precision engineering has taken a significant turn towards micro-engineering. From medical implants smaller than a grain of rice to intricate components for satellites and electric vehicles, the demand for micro-engineered parts has never been higher.

At Thompson Precision, we’ve seen this shift first-hand. And we’re not just watching the trend. We’re actively engineering the future, one micron at a time. Continue reading →

Precision Engineering to Meet Aerospace Challenges

Friday, November 22nd, 2024

Aerospace, Plane

We at Thompson Precision understand the critical role precision engineering plays in the aerospace industry. Every component must meet exacting standards to ensure safety, reliability, and performance. In this fast-paced sector, tight deadlines are non-negotiable, as delays can lead to increased costs and disruption. That’s why we specialise in delivering high-quality CNC-machined parts quickly and accurately. Continue reading →

Mechanical Design for Cutting-Edge Product Development

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

5-Axis CNC Milling Machine

Mechanical design plays a crucial role in product development, forming the backbone of innovative and functional products. It encompasses the planning and creation of machinery, components, and systems, ensuring they perform efficiently and reliably. The precision and expertise involved in mechanical design directly impact a product’s success in the market. This article aims to highlight the significance of mechanical design and showcase how Thompson Precision Services, with our comprehensive mechanical design solutions, drive product innovation across various industries. Continue reading →

5-Axis CNC Milling for Complex Marine Projects

Friday, May 17th, 2024

Marine Vessel

Manufacturing components for marine applications is a complex and demanding process. The harsh ocean environment requires materials that are highly resistant to corrosion and degradation, and the wrong material selection can have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, marine projects often require low-volume production of customised components with high precision and accuracy, making traditional manufacturing methods challenging. Continue reading →

Forward Thinking with Reverse Engineering

Friday, April 12th, 2024

CAD file work scan for reverse engineering

In the world of manufacturing, reverse engineering plays a crucial role in restoring legacy parts and enhancing existing designs. Simply defined, reverse engineering refers to the systematic analysis of a product to comprehend its internal workings and create a duplicate version without having access to its original blueprints or specifications. Companies often turn to reverse engineering when they need to replicate obsolete components, restore vintage vehicles, refurbish industrial machines, or even optimise current designs for better efficiency and durability. Continue reading →