Precision Traditional Machining Specialists
Bespoke Component Manufacturing & On-Site Machining
When replacement parts carry long lead times or are completely obsolete, waiting is not an option. At Hickman Engineering, we provide comprehensive traditional and CNC machining services to precision-shape metals and other materials. From fine limit machining to batch producing quality finished items, we manufacture exactly what you need to minimise your downtime and eliminate costly supply chain delays.
What is Traditional Machining?
Traditional machining involves processes such as precision turning, milling, drilling, and grinding to shape raw materials into highly accurate engineering components. By cutting away unwanted material, we can create complex shapes, custom threads, and exact-tolerance fittings from a wide spectrum of materials, including steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, bronze, and specialised plastics. This process is essential for replacing broken parts, reverse-engineering obsolete components, and manufacturing bespoke hardware for heavy industrial applications.
Comprehensive Machining Capabilities
Operating from our versatile, fully equipped workshop and deploying mobile units across the UK, our highly skilled engineers offer a complete range of machining solutions:
CNC Turning & Milling
We utilise advanced CNC turning and full milling capabilities, including three and four-jaw work, to create precision shafts, flanges, gears, and bespoke machine parts to exact OEM specifications.
Advanced Threading & Knurling
We perform standard metric and imperial threading, covering internal, external, left-hand, and right-hand threads as well as multi-start taper threads, straight knurling, and helicoil thread repairs for damaged fittings.
In-House CAD Integration
Working seamlessly with our Computer Aided Design (CAD) division, we can reverse-engineer worn or broken components without original drawings, creating a perfect digital model before any metal is cut in the machine shop.
Sectors & Case Studies
Our machining team supports new builds, emergency repairs, and planned maintenance across multiple industries:
We manufacture critical maritime components, such as our rapid machining of a replacement trapezoidal cross slide leadscrew and phosphor bronze nut for the Viking Centre Lathe.
We provide reactive machining for heavy cargo equipment, demonstrating our capabilities by turning a custom 140mm EN24 pin and boring bearing shields within 12 hours for the Gottwald Crane.
We eliminate long lead times for commercial fleets, successfully manufacturing bespoke wheel nuts and studs with custom thread cutting and straight knurling for our Hyster Fork Lift Replacement project.
The 24/7 Flat Rate Promise
We understand that a broken component halts your entire operation. That is why we operate a continuous response service with a transparent pricing structure. We charge a flat rate regardless of the time or day, meaning a Tuesday afternoon costs the exact same as a Bank Holiday. We also offer free local collection of your equipment for workshop repair, and same-day dispatch of parts. Contact Hickman Engineering today to get your machinery moving again.
