Latest News | Floyd Automatic Tooling

Neil Wood joins Floyd

Floyd Automatic Tooling are pleased to announce that Neil Wood has joined the company as Business Unit Director

Neil joins Floyd having spent his entire career in the precision cutting tool industry and has in excess of thirty years’ experience in Sales, Application, Product Development and Management within the cutting tool industry.
Neil has a strong background in sliding head tooling and systems having worked for leading companies in the industry and has developed a strong working relationship with customers and OEM suppliers throughout the UK.

Neil commented that Floyd are the undisputed market leader in sliding head tooling and workholding with key partnerships with many of the worlds leading brands and is delighted to be part of the company and looks forward to driving the business forward and further developing it’s enviable reputation in the world of precision turned parts.

...Continue

Floyd achieves Cyber Essentials Certification

We're pleased to announce that we have achieved Cyber Essentials certification, a UK Government-backed scheme that demonstrates our commitment to protecting our systems, data, and customers from common cyber threats.

This certification confirms that we have implemented key security controls and follow recognised cybersecurity best practices to help safeguard the information entrusted to us. Achieving Cyber Essentials reflects our ongoing investment in maintaining a secure, reliable, and resilient environment for our clients, partners, and employees.

...Continue

Consistency in Sliding Head Machining

Consistency in Sliding Head Machining: Where the Detail Really Matters.

Sliding head machining is often associated with precision.

Small components, tight tolerances, high production volumes and demanding cycle requirements all combine to create an environment where consistency is essential. In this type of machining, even minor variations can have a noticeable impact on output.

Because of this, the challenge is rarely about whether a process works once. It is about whether it works repeatedly, predictably and reliably over time.

In practice, achieving that level of consistency is rarely dependent on a single factor. Instead, it is usually the result of multiple smaller influences working together.

Tooling selection plays a role. Machine setup is critical. Material behaviour introduces its own variables...

And the way these elements interact during production often determines the stability of the process.
What makes this particularly important in sliding head applications is the reduced margin for variation. There is less tolerance for drift, less room for inconsistency and a greater reliance on everything working together as a system.

As a result, performance is often defined not by the obvious decisions, but by the smaller details that sit underneath them.

For example, a process may appear to be running correctly, but subtle changes in tool wear patterns, fixture stability, or material response can gradually affect output.

This is where a more detailed, application-led approach becomes valuable.

Rather than viewing tooling or setup decisions in isolation, it becomes more effective to examine how the entire process behaves under real production conditions. That includes how the setup responds over time, how tooling performs across cycles and how material characteristics influence outcomes.

Often, once these elements are considered together, opportunities for improvement become clearer. In some cases, small adjustments can lead to noticeable gains in consistency and reliability.

At Floyd, a significant part of our focus is on working through these details with manufacturers.

Because in sliding head machining, success is not defined by whether a process runs.

It is defined by how consistently it runs over time, under real conditions, with real variation.

And that consistency almost always comes down to the detail.

...Continue

Floyd at MACH 2026

Floyd at MACH 26

Full Range on Display at MACH 2026

MACH 2026 will once again provide the perfect platform for Floyd Automatic Tooling to demonstrate why it is regarded as an authority in cutting tools and machining solutions for the sliding head turning and small-part machining sectors.

Exhibiting on Stand 440 in Hall 20 alongside parent company Helix Tool Ltd, the Baldock-based specialist will showcase an extensive portfolio of innovations. This year’s exhibition is particularly significant, as it marks the MACH debut for Helix Tool, bringing a complementary range of products, vending solutions, and ancillary equipment to strengthen the overall offering.

Strong Partnerships, Comprehensive Solutions

A cornerstone of Floyd’s presence at MACH is its longstanding partnerships with leading machine tool and tooling manufacturers. These collaborations ensure that visitors can explore a wide spectrum of cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique demands of sliding head turning and precision small-part machining.

Floyd’s tooling portfolio is built on partnerships with globally recognised names such as MASA Microconics, Mikron Tool, Madaula, Schaublin, Ifanger, Schwanog, Applitec and Alesa—ensuring visitors have access to best-in-class solutions for this highly specialised sector.

Advanced Tooling Highlights

Among the standout products on display will be the CrazyMill Cool Micro series from Mikron Tool. Designed for micromachining applications, these micro end mills deliver exceptional performance across a range of operations, including side milling, slotting, drilling and helical interpolation.

Floyd will also present driven tooling solutions from Madaula, including a high-performance mechanical spindle speeder. Operating at a 1:4 ratio, this unit enables increased torque and spindle speeds of up to 24,000 rpm—ideal for demanding, high-precision applications.

Precision Workholding and Micro-Machining

For manufacturers operating at micron-level tolerances, workholding is critical. At MACH 2026, Floyd will highlight the latest developments from MASA Microconics, including its Microconic system. Designed for small workpieces, the system delivers exceptional concentricity, achieving runout of no more than 5µm in production environments.

Combined with over-grip collet capabilities, it opens up new opportunities for efficiency and process optimisation.
Also on show will be examples of premium collets from Schlenker Spannwerkzeuge.

Complementing this will be the Ifanger MicroTurn internal boring system, engineered to efficiently evacuate swarf and prevent re-cutting. This innovation helps eliminate common machining issues such as poor surface finishes and production downtime, while also enabling reliable unmanned machining.

Thread Rolling and Surface Finishing Solutions

Floyd will also be showcasing several new additions to its portfolio, expanding its capabilities in thread forming and surface finishing applications.

These include items from the Wagner Helix range of new thread rolling heads, alongside roller burnishing tools from Baublies.

In addition, Floyd will present a tangential rolling head, typically used for thread rolling both ends of a component before parting off. This approach enables manufacturers to complete an entire operation within a single cycle, improving efficiency and reducing handling time.

High-Performance Turning and Form Tooling

Visitors will also be able to explore the latest developments from Applitec, including its renowned TOP-Line twin screw insert system. Designed for compact turning centres, this quick-change solution continues to set benchmarks for performance, flexibility and ease of use.

In the area of form tooling, Floyd will present advanced solutions from Schwanog. These tools are designed to simplify the machining of complex geometries across a wide range of materials.

Extending far beyond traditional cut-off applications, Schwanog’s portfolio supports external and internal turning, grooving and more—offering efficient alternatives to conventional single-point machining strategies.

Visit Floyd at MACH 2026

With an unmatched combination of premium tooling brands and technical expertise, Floyd Automatic Tooling’s presence at MACH 2026 will provide valuable insight into the latest innovations in precision machining.

To discover the full range of solutions from Floyd Automatic Tooling and Helix Tool Ltd, visit Stand 440 in Hall 20 at MACH 2026.

...Continue

Floyd & Helix at MACH 2026

Floyd Automatic Returns to MACH 2026 with Helix
For many years, Floyd Automatic has been a regular presence at the UK’s premier manufacturing technologies event, MACH, demonstrating its expertise in cutting tools and solutions for sliding head turning and small-part manufacturing. This year, Floyd will be joining Helix Tools, on a joint stand at MACH 2026, running from 20th to 24th April at the Birmingham NEC.
Visitors to the stand can benefit from Floyd’s extensive experience and technical knowledge, with the team on hand to provide guidance and advice on selecting the right tools and solutions to enhance machining performance. The joint stand with Helix allows both companies to present complementary solutions, providing a single destination for visitors seeking comprehensive support for their machining operations.
Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Floyd Automatic and Helix, said:
“MACH has always been an important event for Floyd and it’s fantastic to bring the two businesses together on a joint stand this year. For me, it’s an opportunity to meet customers from both companies, share our combined expertise and offer practical advice that helps manufacturers get the most out of their operations.”
Floyd Automatic will highlight its long-standing partnerships with specialist tool suppliers including Applitec, MASA Tools, Mikron Tool, Madaula, Schlenker, Schaublin, Schwanog and more.
Whether you are a long-standing customer or exploring Floyd’s capabilities for the first time, the joint stand with Helix provides a trusted source of expertise and advice for improving machining performance.
Stay tuned for post-show coverage to see highlights from Floyd Automatic and Helix at MACH 2026.

Give us a call 01462 491919

...Continue

Goodbye Russell !

Today we say goodbye to Russell, who has been part of our team for 20 years.

Your dedication, expertise, and deep knowledge have shaped not just projects, but people. Across numerous MACH shows and too many quotes and enquiries to mention you've flown the flag for Floyd with an affable manner, genuine charm and technical knowledge of our product line.

Thank you for everything you’ve contributed over the last 20 years. Wishing you every success in your next chapter, they’re lucky to have you.

Stop in for a coffee if you're ever in the area - our door is always open.

We'll miss you.

...Continue

Mikron - Reduced Axial Force

Workpiece deformation: a key challenge in drilling thin-walled components

Drilling thin-walled parts, especially in difficult-to-machine materials like titanium and stainless steels, comes with unique challenges. Axial force and deformation can significantly compromise hole quality and stability.

Traditional drill designs often generate high axial forces, leading to deformation and even deflection on unstable workpieces.

Mikron Tool CrazyDrills are engineered with special geometries that drastically reduce axial forces, ensuring stability and reliability when drilling challenging materials.

Want to learn more about how we tackle these challenges?

Call us on 01462 491919 or email us on sales@floydautomatic.co.uk

To talk to one of our specalists directly, gives us a call
01462 491919

...Continue

Vicky and Jo celebrate 20 years !

20 years for Vicky & Jo !

Two of the fantastic team at Floyd Automatic Vicky & Jo celebrate 20 years at Floyd.
Huge congratulations to you both. Many thanks for all your years of amazing service.

...Continue

Star Open House

Floyd are exhibiting at the Star GB open house event from 7–9 October 2025. Join us at their Technology Centre in Derby, where you'll experience the latest developments from Star GB alongside our range of tooling from our diverse range of suppliers. Register your place online: www.stargb.com/open

What's on show?

Witness the UK premiere of the new SP-32 sliding head lathe
Watch live demonstrations of seven Star models up to ⌀51mm
See Step Cycle Pro chip-breaking technology in action
Explore the latest software advancements
Enjoy complimentary lunch: BBQ (Tue), pizza (Wed), hog roast (Thu)
Network with fellow engineers and industry professionals
Learn about machinery finance options

Register now to secure your place: www.stargb.com/open

Event information

Star Micronics GB Ltd, Riverlands Business Park, Derby DE21 7BZ
Tuesday 7th – Thursday 9th October 2025 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Free on-site parking available

To talk to one of our specalists directly, gives us a call
01462 491919

...Continue

Citizen Open House

Floyd are exhibiting at the Citizen open house event 7-9 October 2025.
Consultations, technical partners and exclusive show offers are all available at the CitizenCNC Open House!

From 7th-9th October the Citizen experts and technical partners will be on hand to assist you in your manufacturing challenges. But that’s not all…don’t miss our exclusive show-only offers with limited time deals on select turning centres.

Register for Free : Citizen Open House

Give us a call on 01462 491919

...Continue

New Applitec Catalogue has LANDED !

The New Applitec Catalogue HAS ARRIVED !!
You can either download the FULL 1000 page Behemoth if you need a paper weight, or instead download the relevant section for the particular line you're looking for.

The Top Range TOP-Line, the popular PRO-Line, the Interesting ISO-Line, the super speedy SWITCH-Line or the ECO-Line for less demanding applications.

Visit the Applitec section of our website and have a look.

For all orders and questions, give us a ring on 01462 491919