From spitfires to CMM technology: Rodwell Powell's journey in innovation

Rodwell Powell’s dedication to precision engineering is deeply rooted in its history. During World War II, company founder John Rodwell was conscripted into the British Army. However, within just two weeks, military authorities recognized his exceptional engineering talent and recalled him to lead hundreds of skilled workers in the war effort including manufacturing critical Supermarine Spitfire tooling and components.

Now, more than 80 years later, Rodwell Powell has come full circle, once again manufacturing Spitfire axles for specialist restoration projects, ensuring these legendary aircraft continue to fly. This milestone blends the company’s rich heritage with cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing while continuing its tradition of engineering excellence.

A leap in precision inspection

Recognizing the growing complexity and scale of aerospace and industrial components, Rodwell Powell undertook a comprehensive transformation of its inspection department. The company’s £250,000 (~$331K) investment includes

• Installation of two CMMs
• Newly designed, naturally lit office space, improving inspector focus
• Upgraded LED lighting and ceiling enhancements for optimal visibility of ultra-precise measurements
• A load bearing, color-coordinated latex floor
• New ergonomic workstations and inspection desks
• Recruitment of a highly experienced senior quality inspector, immediately enrolled in LK Metrology’s advanced CMM training program
• Comprehensive CMM training, with Rodwell Powell’s entire inspection team completing a week-long course at LK Metrology to maximize the potential of the new technology

Advanced CMM technology

Rodwell Powell’s latest investment in metrology and quality control features two advanced LK Altera CMMs:

• LK Altera C 10.7.5 – NMC300 – PH10M Plus with SP25-2 featuring a 6-port stylus change rack for enhanced adaptability
• LK Altera C 7.7.5 – NMC300 – PH10M Plus with SP25-2 with a Renishaw TM25-20 module, allowing continued use of legacy CMM Manager software while running alongside the latest Camio 2024 R2 system

The future-proof CMMs enable multi-sensor measurement, integrating with CAD models to provide faster, more accurate, and highly automated inspections.

“Our investment in LK Metrology’s CMM technology is a game-changer,” says Andrew Rodwell, managing director of Rodwell Powell. “This reinforces our capabilities in aerospace and defense engineering and ensures we continue to meet and exceed the highest industry standards.”

Quality control

The addition of LK Metrology’s advanced CMMs allows for increased accuracy, greater throughput, and reduced lead times.

“With larger and more complex components now being manufactured, our enhanced inspection capabilities will be critical in maintaining absolute precision,” adds Brandon Sanders, CMM quality inspector.

Rodwell Powell carefully assessed various alternatives before selecting LK Metrology, citing:

• UK-based manufacturing and technical support
• Advanced scanning technology and seamless software integration
• LK’s ability to provide customized operator training, ensuring maximum efficiency

As part of this collaboration, LK Metrology will provide:

• Operator training at its UK facility
• On-site support six months post-installation
• A trial license for Camio OFFLINE, allowing Rodwell Powell to optimize pre-production inspection capabilities

Engineering the future

From manufacturing Spitfire parts in WWII to producing next-generation jet engine components for the aerospace and defense industries, Rodwell Powell continues to bridge the past and future of engineering excellence. This investment in metrology and inspection facilities cements the company’s position as a leader in British precision engineering, driving innovation in aerospace, defense, and heavy industry.

LK Metrology LTD
https://www.lkmetrology.com

Rodwell Powell
https://www.rodwell-powell.com