Precision Engineering Company

Thompson precision engineering as a company has been involved in component and assembly manufacturing since its incorporation in 1939 as a scientific instrument maker. Based in Essex, we provide businesses across the UK with a variety of precision engineering services. From straight forward machining, through to more complicated projects, we are well versed in working with all kinds of projects.
We are the precision engineering company to come to if you want our experience and expertise combined, this ensures you we offer the very best and most experienced precision engineering service every time. Our clients range from global brands to smaller operations and we are happy to hear from you wherever you are based in the world.
Whatever your requirements we will do our best to help, as a professional company our team are all highly trained in the latest technology and techniques available. We love working on all kinds of projects from the very simple and straightforward to the very complicated.
Why Choose Thompson Precision
Latest CNC Technology
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Fast & Accurate
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High Precision Experts for 85 years
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Large Scale CNC Milling
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Experienced Precision Engineering Company

Our early work included pioneering work on the very first versions of automotive paint spraying robots, along with revolutionary hydraulic motors and our own range of patented metal super finishing devices, which are still in manufacture and used around the world today. This is why we are the trusted precision engineering company of choice for many businesses across the UK, not just Essex.
A full size range of CNC milling and CNC turning centres are supported by fully trained machinists using Delcam Power mill and Power shape. They are in turn backed up by two full time design engineers, based at our factory in Essex, using Solidworks.
Testimonials

Accuracy and Finish
- Machine shop special effects

Met our Deadlines
- F1 Team

Highly Recommend
- Cambridge Consultants
Demanding prototype components produced in days without fuss. Thanks for your help.

Great quality work
- Tasha Trigger
These guys helped me out on a time sensitive project. Very professional and responsive via email.

Highly Recommend
- Mekhalfia Group
Very helpful company, I highly recommend them. They helped our sister company Fiil e-motion with the best solution.

Speed Service
- Murali V
High speed service as stated.

Mace Group
- Mace Group
What impressed most was not only the quality and attention to detail, but also the professionalism, flexibility, and commitment shown by the team throughout the process.

Figure AI
- Figure AI
The parts you sent arrived in record time and they looked great.

Thorlabs
- Thorlabs
Many thanks to you and the team at Thompson for your support and assistance this year. We do appreciate the excellent job you have done. Would not hesitate to work with you again.

3P Innovation
- 3P Innovation
We carried out a trial order review on the parts you delivered and you have scored perfectly on the form! Really impressed with your work on this project for us, so thank you very much!

Bowyer Engineering
- Bowyer Engineering
Just a quick note to thank you for the big plate you manufactured for me. It all fitted perfectly, and it would have been a disaster for me if it hadn’t been correct or delivered late.
Get in Touch
We will always deliver quality
Large and small clients alike really value our ability to deliver design assistance and production engineering advice at the point of manufacture whilst also being able to carry out entire design projects if required.
All of the management and production staff across the company are dedicated professional precision engineers and all of us love to push the boundaries of what is technically possible. We have built up a reputation for taking on the most difficult projects and we have an impressive track record.
We can help you on all levels of precision engineering and we welcome you to bring us your project. We inspire to solve the project that looks impossible, with our company keeping abreast of the newest technologies and processes so that we are in the best position to tackle these projects from every angle. We won’t claim to do the impossible but we are always prepared to have a go.
Precision Engineering Company FAQs
Precision engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, manufacture, and operation of systems where extremely tight tolerances are required. This can include everything from micro-mechanical devices to aerospace components.
In many cases, precision engineering is necessary in order to create products that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. However, it can also be used to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes or to create customised solutions for specific applications. Whatever the goal, precision engineering is a vital tool for anyone who needs to create precise, high-quality products.
Precision engineering is a highly skilled profession that requires both formal training, technical expertise and years of experience. The first step towards becoming a precision engineer is to obtain a relevant qualification, such as a degree in engineering or a related field. One way to get on the path to becoming a precision engineer is to complete an accredited engineering apprenticeship. Alternatively, candidates can achieve the required qualifications by completing a Level 3 BTEC in engineering or a similar qualification.
Once qualified, precision engineers must be able to work with a variety of tools and equipment. They must also be able to follow complex engineering drawings and instructions. In addition, precision engineers must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Simply having the right qualifications is not enough to guarantee success in this competitive field.
Precision engineers also need to have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to work effectively under pressure. In addition, they must be able to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Those who combine these qualities with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn will be well-positioned to build a successful career in precision engineering.
Precision engineering offers a number of benefits over traditional manufacturing methods:
- It allows for greater accuracy and repeatability. This means that products made using precision engineering are more likely to meet customer expectations and perform as intended.
- It can often be used to create products with more complex shapes or features than traditional methods would allow.
- Because precision engineering usually involves less material waste and fewer steps in the manufacturing process, it can often lead to reduced production costs.
As a result, precision engineering is becoming an increasingly popular choice for manufacturers across a wide range of industries.
Precision engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the manufacture of high-accuracy components and assemblies. The tolerances of these components are usually tight, in the range of microns or even nanometers. This requires the use of specialised machinery and tools that can work to very precise specifications.
Some common examples of precision engineering machinery include computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathes, milling machines and grinding machines. These machines are operated by skilled technicians who understand how to produce components with the required level of accuracy. In addition to manufacturing equipment, precision engineers also use a variety of measuring devices to check components for accuracy. This includes microscopes, callipers and coordinate measuring machines.
By using the right tools and techniques, precision engineers can produce parts that meet the most demanding standards.
Precision engineering can be used on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. In general, any material that can be machined to the required tolerance can be used for precision engineering. However, some materials are better suited to this process than others.
For example, metals such as aluminium, titanium, copper and stainless steel are often used in precision engineering because they can be machined to very tight tolerances without sacrificing strength or durability.
In contrast, plastics are not typically used for precision engineering because they are more difficult to work with and have lower tolerance levels.
Ultimately, the best material for precision engineering depends on the specific application and requirements.
Precision engineering is used in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medicine. Products that are created using precision engineering must meet very strict tolerances, often less than a millimetre. In many cases, it is the only way to create certain products or components.
For example, without precision engineering it would be impossible to create the tiny parts needed for electronic devices such as smartphones. Similarly, medical implants and prosthetics must be created with extreme precision in order to function properly. Some other examples of items that can be created using precision engineering include medical implants, eyeglass lenses, and semiconductor chips.
In many cases, manufacturing using this method is essential in order to ensure that products meet certain safety or performance standards and precision engineering is essential for creating many of the products that we rely on every day. Take a look at our precision engineers gallery where you can see a range of projects that required precision engineering.
Yes we do! You can take a look at our precision engineering case studies here to see some of the challenging precision engineering jobs we have taken on, including a hydraulic valve and a heavy duty electronics enclosure.
Precision Engineering Gallery
4 Axis CNC Milling
Electronic Enclosure CNC Milling
Heavy Stock removal CNC Milling
Plastic CNC Milling
Precision Machined Extrusion
Stainless Steel Milling
Case Studies
CNC Machining of Large Hydraulic Manifold
The client required a large hydraulic manifold to be machined from a block of aluminium 1100 x 600 x 400mm. With the manifold needing to be machined to a high tolerance required by the client.
Electronics Enclosure
This case study was from a client who was very specific about the requirements for this electronics enclosure for the exact positional tolerances. It was a challenging job & one we completed to perfection.
High Precision Aerospace Fixture
The case study for this job was for an aerospace part that was no longer available to purchase. We had limited information to go on, but once again we finished this job to a very high standard.
Mechanical Prototyping of a Fishing Reel
The client for this case study had a new fishing reel concept that they wanted us to manufacturer so they could test it out before taking the design further.
Our Clients