R&D CNC Machining
Thompson Precision is the perfect partner for Research and Development departments who require difficult to produce CNC machined parts and demand the highest levels of service. If you have struggled to gets components and sub-assemblies produced on time and to the required quality, we would love the opportunity to demonstrate our service. We specialise in low volume and high precision machining and our fast turnaround service is well suited for machined prototypes from all industries.
We understand the pressure on R&D departments to provide low-volume prototype components quickly and to the highest quality. We pride ourselves at being able to provide complex, low volume parts on budget and on time. With over 20 CNC Machines, providing both 3 and 5 Axis machining capabilities, we strive to always keep a machine ready for your urgent project – perfect for those tight deadlines.
Also, and most importantly, we fully understand the research and development function within an organisation and always endeavour to support R&D departments with our experience gained over 80 years in the industry. Whilst science and engineering drive the research and development process, creativity and invention are not always a scientific process and have to be nurtured and encouraged to achieve the best results. We are well placed to offer support at all stages and to recognise and highlight the important factors that are relevant to the project.
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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Complex CNC machining for research and development engineers

Regularly CNC milling aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, engineering plastics and more, we keep stocks of most materials so we can get started on your urgent project with no delay.
Working with clients, we are often asked to provide different varieties of the same part with small differences, allowing teams to compare and contrast how the different parts perform.
We offer a one-stop machining service, allowing designers and R&D engineers to streamline their procurement – we can source material, machine the complex component and perform any additional processes you require including precision masking, conversion coatings, Hard and Sulphuric Anodising, Electroless Nickel plating, Gold Plating and more.
For more information on our work with Research and Development departments, take a look at our case studies, including the Prototype Land Rover Gearbox.
We are ready to help solve your engineering problem. Contact us today to find out if we can help your R&D project by calling 01277 365500 or email [email protected].
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
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