Mechanical Engineer

Future of Defence: bringing the Digital Thread to life. Explore how the Future of Defence event showcased the Digital Thread, enhancing collaboration and efficiency in defence engineering and manufacturing. Published date: August 18, 2026 On July 2nd, Emixa joined forces with its partner Seco Tools to host Future of Defence: Digital Engineering & Manufacturing at their Innovation Hub in Alcester. The event brought together professionals from across the defence, engineering and manufacturing sectors to explore how connected technologies can help organisations respond to growing demands for speed, efficiency, traceability and innovation. Throughout the day, attendees heard from industry experts on some of the technologies shaping the next generation of defence manufacturing. Sessions covered advanced engineering design, product simulation, manufacturing automation and optimisation, AI and low-code applications, and data management. Bringing the Digital Thread to life A key focus of the event was the Digital Thread and, importantly, what it looks like in practice. Rather than exploring design, simulation and manufacturing as separate processes, the team demonstrated how data can flow between each stage of the product lifecycle. An end-to-end live demonstration took a component from initial design through simulation and optimisation before moving into machining and producing the finished part on site. It provided a practical example of how connected engineering and manufacturing environments can reduce manual handovers and rework, while giving teams greater confidence in the information moving from engineering through to production. Why connected data matters Recent aerospace and defence research highlights the business case behind this approach. 61% of organisations report improved data-driven decision-making through Digital Thread initiatives, while 42% identify end-to-end lifecycle traceability as the highest-ROI Digital Thread use case. For defence manufacturers managing complex products, stringent requirements and long product lifecycles, PLM provides the foundation for this connectivity, creating a controlled source of product information across engineering, manufacturing and beyond. Collaboration across the industry Beyond the technology, the event brought professionals from across the sector together to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges they are facing within their own organisations. For Emixa, events like Future of Defence are about more than showcasing individual technologies. They provide an opportunity to demonstrate how design, simulation, manufacturing, AI and data can work together as part of one connected digital environment and how that connection can translate into tangible improvements across the product lifecycle. A big thank you to Seco Tools, its speakers, partners and everyone who joined Emixa and contributed to the conversations throughout the day. Emixa look forward to continuing to work alongside organisations across the defence sector as they build more connected, efficient and resilient engineering and manufacturing operations. Share: From webinars, industry events to live streamed events. Something for everyone. More information. Would you like to learn more about Emixa & the industry events Emixa has coming up? Fill in the form and stay up to date. The latest blogs News. All articles

Bring your most ambitious project. Modig Machine Tool Ab'll help make it reality. MODIG, IBARMIA, LiCON, and Seco Tools Announce a Unique Opportunity for IMTS 2026. At IMTS 2026, MODIG, IBARMIA, and LiCON will join forces with Seco Tools to showcase a powerful, collaborative approach to modern manufacturing. This partnership brings together advanced machine technology and cutting-edge tooling expertise to deliver measurable productivity gains across a wide range of demanding applications. Visitors will experience live machining demonstrations daily in Booth #338336 in the South Building, Level 3. From high-speed aluminum machining to complex multiprocess and high-volume production, the collaboration demonstrates how a connected approach to manufacturing can unlock new levels of capability on the shop floor. A key feature of this year's exhibit is a dedicated space where visitors can bring their own machining challenges and engage directly with expert teams. This is a unique opportunity to turn application challenges into clear, actionable solutions. In this environment, the teams will evaluate production requirements, discuss tooling and process improvements, and provide time study estimates, along with recommendations for the most suitable machine platform. This hands-on collaboration enables manufacturers to achieve meaningful, results driven outcomes. Meeting sessions are available by advance booking, with a limited number of walk-in opportunities offered daily based on availability. Attendees are encouraged to schedule in advance to secure dedicated time with specialists and maximize the value of their visit. IMTS 2026 provides an ideal platform to explore innovations that are shaping the future of manufacturing. Through this partnership, MODIG, IBARMIA, LiCON, and Seco Tools demonstrate what is possible when expertise, technology, and collaboration come together. About the Collaboration MODIG, IBARMIA, and LiCON, in partnership with Seco Tools, represent a unified approach to advanced manufacturing. By integrating machine tool innovation with tooling excellence, they deliver solutions that help manufacturers achieve higher productivity, improved efficiency, and greater performance in even the most demanding applications. Its expansive expertise across the manufacturing process allows Modig Machine Tool Ab to support its customers in uncovering their biggest opportunities within their end-to-end process.

Seco ER HP collet chucks deliver enhanced process security, precision, and productivity in demanding machining applications! Monday 15 June 2026, 4:57:54 PM Seco Tools has expanded its tooling portfolio with the introduction of the ER HP collet chuck, a high-performance toolholding solution engineered to address some of the most common challenges faced in modern machining environments. Designed to provide exceptional clamping force, superior run-out accuracy, and enhanced process reliability, the ER HP collet chuck helps manufacturers improve machining performance while reducing downtime, tooling costs, and production inefficiencies. As manufacturers continue to pursue higher productivity, tighter tolerances, and greater operational efficiency, the importance of reliable toolholding systems has become increasingly critical. Even minor issues such as tool slippage, vibration, poor clamping stability, or excessive run-out can negatively impact part quality, increase tool wear, extend cycle times, and lead to costly scrap or machine downtime. Seco's ER HP collet chuck has been developed specifically to overcome these challenges while delivering consistent and repeatable machining performance. One of the key advantages of the ER HP collet chuck is its finely balanced and symmetrical design. Precision balancing plays a crucial role in maintaining stable machining conditions, particularly during high-speed operations where imbalance can generate vibration and compromise cutting performance. By minimizing vibration, the ER HP helps improve surface finish quality, maintain dimensional accuracy, and support more stable cutting processes across a wide range of applications. The robust construction of the collet chuck also contributes to improved rigidity during machining operations. Greater rigidity enables the toolholder to withstand demanding cutting forces while maintaining precise tool positioning. This is particularly important in heavy-duty machining applications where aggressive cutting parameters are required to maximize productivity and material removal rates. At the heart of the ER HP's performance is its high clamping force capability. The system is engineered to securely grip cutting tools, reducing the risk of tool movement or slippage during operation. Tool slippage remains a common concern in machining environments, particularly when working with difficult-to-machine materials or performing heavy roughing operations. By providing a secure and reliable hold on the cutting tool, the ER HP enhances process security and gives manufacturers greater confidence when pushing machining parameters to achieve higher productivity. Improved clamping reliability also contributes to extended tool life. When cutting tools remain securely positioned throughout the machining process, cutting forces are distributed more evenly, reducing stress on both the tool and the machine spindle. This can help minimize premature tool wear, reduce replacement costs, and improve overall machining economics. Another significant benefit of the ER HP collet chuck is its ability to support shorter cycle times. Enhanced stability and secure clamping allow manufacturers to optimize cutting conditions and increase machining efficiency without compromising quality. Faster machining operations, combined with reduced downtime and fewer interruptions caused by tool-related issues, can have a meaningful impact on overall production throughput. In addition to its performance advantages, Seco has focused on simplifying implementation and usability. Unlike some advanced toolholding systems that require specialized equipment, extensive training, or complex setup procedures, the ER HP collet chuck has been designed for straightforward operation. The system utilizes an intuitive roller key mechanism that allows operators to install and secure tools quickly, safely, and consistently. This user-friendly approach not only reduces setup time but also helps improve workplace safety by minimizing the risk of improper tool installation. Faster setup procedures can contribute to increased machine availability and improved shop-floor productivity, particularly in environments where frequent tool changes are required. According to Seco, the ER HP collet chuck was developed with a focus on helping manufacturers achieve higher levels of precision, reliability, and sustainability. By improving machining stability, extending tool life, and reducing material waste associated with poor-quality parts, the system supports more efficient and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. The toolholder is suitable for a broad range of machining operations and industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical manufacturing, mold and die production, general engineering, and precision component machining. Its combination of rigidity, balance, clamping strength, and ease of use makes it a versatile solution for both high-speed and heavy-duty machining applications. As manufacturers continue to seek ways to improve efficiency and maintain competitive advantages, advanced toolholding technologies such as Seco's ER HP collet chuck are becoming increasingly important. By delivering superior process security, enhanced machining performance, and simplified implementation, the ER HP provides manufacturers with the confidence to push their operations further while maintaining the precision and reliability required in today's demanding production environments.