Element launches 24/7 automated machining centre in Lancaster to cut customer lead times
London, 13 October 2026: Element Materials Technology (“Element”), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services for highly regulated industries, has launched a 24/7 automated machining centre at its Lancaster, UK, laboratory. The investment increases specimen-preparation capacity, helping customers begin testing sooner and keep critical development programmes on schedule.
Developed with Mazak, a leading manufacturer of machine tools and automation systems, the bespoke centre combines CNC machining, robotics and digital traceability in a continuous production environment. Customers gain clearer project visibility and a more efficient route from sample receipt to reporting.
The automated cell comprises a Mazak CV500 5-axis milling machine, a Mazak Integrex 200HST and a RoboJob automation system, with automated marking from Pryor. Together, the technologies enable ‘lights-out’ manufacturing, increasing machining capacity and shortening preparation times.
Craig McKenzie, General Manager of Element’s Lancaster, Sheffield, and Teesside laboratories, commented: “At the heart of this investment is a simple goal: to help customers get answers faster. By combining multi-axis precision machining with robotics, we can operate continuously with minimal setup, reducing queues, accelerating specimen preparation and moving projects into testing sooner.”
The centre can accommodate requirements ranging from low-volume specialist work to large production programmes.
“The automated cell handles varied specimen geometries, materials and testing requirements, helping ensure each sample meets the project specification,” said Khadar Basha Abdul, Technology Programme Manager at Lancaster.
“The overnight ‘green-button’ process improves throughput and consistency, enabling us to machine specimens and begin testing within hours rather than days, with expert checks throughout,” added Abdul.
When required, Element’s Lancaster team can distribute prepared specimens across Element’s global laboratory network, giving customers access to specialist testing expertise and added flexibility for complex programmes.
Backed by ISO/IEC 17025 and Nadcap accreditations, as well as approvals from major OEMs including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, MTU, Safran and BAE Systems, Element’s Lancaster laboratory continues to support some of the most demanding programmes across the aerospace, energy, transportation and industrial sectors.
“This investment is about more than new equipment,” concluded McKenzie. “It strengthens the link between preparation and testing, giving customers a dependable, scalable service without compromising the quality and reliability they expect from Element.”
#ENDS#
About Element Materials Technology
Element is one of the world’s leading providers of laboratory‑based testing services, supporting more than 50,000 customers operating in some of the world’s most technical and highly regulated industries, where failure in use of products, materials, and technologies is not an option. Headquartered in London, UK, Element’s 7,700+ engineers, technologists and scientists work across a global network of more than 240 laboratories. The company supports customers from early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals, and into production, ensuring products are safe, sustainable, and achieve market access.
For more information about Element, please visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Media Contact:
Kate Aldridge, VP Communications
E: kate.aldridge@element.com
M: +44 7767 705364