Precision at the Edge: Fintek invests in Alicona EdgeMaster

In the realm of high-precision manufacturing, where margins for error are virtually non-existent, fine details make all the difference. For Fintek, a surface finishing specialist based in Lancashire, the quality of cutting tool edges is one such detail that plays a vital role in tool performance and product finish.

Serving a wide range of sectors that include aerospace, motorsport, automotive, medical devices and precision engineering, Fintek has built a reputation for delivering world-class subcontract surface finishing services. Now, the company is strengthening that position by integrating the Bruker Alicona EdgeMaster into its measurement and inspection capabilities. Supplied by Optimax Imaging and Inspection, this advanced system allows Fintek to carry out highly accurate and repeatable assessments of edge rounding and burr classification, two critical aspects of tool preparation.

Edge preparation is far more than a finishing touch. It directly affects tool wear, chip formation and the surface quality of machined components. As Fintek explains, accurately preparing and verifying these micro features is essential to ensuring that cutting tools deliver consistent and reliable performance. Without precise measurement, even the best surface finishing processes risk falling short of their potential.

The Alicona EdgeMaster provides a solution to this challenge by offering detailed insights into the micro geometry of cutting tools. While the system will initially see use in the measurement of edge prep, its capabilities extend far beyond. It can also assess shape and contour accuracy, rake angle, undercuts, chipping and chip face roughness. This comprehensive approach ensures that the most critical parts of the cutting tool are fully understood and controlled.

One of the major advantages of the system is its usability. Traditionally, such high-precision metrology tools have required specialist training and operation by experienced technicians. The EdgeMaster, however, has been successfully introduced to the shop floor at Fintek, where personnel with no previous metrology background have been trained to use it effectively. Such accessibility means that precise measurement and quality assurance are now seamlessly integrated into the production environment.

In addition to real-time measurements, all data is stored and managed through Alicona’s powerful software. This includes a built-in database that allows for easy retrieval and full traceability, supporting robust documentation and compliance with customer specifications. By developing exact edge treatment requirements with customers and verifying them during production, Fintek ensures that every tool meets strict performance standards.

Fintek’s investment in advanced metrology is more than a technological upgrade. It reflects the company’s broader mission to deliver precision, reliability and innovation across every stage of the surface finishing process. By equipping its team with the tools to measure and manage even the smallest of details, Fintek is ensuring that its customers receive not only high-quality tools, but also a measurable advantage in performance and productivity.