Precision component manufacturing

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Precision gears, torque path and prismatic components delivered in low to mid volumes for high performance and specialised applications.

Ricardo is globally recognised as an independent specialist in the manufacture of precision mechanical components found in propulsion systems and drivelines for applications where reliability, performance, durability, and quality are critical.

We work directly with OEMs, tiered suppliers, vehicle design authorities, and prime contractors to support the delivery of programmes requiring components with complex geometries, tight tolerances, specialised quality management processes, and high precision finishing.

We work regularly with customers in top-flight motorsport, high-performance automotive, off-highway, industrial, marine, defence, and aerospace to meet their complex requirements, either by designing their components for them or by manufacturing to their design on a make to print basis. We typically supply our clients in series batch quantities of individual components, or as full- or sub-assemblies.

Our range of multi-axis CNC machinery, conventional tools and precision techniques enable us to manufacture components with complex geometries and features to exacting tolerances and with superior surface finishes.

The deployment of CNC machining processes enables us to deliver programmes more efficiently, reducing manufacturing time without compromising quality or cost-effectiveness.

Projects

Ricardo announces launch of Element modular transmission range for decarbonised propulsion systems

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Ricardo’s in-house manufacturing capability explained

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Components we can manufacture

Our manufacturing team are world-class specialists in their field. Using their expert knowledge and our range of advanced machining tools, techniques and processes, they produce gears, shafts, and prismatic components of exceptional quality and precision.

Examples of the components we typically manufacture include:

Gears - Spur gears, Helical gears, Bevel gears (Straight, Spiral, hypoid)
Shafts
Crown wheel and pinions
Selector forks
Selector rails
Selector barrels
Cases and housing for gearboxes, axles, and transmissions
Engagement hubs
Clutch rings
Dog rings

Manufacturing capability

Ricardo’s manufacturing experts use the latest multi-axis CNC machinery, conventional tools and machinery, and precision techniques to create components to exacting tolerances for the most demanding applications.

An example of our in-house machining capability is listed below. For full technical details of our capability, contact us.

CNC and conventional turning machines, with vertical and horizontal capability
CNC and conventional milling machines with vertical, horizontal and multi-axis capability
CNC and conventional milling with internal, external, surface and jig capability
CNC and conventional prismatic machining
CNC and conventional gear cutting tools - hobbing, shaping chamfering and deburring
CNC and conventional gear grinding - external straight, helical and bevel capability, and internal straight and helical capability
EDM capability - wire eroding and spark eroding
Heat treatment capability
Inspection and quality including CMM capability

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Materials

Premium quality products start with premium quality materials. Ricardo manufacture using the highest quality materials matched to the bespoke requirements of the client's programme. We primarily work in nitriding, through-hardening, or carburising steels and aluminium. However, we have the expertise and resources to work with other materials upon request, including titanium, magnesium, and copper.

Examples of the steels that we work with include:

S155
S156
655M13
832M13
817M40
35NCD16
35NCD16THQ

Our supply chain experts work with closely with our clients and our manufacturing team to source materials that match the precise performance, regulatory, weighting, and cost requirements of our clients.

They tap into Ricardo's network of trusted supplier partners to help maintain stable supply of materials which meet programme objects as well as any industry-specific regulatory requirements.

Quality management and accreditation

All of our manufacturing processes are subject to strict quality management controls. Our operations are accredited to both ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D standards, offering our clients assurance that their critical components will be delivered to the highest possible standard for their specialised applications.

We also hold ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security management demonstrating our commitment to security and client confidentiality.

Ricardo is an AS9100D-certified supplier of made to specification components to our partners in the aerospace industry.

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