Precision Where It Matters: How Micrometric Supports the Aerospace Supply Chain with Advanced Laser Manufacturing

In aerospace manufacturing, precision is not a differentiator, it is a prerequisite. Components must perform flawlessly in extreme environments, meet rigorous regulatory standards and be delivered with absolute consistency. For over four decades, Micrometric Ltd has operated at this exact intersection of precision, reliability and advanced manufacturing, supporting customers whose applications allow no margin for error. 

The company, which was established in 1983, has evolved from a specialist subcontract manufacturer into one of the country’s leading providers of advanced laser-based manufacturing services. From the outset, the company has focused on solving difficult engineering problems, particularly where conventional manufacturing methods struggle to deliver the required accuracy, repeatability or material performance.  

Today, Micrometric offers a comprehensive range of in-house capabilities centred on advanced laser processing. These include precision laser cutting, drilling, welding, engraving and micro-machining, complemented by CNC machining, design-for-manufacture (DfM) support and full inspection. By bringing these processes together under one roof, Micrometric enables aerospace customers to simplify supply chains, reduce lead times and achieve cost-effective production without compromising on quality. 

Proven Aerospace Experience 

 Aerospace has long been a core market for Micrometric, and the company’s processes are well aligned with the materials, tolerances and documentation requirements typical of the sector.   

Managing Director Chris Waters said: “Lasers are at the heart of everything we do. We routinely work with aerospace-grade materials including aluminium alloys, titanium, stainless steels, and high-performance nickel alloys such as Inconel, materials that are notoriously difficult to machine using traditional methods.” 

Laser Cutting 

Laser cutting is a key capability, enabling the production of complex profiles with excellent edge quality and minimal heat-affected zones. For aerospace customers, this is particularly valuable when working with thin sections, intricate geometries, or materials that are prone to distortion. Laser cutting allows Micrometric to deliver consistent, repeatable parts while maintaining the material properties essential for flight-critical applications.   

Chris added: “Our laser machines are suited to cutting materials with a wide range of thicknesses and can cut a range of materials including metal, plastics, and ceramics.  One of the key facts that often surprises people is that Micrometric has laser cut materials from 0.005mm thick to 20mm thick!”  

Laser Drilling  

Laser drilling is another area where Micrometric brings specialist expertise. The process is ideally suited for producing small (0.03mm to 0.120mm dia), high-precision holes with tight positional tolerances, requirements commonly found in aircraft hydraulic systems. Whether for flow control, pressure management, or sensor integration, laser drilling provides clean, accurate holes without mechanical contact, reducing the risk of burrs, tool wear, or material damage. 

Laser Welding 

Laser welding is a core Micrometric capability, with rare UK expertise across both macro and micro scales. This is particularly applicable for aircraft electronics and assemblies where precision, cleanliness and minimal thermal input are essential.  

 Laser welding enables strong, repeatable joints with excellent control over penetration and weld geometry. This makes it well suited to electronic housings, sensor components, and other assemblies where structural integrity and dimensional stability are critical.   

Chris explained: “We can offer a variety of weld testing procedures including in-house helium leak testing. Laser welding offers the benefit of welding while minimising heat input, which is critical when welding components with temperature-sensitive items inside them or minimising any distortion due to heat. 

“We can also weld autogenously or with wire feed. Depending on the metallurgy of the parts, it is possible to add different alloys as wire to adjust the weldability of the component. For some welds, such as titanium, an inert atmosphere is required, and an enclosed argon welding system is used.” 

Quality, Accreditation and Assurance  

Operating in aerospace demands more than technical capability; it requires demonstrable quality assurance and robust management systems. Micrometric recognises this and has invested heavily in quality, process control, measurement and traceability. 

The company is AS9100 certified, reflecting its commitment to the aerospace sector’s stringent quality management requirements. This certification underpins Micrometric’s approach to risk management, process validation, documentation and continuous improvement, giving customers confidence that parts are manufactured and inspected to the highest standards.  

Micrometric is also a member of the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), reinforcing its engagement with aerospace sector. Combined with ISO-aligned inspection procedures and full material traceability, these accreditations ensure Micrometric is well positioned to support both tier 1 suppliers and specialist aerospace innovators. 

Solving Problems Others Can’t 

What truly distinguishes Micrometric is not just its equipment, but its mindset. The company is frequently approached by customers who have struggled to source a component through conventional routes, often because the part combines challenging materials, tight tolerances, and low-to-medium production volumes. In these cases, Micrometric’s ability to adapt processes to the specific requirements of the part is critical. 

By working closely with customers at the design stage, Micrometric helps optimise components for laser manufacture, improving performance while reducing cost and lead time. This collaborative approach is particularly valuable in aerospace programmes, where early design decisions can have long-term implications for manufacturability and supply-chain resilience. 

Chris said: “We have built up a reputation for our personal approach with customers as we want to fully understand our customers’ laser manufacturing requirements. We’re committed to providing exceptional, customised services that help our customers achieve their goals faster and with greater precision.” 

A Trusted Aerospace Partner 

As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, driven by lightweighting, electrification and increasing system complexity, the need for agile, high-precision manufacturing partners will only grow. With over 40 years of experience, a deep understanding of aerospace applications, and a rare breadth of in-house laser capabilities, Micrometric is well positioned to support this next phase of innovation. 

 Whether producing prototype components, specialist assemblies, or repeat production parts, Micrometric remains focused on a simple principle: delivering precision manufacturing solutions that others cannot. For aerospace customers seeking reliability, flexibility and technical expertise, that focus makes all the difference. 

To find out more about Micrometric and its services, visit http://micrometric.co.uk/ or contact the sales office on 01522 509999.