H V Wooding is at CERN in Geneva
Delivering high-precision scientific measurements demands components engineered to the tightest tolerances, and H V Wooding Ltd has built a strong reputation in this area. As a UK-based SME, H V Wooding has been working with CERN for over fifteen years, supplying precision-engineered components for superconducting magnet assemblies.
The company’s collaboration with CERN began with a contract to machine magnetic yokes, stainless steel collars, and filler components for a prototype quadrupole magnet, being developed for a major upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
This partnership evolved into a critical project—producing 380 twin-aperture dipole magnet laminations for a 10m-long prototype magnet. This magnet is designed to gain experience in the construction of full-scale twin-aperture dipole magnets. The key challenge was to achieve tolerances as tight as 4-8 microns while delivering within CERN’s lead-time and budget.
To address this, H V Wooding worked closely with CERN physicists to identify the most critical features of the components. A hybrid manufacturing approach was developed, involving laser cutting for profiling, deburring, wire erosion for the most critical features, and final CNC machining. This innovative process not only met CERN’s requirements but also set a new standard of manufacture for magnet laminations. The result was a highly impressive magnet performance, with accurate laminations contributing significantly to the final product’s success.
Glyn Kirby from CERN’s Technology Department highlighted H V Wooding’s contribution: “The team didn’t just meet our initial specifications; they worked to optimize both performance and cost. This proactive approach has been crucial in enhancing the components we’re developing.”
The success of these projects led to further contracts with CERN, including work on an 11 Tesla dipole magnet, where parts require tolerances as tight as seven microns. The company’s success with CERN has not only strengthened its relationship with the organization but also helped attract new customers, including the Brookhaven National Laboratory.
As part of its ongoing relationship with CERN, H V Wooding is attending the Advanced Magnet Technology event at CERN in Geneva from 22-24 October 2024. This event helps the company stay at the forefront of technological innovations and future trends, ensuring they continue to offer cutting-edge solutions.
Paul Allen, Business Development Director at H V Wooding sums it up: “Working with CERN has been pivotal for H V Wooding. It has helped us develop more cost-effective manufacturing methods, allowing us to expand into new markets and grow our customer base.”
H V Wooding continues to serve a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, electric and hybrid vehicles, Formula 1, data centers, medical research, and renewable energy sectors. With its commitment to precision engineering, the company offers technical and design expertise across multiple manufacturing methods, from prototyping to volume production.
