When a critical machine breaks down and a part can’t be sourced, the cost isn’t just inconvenience — it’s lost production, missed deadlines, and hours of downtime.
This is a common issue across agriculture, construction, transport, and manufacturing industries in the UK. Off-the-shelf solutions often don’t match legacy equipment. And OEM suppliers can take weeks — if they offer replacements at all.
That’s where custom parts manufacturing makes all the difference.
Rather than pausing your operations or settling for a poor fit, working with a local parts manufacturer like Branston Engineering gives you access to high-quality, precision-machined components — even if you have no drawings or specs to begin with.
This article will explore how the process works, why it's critical for time-sensitive repairs, and how local businesses in Lincolnshire and across the UK are already benefiting.
What Is Custom Parts Manufacturing — and When Do You Need It?
Custom parts manufacturing is the process of recreating or designing new metal components when off-the-shelf options aren’t available or suitable. It's often used when:
The original part is discontinued or obsolete
Only a damaged or worn version remains
A part needs to be upgraded or reinforced
Custom machinery requires non-standard fittings or geometry
This means faster, more reliable options that keep operations moving — especially during seasonal demand or critical repairs.
Our Step-by-Step Approach to Manufacturing Your Custom Part
1. You Bring Us the Problem (Even If It’s Just a Broken Part)
Whether you’re a site manager or maintenance lead, bring in the part that needs replacing — even if it's worn, cracked, or deformed. We’ll assess the dimensions, material, and function.
2. 3D Scanning or Reverse Engineering (No Drawings Needed)
Using our in-house 3D scanning tools, we create a digital replica of the component. This allows us to reverse engineer it with incredible precision — including wear compensation.
3. Material Selection and Planning
We identify the correct material (steel, aluminium, brass, etc.) based on its function, strength requirements, and environmental conditions — such as corrosion or heat exposure.
4. Machining and Fabrication
Our CNC machines and fabrication equipment reproduce the part to exacting tolerances, ready to install. We handle single units, short runs, and ongoing batch production.
5. Optional Finishing: Painting, Blasting, and Coating
To extend the part’s lifespan, we offer shot blasting, spray painting, or galvanising depending on the application — whether for outdoor farm use or internal industrial environments.
Common Questions About Custom Parts Manufacturing
Q. I don’t have technical drawings or specifications. Can you still help?
Yes — we specialise in reverse engineering from the physical part, using digital scanning and CAD tools to recreate it with accuracy.
Q. What types of parts do you make?
We produce custom machine parts, brackets, flanges, housings, couplings, mounts, and more for industrial, agricultural, and commercial equipment.
Q. Can you make just one part, or do I need to order in bulk?
We do both — from one-off emergency repairs to batch production for manufacturers who need regular supply.
Q. How fast can you turn parts around?
Turnaround depends on complexity, but for urgent cases, we often produce components within 48–72 hours, especially for our local clients.
Work With Our Custom Parts Specialists
At Branston Engineering, we’ve been helping businesses across Lincolnshire solve parts problems for years. Whether you're based in Lincoln or further afield, our workshop is equipped to:
Manufacture bespoke parts to precise tolerances
Provide reverse engineering with 3D scanning
Turn urgent requests around quickly
Handle CNC machining, welding, and fabrication under one roof
You can find out more about our parts manufacturing service here, where we give further details on our process, materials, and capabilities. You can also explore related services like repairs and refurbishment, or steel fabrication.
Ready to Replace That Missing or Broken Part?
If you’re stuck with a machine you can’t run, a supplier that’s out of stock, or a part that no longer exists — we can help.
Our team at Branston Engineering provides fast, reliable, and fully customised parts manufacturing for UK businesses.
Share this post: