2025 Year in Review: Innovation, Expansion & Milestones

Events, News, Year in Review

Posted on December 18, 2025 by

Discover ActOn Finishing’s major innovations of 2025 - Advanced finishing systems

2025 has been a defining year for ActOn Finishing – a year marked by major technological breakthroughs, strategic partnerships, and significant achievements across key industries. From launching next-generation finishing systems to expanding our capabilities for customer trials, we continued to push boundaries in surface finishing excellence.

In this review, we look back at the innovations and successes that shaped our year and set the stage for even bigger developments in 2026.

1. New Finishing Technologies That Shaped 2025

This year saw the introduction of several advanced finishing systems designed to enhance productivity, precision, and operator safety. Each system was developed in response to evolving industry needs — whether it’s faster processing, higher consistency, or improved environmental controls.

CHE50/2 Twin Barrel High-Energy Finishing Machine

One of our key 2025 launches was the CHE50/2 High Energy Machine, an evolution of our centrifugal finishing technology. This semi-automated system features twin hexagonal barrels, enabling operators to process double the volume with only a minimal increase in floor space and power usage.

The machine incorporates a direct-drive mechanism that produces extremely high G-forces, drastically reducing cycle times while maintaining exceptional accuracy. Its simplified mechanical design improves reliability, lowers maintenance requirements, and ensures consistent finishing performance.

To support full process automation, the CHE50/2 includes:

  • Two vibratory separator assemblies for efficient media-to-part separation
  • A fully automated control panel
  • Integrated dosing unit for accurate compound delivery

This system has quickly become a preferred solution for manufacturers seeking ultra-fast, high-precision surface finishing without compromising footprint or usability.

ADF Series Drag Finishing Machine

Another highlight of 2025 was the introduction of the ADF Drag Finishing Series – advanced systems engineered for applications where precise edge rounding, smoothing, or mirror polishing is required. Drag finishing is a high-energy process in which components are securely fixed to spindles and rapidly moved through specially formulated media. This controlled, high-friction motion enables:

  • Accurate deburring and edge rounding
  • Rapid smoothing and polishing
  • Uniform results without part-on-part contact
  • Dramatically shorter finishing times compared to conventional methods

The ADF range stands out for its cost-effective performance, delivering high repeatability, low risk of component damage, and excellent finishing quality – essential for industries such as aerospace, toolmaking, motorsport, and medical.

GrindPro Series: Precision Metal Grinding Booth

As demand grows for safer and cleaner manual grinding environments, we launched the GrindPro Precision Grinding Booth, designed to transform the way operators perform surface prep using air tools. Unlike traditional grinding benches that often allow dust to escape into the workshop, the GrindPro provides a fully enclosed workspace equipped with:

  • Complete dust extraction
  • Automatic filter cleaning
  • Significantly reduced noise levels
  • High-efficiency airflow management

This ensures a cleaner, quieter, and more controlled environment, protecting operators while supporting consistent, high-quality manual finishing. The GrindPro reflects our ongoing commitment to combining operator safety with modern production efficiency.

Alloy Wheel Sand Blaster Machine

For the automotive finishing sector, we introduced the Alloy Wheel Sand Blaster Machine, a high-performance system designed specifically for the rapid blasting of alloy wheels. This automated blasting cabinet delivers:

  • Consistent roughness profiles of 28–35 μm, ideal for powder coating adhesion
  • High throughput and repeatable performance
  • User-friendly operation and strong safety features
  • Reliable surface uniformity across a wide range of wheel designs

When paired with the AWP Vibratory Wheel Polisher, this technology offers a complete workflow – from surface preparation to final polishing – for professional wheel refurbishment and high-end automotive finishing applications.

2. Strategic Partnership: Expanding Wet Blasting Capability with ISP

One of the most exciting developments of the year was our collaboration with ISP – Innovative Surface Processing GmbH, resulting in the introduction of six new automated wet blasting systems to the UK market. These systems integrate blasting, washing, passivation, and drying into a single automated line, streamlining production and enhancing component cleanliness and corrosion protection.

Key Features of the New Wet Blasting Range

  • High levels of precision and repeatability suitable for aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors
  • Advanced process monitoring with real-time adjustment of critical parameters
  • Minimal maintenance requirements due to robust engineering and intelligent automation
  • Reduced handling between stages, enhancing production flow and lowering operational risk
  • Improved component cleanliness and surface integrity thanks to integrated washing and passivation

Designed for OEMs, production engineers, and R&D laboratories, these wet blasting systems offer a high-performance solution for customers who require strict process control, reliable throughput, and exceptional surface preparation results. Our partnership with ISP has significantly expanded ActOn’s technological offering, reinforcing our commitment to delivering integrated and forward-thinking solutions to the UK manufacturing sector.

3. A Major Milestone: Securing a Seven-Figure Order in the Medical Sector

2025 marked a monumental achievement for ActOn Finishing: we secured a seven-figure contract with a leading medical implant manufacturer. This milestone underscores our position as a trusted supplier of validated, regulatory-compliant surface finishing systems for high-precision medical components. Medical devices require stringent levels of surface integrity, biocompatibility, and consistency – demands that our technology is uniquely positioned to meet.

Core Technologies Behind the Project

Centrifugal High Energy Finishing Systems: these systems deliver finely controlled, high-precision surface finishing with significantly reduced cycle times. Ideal for complex geometries, they ensure smoothness and repeatability across orthopedic and dental implants.

Dry Electropolishing Machines: provides a mirror-like surface finish without altering part geometry. This method is especially valuable for components where dimensional accuracy and micro-smooth surfaces are essential for clinical performance.

Medical-Approved Media and Compounds: all finishing consumables used are fully compliant, non-contaminating, and engineered specifically for surgical-grade materials, ensuring consistent results while meeting regulatory standards.

Why This Achievement Matters

This order represents more than commercial growth. It is a strong validation of ActOn’s ability to support the medical sector with fully integrated, repeatable, and quality-assured finishing processes. Our successful collaboration with this major manufacturer reinforces our reputation for technical credibility, innovation, and dependable execution in one of the world’s most demanding industries.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Continued Innovation and New Opportunities

As we close out 2025, we are already preparing for a dynamic year ahead. Several exciting developments are underway that will strengthen our capabilities and enhance the experience for our customers.

Join Us at MACH 2026 – 20–24 April

We will be exhibiting at MACH 2026, among other industry events, where we will showcase our latest finishing machines and process developments. Visitors will have the opportunity to see new technologies in action and meet our technical experts.

More Breakthrough Technologies on the Horizon

Building on the momentum of 2025, we are developing additional automated systems and process solutions that will further advance surface finishing efficiency, sustainability, and repeatability. Stay tuned – 2026 will introduce innovations designed to empower manufacturers across multiple sectors.

New Customer Trial Area Opening at Our Coventry Facility

To better support customers in choosing the right finishing solution, we are expanding our Coventry site with a dedicated trials and demonstrations area. This new space will allow visitors to:

  • Test their own components on our machines
  • Compare multiple finishing technologies
  • Work closely with our applications team to optimise processes
  • Explore new media, compounds, and automation options

We look forward to welcoming customers and partners into this new environment, designed to improve collaboration and support real-world testing.

2025 has been a transformative year for ActOn Finishing. From groundbreaking new machines to strategic partnerships and major successes in high-precision industries, we have continued to drive innovation and deliver value to customers across the globe.

As we move into 2026, our mission remains the same: to deliver world-class surface finishing technologies that enhance productivity, precision, and reliability for manufacturers everywhere.

Thank you to our customers, partners, and team for making 2025 an incredible year. We’re excited to continue this journey with you in 2026 and beyond. Here’s to a year of innovation, collaboration, and success!

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