XRF Scanning – Adding Another Layer of Insight

Investment in advanced inspection technology is helping deliver greater confidence and assurance for customers working with high-value aerospace components. The introduction of an Olympus Vanta XRF scanner has enhanced verification capabilities, allowing precise confirmation of material composition and surface cleanliness following complex cleaning processes.

The benefits of this technology were recently demonstrated during a project involving Rolls-Royce turbine blades manufactured from Rene 80, a high-performance nickel-based superalloy commonly used in demanding aerospace applications.

Following the removal of leaching ceramic using a combination of chemical and abrasive techniques, it was essential to confirm that the ceramic material had been fully eliminated without affecting the integrity of the underlying alloy. Given the critical role of these components and the stringent standards associated with aerospace manufacturing, visual inspection alone was not sufficient.

The Olympus Vanta XRF scanner was used to analyse the surface of the turbine blades after cleaning, providing accurate verification of the material composition. This non-destructive testing method confirmed that the Rene 80 alloy remained intact and met the required specifications, while also validating the effectiveness of the ceramic removal process.

The successful application of XRF verification delivered clear, measurable assurance that the components were ready for their next stage of use. It also reinforced confidence that the cleaning process met the customer’s expectations and complied with the rigorous standards expected within the aerospace sector.

This investment further strengthens capabilities across aerospace and other high-specification industries where traceability, accuracy, and proven results are essential. By continuing to adopt advanced inspection technologies, the company demonstrates its commitment to supporting customers with reliable, verifiable outcomes.

One project stakeholder commented that the use of XRF verification added a crucial layer of assurance, confirming both the success of the ceramic removal and the integrity of the Rene 80 material.

We’re Moving to a New Facility in Huddersfield

We’re excited to share that from 5th January, we’ll be operating from our new facility on Leeds Road, Huddersfield. This move brings our entire team together under one roof, increases our capacity, and gives us the space we need for the next stage of our growth, all while keeping the same phone number our customers already know.

Previously, we were operating from three separate units in Ravensthorpe. While they were located next door to one another, working across multiple spaces was starting to limit efficiency as demand increased and job sizes grew. It became clear that to keep moving forward, we needed a single, larger facility in a better location.

After completing the purchase of a former ATS building, we carried out a full transformation of the site. The old mechanical equipment was removed, the building was repaired and upgraded, and the internal layout was redesigned to create a flexible workspace with room to grow.

A key part of the upgrade was a significant improvement to the gas supply, allowing us to increase oven capacity by three times and run multiple ovens at the same time. This investment means we can now take on larger jobs and handle a greater volume of work simultaneously.

From 5th January, our new address will be:
Leeds Rd, Huddersfield, HD1 6NN
Our phone number will remain unchanged.

This move marks an important milestone for the business. The new facility gives us the infrastructure, capacity, and flexibility needed to better serve our customers and support continued growth. We’re excited to see what the future holds and look forward to welcoming customers to our new home.

Why It Mattered

Following attendance at DPTRE (Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability) and a Fit for Defence meeting, it became clear that Cyber Essentials certification was not just a compliance formality, but a fundamental requirement for working within the UK defence supply chain. Without it, opportunities to collaborate, tender for contracts, and expand our reach in the sector would be significantly limited.

What We Did

We immediately began reviewing our internal systems, policies, and controls against Cyber Essentials requirements. This involved working closely with security consultants, updating our IT infrastructure, and ensuring that all processes from patch management to user access controls, were fully aligned with government standards. The Fit for Defence guidance provided a roadmap for what was needed, while our internal team executed the changes to meet and exceed the standard.

What It Means Going Forward

Achieving Cyber Essentials certification positions us as a trusted and compliant partner in the defence ecosystem. It not only validates our cyber resilience but also unlocks new opportunities to engage with the MOD and prime contractors. By demonstrating our commitment to security and compliance, we are now in a position to compete for larger contracts, strengthen our credibility, and build long-term partnerships in the defence sector.

Instead of costly replacements, our customer achieved spotless results through our service proving that regular parts cleaning is cheaper, faster and more efficient than buying new

Client Testimonial

Some words from a Fit for Defence consultant

“Securing Cyber Essentials is a big next step for this organisation. It shows not only their commitment to cybersecurity but also their readiness to work within the defence supply chain at a higher level. This achievement will open doors to significant opportunities in the sector.”
– Fit for Defence Consultant

📞 Want to work with us? Get in touch today!

It’s official – Sonic Solutions has outgrown our current home. What began as a small team in three adjoining units has now expanded beyond those walls, marking a huge milestone in our journey.

This moment reflects more than just physical space – it’s a testament to the incredible growth of our team, our services, and the trust our clients place in us every day.

We’re now actively looking for a larger facility that can support our continued momentum. Ideally, we’re hoping to stay close to home – somewhere around Brighouse or Huddersfield – but we’re open to the right opportunity.

If you know of any suitable industrial units or have contacts in the commercial property world, we’d love to hear from you.

Please help us spread the word – onwards and upwards! 🙌💥

📞 Want to work with us? Get in touch today!

At Sonic Solutions, we believe that success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people.

That’s why hitting a major financial milestone this year wasn’t just a proud business achievement – it was also a moment to reflect, recognise, and celebrate the incredible team behind it all.

As promised, when we hit this goal, we made time for what matters:

✅ More team nights out
✅ More celebrations
✅ More recognition for the people who make it all happen

We kicked things off with a team meal in Mirfield, followed by a high-energy evening at Boom Battle Bar in Leeds. It was a brilliant way to bring everyone together and mark the occasion with laughter, games, and good food.

Team culture is a huge part of what makes Sonic Solutions thrive. When the people around you are motivated, valued, and genuinely enjoy working together, that’s when the real progress happens. 🫡

Here’s to even more milestones, more memories, and an even bigger year ahead! 💪

📞 Want to work with us? Get in touch today!

We’re excited to announce a major upgrade to our facility, we’ve just installed a massive ultrasonic cleaning tank, and it’s an absolute game-changer.

This new addition expands our capabilities in a big way, allowing us to clean larger parts, handle higher volumes, and deliver deeper, more effective cleans than ever before, all while maintaining the precision and care Sonic Solutions is known for.

Whether it’s heavy-duty industrial components, oversized assemblies, or complex items that were previously too big to handle in-house, we now have the capacity to clean them thoroughly and efficiently using advanced ultrasonic technology.

If you’ve got parts that are bulky, awkward, or just in need of serious decontamination, our new tank is ready and waiting.

Big parts? Big results. Same Sonic precision.

📞 Want to work with us? Get in touch today!