Engineering Capacity | TURNED PARTS APT Leicester has been supporting Alexander Accessories in the manufacture of intricate chinrests and tailpieces for violins and violas. APT has worked with the highly skilled luthiers since 2016, playing a key role in the supply of musical accessories to some of the world’s most famous players. Having specialised in the handcrafting of musical accessories for more than 40 years, Alexander Accessories fully appreciates the need for exceptional turned parts. However, it had been disappointed with the supply of oily and poorly finished parts prior to working with APT. Positive feedback has subsequently focused on the efficiency of the APT manufacturing process and the exceptional levels of customer service. This has been essential to the continued fulfilment of demand for the most comfortable and luxurious accessories. Luke Sibley, owner of Alexander Accessories, said: “We’re delighted with the working relationship we have with APT. Their knowledge and engineering capabilities are impeccable, also their advice about materials and what can be accomplished.” “We are able to use their blanket order system to order large amounts of fittings, which has proven to be very costeffective for us. The parts are always clean, well-labelled, and delivered on time. APT’s attention to detail is exemplary.” MARCH 2022
Making music together
He continued: “As our customers have spent many hours perfecting their violin and viola playing, it’s important that our chinrests are handcrafted and APT’s parts are of the highest standard. We look forward to many more years of working in partnership with them.” Drawing on their extensive engineering experience, APT Leicester has supported Alexander Accessories in the production of 25 turned parts of different lengths and sizes. Special tooling, milling,
and countersinking methods have been used in the manufacture of threaded studs, barrels, and clamps. Between 2,000 and 3,000 mill-turned parts are produced each year, with all brass, titanium, and nickel silver components delivered directly to the Alexander Accessories workshop. Such projects have provided the APT team with the opportunity to work with an interesting local business, maintaining the same high standards that other customers have come to expect. And the partnership with Alexander Accessories looks set to continue, with APT Leicester having helped in the design and engineering of a new upper clamp in recent months. 8 aptleicester.co.uk www.engineeringcapacity.com
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