Problem
The process needed repeatable sealant volumes on a threaded pressure sensor part without relying on manual application consistency.
Complete engineering systems, from machine to software.
TIAS Engineering designs and builds practical technical systems across mechanical engineering, automation, CNC, electronics, machine vision, AI and custom software.
For businesses that need something designed, built, measured, controlled or connected.
What TIAS Does
Full-stack engineering capability across mechanical, electrical, software and AI systems.
Engineering & Machine Design
Custom mechanisms, fixtures, test rigs, prototype machines and practical engineering problem solving.
- Mechanical concepts
- Fixtures and tooling
- Prototype machines
- Design for manufacture
- Problem solving for awkward physical systems
Automation & Robotics
Motion systems, pick-and-place machines, dispensing systems, robotic handling and process automation.
- Motion control
- Gantry systems
- Pick-and-place
- Industrial handling
- Machine sequencing
- Operator interfaces
Machine Vision & Measurement
Camera-based inspection, fiducials, metrology, object detection, calibration and automated measurement systems.
- OpenCV & Ai vision detection systems.
- Part detection
- Measurement automation
- Fiducials and reference systems
- Telecentric and line-scan systems
- Training Vision detection Models
CNC & Manufacturing Systems
Workshop automation, CNC process support, manufacturing tools, production workflows and machine integration.
-
Full Fanuc FOCAS / MQTT machine monitoring system
- Full tracking of tools across multiple mill-turns and tools in storage.
- ESP32 based devices for monitoring coolant level, coolant temperature and ambient temperature.
- QA recording of in-process measurements, with separate Raspberry Pi 5 touch screens for each machine showing the most recent measurement and graphing measurement history.
- Manufacturing aids
- Machine integration
- Jigs and fixtures
- Data capture
- Operator tools
Engine & Camshaft Systems
Specialist systems for engine development, camshaft work, valve train measurement and performance testing.
- Camshaft and Springs measuring systems
- Flow bench systems
- Sensor integration
- DAQ concepts
- Engine measurement tools
- Performance development support
Electronics & PCB Development
Embedded electronics, sensors, data acquisition, control boards, wiring, microcontrollers and test equipment.
- Microcontroller systems
- Sensor interfaces
- PCB design for interface boards
- Data acquisition
- Control electronics
- Workshop test equipment
Software, AI & Web Systems
Custom applications, dashboards, local AI workflows, websites, business systems, databases and automation tools.
- Started coding with ChatGPT 3.5. Over 120 Ai assisted coding projects as of June 2026 with the largest weighing in at 85K lines of code.
- In-House Ai Server: 10 x RTX 3090 GPUs, 240gb VRam, 256gb Ram, Twin processor, 15tb storage
- Knowledge Distallation and document processing
- Batch image classification and processing
- Full odoo database integration oulling data from sevral databases. Full website with ordering integration.
- Office automation tools. Automated shipping integration with multiple carriers, Calculation of US tarriffs and duty charges.
- Websites
- Dashboards
- AI workflow automation
- Local AI systems
- Internal tools
- Technical web apps
Full-System Integration
The value is in joining the layers together: mechanical, electrical, software and real-world operation.
- Machine-to-software integration
- Hardware/software debugging
- End-to-end prototypes
- Practical deployment
- System documentation
Projects & Experience
Real engineering solutions and practical production experience across machines, machining, AI, software and connected systems.
Machines
Custom mechanisms, fixtures, test rigs, prototype machines, dispensing systems and practical automation for awkward physical systems.
Custom Sealant Dispenser for Pressure sensors
Syringe pump for dispensing 200 - 800 Ul of sealant onto pressure sensor threads. Auto refilling and priming from an external container. Linked into a factory QA system
Valve Spring Height and Rate Measurement
Raspi 5 and Arduino based measurement system for valve spring height and rate. Data collected and stored for analysis and reporting.
Lash Cap Measuring & Dispensing System
A custom system for sorting, measuring, storing and dispensing small engine valve train components with motion control, measurement hardware and software.
CNC Loader
Commissioning and redesign work for a CNC loader, replacing unreliable part handling with a Fanuc-integrated push-to-load system.
CNC Measurement Machine
Purpose-built measurement machine work for collecting repeatable process data from real components.
Manual Lathe to CNC Retrofit
A worn manual lathe rebuilt into a LinuxCNC daily-use CNC machine with linear slides, ball screws, NEMA 42 motors and a 10 kW spindle upgrade.
Complete Dairy Pasteurisation & Bottling Plant
Installation work around a complete production plant, covering real machinery, process layout and practical commissioning constraints.
Prototype Heat Recovery System
Prototype machine work around heat recovery concepts, combining mechanical packaging, fabrication and practical engine-system thinking.
Automated Twin Torch TIG Welding Machine
A custom machine concept for controlled twin-torch TIG welding, built around repeatable positioning and practical process automation.
Vision & Measurement
Camera-based inspection, fiducials, metrology, object detection, calibration and automated measurement systems using OpenCV and AI vision detection workflows.
Machine Vision Systems
Various image based detections systems for inspection, measurement and verification.
In-Machine Vision System
Camera-based inspection inside a machine environment, including monitoring details during machining and detecting cutting-tip condition with vision models.
AI Systems
Local AI infrastructure for secure data processing, information distillation, model fine-tuning, batch image editing and upscaling, prompt generation and customer workflow integration.
Local AI Server
A 10 x RTX3090 GPU server for local inference, model testing, fine-tuning, secure data processing and AI workflow development.
Software & Business Systems
Custom applications, dashboards, local AI workflows, websites, databases, business systems and automation tools that connect directly to real workshop and office processes.
Web & Business Systems
Websites, internal tools and practical business systems for small companies that need more than a brochure site.
Fanuc FOCAS / MQTT CNC Monitoring System
Manufacturing software for monitoring Fanuc CNC machines, tracking tools and capturing process data from connected workshop devices.
- Full tracking of tools across multiple mill-turns and tools in storage.
- ESP32 based devices for coolant level, coolant temperature and ambient temperature monitoring.
- QA recording of in-process measurements.
- Separate Raspberry Pi 5 touch screens for each machine showing the latest measurement and graphing measurement history.
Precision Machining
Although our current machinery only extends to 3D printers and laser cutters, we have extensive experience with our own CNC machines and customer production environments, from prototype work through to volume production. Real-world production knowledge is key to designing good parts. These are just a few of the many things we've manufactured over the years
Robotics & Automation
Motion systems, pick-and-place concepts, robotic handling, scanning, loading and process automation using practical tooling and operator-focused sequencing.
Electronics & PCB Development
Embedded electronics, sensors, data acquisition, control boards, wiring, microcontrollers and workshop test equipment. Wiring and electronics are the link between software and the real world.
Automotive & Engine Systems
Specialist experience around engine development, camshaft work, valve train measurement, sensor integration, flow bench systems and performance testing. A decade running a machine shop reconditioning cylinder heads, building engines, dyno testing and mapping shaped the practical understanding behind this work.
Previous project
Custom Sealant Dispenser for Pressure Sensors
A syringe-pump dispensing system for applying controlled 200-800 uL sealant volumes onto pressure sensor threads, with auto refill, priming, and factory QA integration.
Built
TIAS built a custom dispenser around syringe-pump control, automatic refilling and priming from an external container, and operator-focused machine sequencing.
Result
The system gives the production process controlled dispense volumes and links the operation into the factory QA workflow.
Sealant Dispenser Images
Previous project
Lash Cap Measuring & Dispensing System
A custom machine for sorting, measuring, storing and dispensing small engine valve train components using motion control, measurement hardware, software and automation.
Problem
Small engine valve train components needed to be measured, identified, stored and dispensed without relying on manual tracking, repeated operator judgement or handwritten size marking.
Built
A combined machine and software workflow for component handling, measurement records, storage logic, controlled dispensing, laser size marking on each part and label printing for part identification.
Result
The system handles 16 orders at a time before operator input is needed, joining physical handling, measurement hardware, laser marking, labels and operator software into one workflow.
Lash Cap Project Images
Previous project
CNC Loader Push-to-Load System
Commissioning and redesign work for a CNC loading system, replacing unreliable part handling with a custom push-to-load mechanism integrated with the Fanuc control system.
Problem
The machine was installed, commissioned and set up, but the original loader was throwing parts out of control because the customer parts were heavier at one end.
Built
A new push-to-load system was devised, built and integrated with the Fanuc control system, using a Raspberry Pi 5 touchscreen UI and a Teensy 4.1 for motion control.
Result
The revised loader gave the CNC cell a controlled loading workflow, with custom interface electronics connecting the operator UI, motion hardware and Fanuc machine control.
CNC Loader Project Images
Previous project
Manual Lathe to CNC Retrofit
A worn manual lathe with personal history was rebuilt into a capable LinuxCNC machine with new linear motion hardware, CNC ball screws, NEMA 42 motors and a 10 kW spindle motor upgrade.
Problem
This was the first machine I learned to turn on, so when the opportunity came up to buy it I took it on. It was badly worn, with tired axis slides and broken threading capability.
Built
Linear slides were added to the sides of the existing bed, with a new X-axis trunnion, CNC ball screws, NEMA 42 motors, LinuxCNC control and a 10 kW motor upgrade for threading and low-speed torque.
Result
The retrofit came out well enough to become the daily lathe for two years, including producing the EN24T driveshafts and flanges shown in the machining work.
Manual Lathe Retrofit Images
Previous project
Machine Vision Part Detection
Camera-based detection and verification workflows for small components where false detections can cause machine faults or scrap.
Problem
Small-part detection needed to be robust enough for real machine use, not just a clean demo image.
Built
Image capture, calibration, detection logic, and verification steps were combined into a practical machine vision workflow.
Result
The vision process helps reject bad states before they become machine errors.
Vision Project Images
Previous project
Valve Spring Height and Rate Measurement
Raspi 5 and Arduino based measurement system for valve spring height and rate. Data collected and stored for analysis and reporting.
Problem
The customer required accurate measurement of spring rates, free height and bound length with 3 pre compressions and referenced to a calibration spring.
Built
Fully automated system, adjustable number of pre compressions,with calibration functions.
Result
Fast reliable and repeatable measurements for valve spring development and testing.
Spring Measurement Images
Previous project
Local AI & Workflow Automation
Local AI infrastructure for secure data processing, information distillation, model fine-tuning, batch image editing and upscaling, prompt generation and testing, and integrating AI into customer workflows.
Problem
Some engineering and business workflows need secure data handling, repeatable prompt testing and AI assistance connected to real customer processes rather than isolated cloud-only tools.
Built
Local AI and automation infrastructure for information distillation, model fine-tuning, batch image editing and upscaling, prompt generation and workflow-specific testing.
Result
Secure processing of customer information with practical AI tools that can be integrated into existing workflows, documents, images and operational systems.
AI Infrastructure Images
Previous project
Fanuc FOCAS / MQTT CNC Monitoring System
Manufacturing software for monitoring Fanuc CNC machines, tracking tools and capturing process data from connected workshop devices.
Problem
The workshop needed connected CNC visibility: tool tracking across multiple mill-turns, tool storage records, coolant monitoring and in-process measurement history.
Built
A Fanuc FOCAS and MQTT software system with ESP32 sensor devices and Raspberry Pi 5 touch screens for each machine, showing latest measurements and graphing measurement history.
Result
The system brings CNC status, QA data, coolant conditions and tool information into a practical production dashboard for operators and process review.
FOCAS Software Images
Previous project
Web & Business Systems
Starting from 'Learn HTML in 24 hours' in 1998, we have built a lot of websites and business systems over the years for both our own and customers projects. From simple static sites through to a full Odoo database driven site. All our apps now use Web based UI's as they are more portable and look great. As well as internal servers we also rent fast cloud servers for web hosting.
Problem
Small companies often need practical software that connects quoting, tracking, data, and operations rather than a disconnected marketing site.
Built
Web tools, dashboards, database-backed systems, calculators, and workflow automation suited to real company processes.
Result
Operational tools that reduce repeated manual work and keep technical information easier to find and act on. Let the machine do the work
Web Project Images
Why TIAS
Most projects fail at the joins.
Mechanical engineers often stop at the machine. Software developers often stop at the screen. Automation suppliers often stop at the control box.
TIAS Engineering works across the full system: mechanism, sensors, electronics, control, software, data and the practical realities of the workshop.
Practical engineering
Real machines, real sensors, real tolerances, real operators.
Full-stack technical capability
Mechanical, electrical, software, AI and web systems treated as one connected problem.
Built for awkward jobs
Ideal for prototypes, specialist tools, unusual machines and systems that do not fit neatly into one trade.
Useful for businesses that need:
Custom machines
Automated measuring systems
Small-part handling
CNC and workshop tools
Inspection systems
Production aids
Technical websites
Internal dashboards
AI workflow automation
Prototype development
Engine and performance tooling
Data acquisition systems
Have an awkward technical problem?
Send a short description of what you are trying to build, automate, measure or improve.
United Kingdom