Aerospace
Automotive
Welcome to Capricorn
Welcome to Capricorn, a leading innovator in the design, engineering and manufacture of high precision components.
As a trusted provider of high-end performance components for motorsport, automotive, and aerospace applications, we are proud to hold the AS9100 certification - an internationally recognised standard for quality management in the aerospace sector.
From prototype to production prepared at capricorn.
Precision Coatings.
capricorn specialises in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-precision components for the aerospace sector. Our commitment to quality, safety, and reliability ensures every component meets the most stringent aerospace requirements.
Precision Engineering.
Operating from a 21,000sq. ft. facility in Basingstoke, we utilise a comprehensive range of machining technologies, including 5-axis vertical CNC machines, large-format horizontal machining equipment, and specialist CNC turning and milling stations. This capability enables us to manufacture even the most complex aerospace components with exceptional accuracy and repeatability.
Advanced Coating Technologies.
Our proprietary capricorn Ceramic 2000 nickel-ceramic coating, commonly known as Nikasil, is applied electrolytically using a nickel and silicon-carbide matrix. This high-performance coating delivers superior wear resistance, extended component life, and enhanced operational efficiency. All coating and machining processes are monitored using Statistical Process Control (SPC) to ensure consistent quality and optimal performance characteristics.
We verify 100% substrate bonding through regular destructive cut-tests, all carried our in accordance with AS9100 quality standards.
In addition to our nickel ceramic coating, we offer a range of other high-performance surface treatments, including electroless nickel-PTFE, hard anodising and SurTec 650, allowing us to support a wide range of aerospace material and performance requirements.
Accreditations.
Our AS9100 certification reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards to aerospace quality management. This accreditation guarantees that our processes are optimised for consistency, traceability, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on safety, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.
Piston Machining.
For over 20 years capricorn has been at the leading edge of forged and billet machined piston design and manufacture. Utilising the very latest in material developments, advancements in design, and the latest in machining technology we help our customers, the leaders in motorsport, and automotive to stay ahead of their competition.
Specialising in high specific loads, lowest mass and lowest friction all of our pistons are optimised using the latest FEA analysis and combined with extensive experience ranging from 350barg+ diesel through to 250barg+ gasoline engines.
Capabilities.
Utilising the latest CAD analysis software allows us to carry out finite element analysis as well as thermal expansion analysis using COSMOS, SolidWorks and ProEngineer software.
Our in-house ISO-thermal precision closed die forge press along with our full heat-treatment capability gives us full control of the whole manufacture process. Optimised near-net forging design, production-intent routings, and bespoke gauging allow us to offer customers small to medium production volumes of up to 5,000.
For customers like our OEM Prototype Departments who are working to tight timescales or have prototype or development requirements, billet machining allows us the flexibility to meet constantly changing design requirements and is the preferred route before investing in forge tooling.
Advanced Materials & Coatings.
We utilise the latest in material technologies dependent on application including 2618 for racing applications, 4032 common eutectic aluminium-silicon alloy and M245 a higher cost alloy with proven fatigue strength over 4032.
Specialist coatings such as anodised ring grooves to prevent micro-welding of piston rings, electroless nickel/PTFE applied to piston crowns to reflect heat, manganese phosphate, xylan, D88 or D10 skirt coatings all offer differing levels of anti-friction are all available.
Innovation.
Innovation needs impulse. That's why capricorn Automotive Ltd cultivates a long-term and trustful partnership with Loughborough University. This relationship has already provided fundamental insights into the latest remaining sector for significant performance enhancement - the origin of friction loss inside cylinders.
Forgings.
Why use a forging...
Forgings offer improved material sectional mechanical properties over machined from solid or cast parts. Transverse properties are increased over bar stock due to increased working in the directions from multiple forging operations.
This makes a forged part stronger than their equivalent machined from solid or cast part. A forged component also greatly reduces the possibilities of metallurgical defects such as porosity as found in some castings.
Moving from a machined from solid part to a forging generates savings in raw material usage. Also using a near-net shaped forging also greatly reduces the machining time allowing the customer significant cost savings.
Capabilities.
Full internal CAD support using Pro-E and SolidWorks, forging simulation modelling plus tool design and final product structural analysis is available to ensure your project meets quality as well as cost requirements.
A forging size capacity up to 150.0mm with 600 tons of force with full data-logging, heat treatment to 600c maintained in accordance with the procedures specified in BS 2M 54: 1991 and with a full range of polymer quenching facilities. This allows a typical forged part accuracy of +/- 0.1mm with a minimum draft of 0.5 degrees.
Advanced Materials.
We utilise the latest in material technologies dependent on application including 2618 for racing applications, 4032 common eutectic aluminium-silicon alloy and M245 a higher cost alloy with proven fatigue strength over 4032.
Innovation.
As well as fulfilling our own internal requirements for aluminium piston and Porsche air cooled cylinder barrel forgings other manufacturers and customers from all industries come to rely on our forging services.
Add to this our ever-growing machining capabilities means that we can also offer customers a complete turn-key solution for forging, machining and coatings.
A full turn-key solution for low/high volume forged components all carried out to AS9100 standards.
This attention to detail is the reason why F1, high-end motorsport teams and other industries trust capricorn forgings.
Cylinder Liners.
capricorn nickel-ceramic coated cylinder liners are at the forefront of high-performance engine technology, offering unmatched durability and efficiency for the most demanding applications.
Whether used in Formula 1 engines, aerospace propulsion systems or high-end performance applications, our nickel-ceramic coated cylinder liners are engineered to withstand the most demanding environments.
At capricorn, we ensure that every cylinder liner we produce meets the highest standards of precision, quality, and durability, helping our clients push the limits of engine performance.
Typical surface bore finishes and tolerances;
- 0.15<Ra<0.3
- 0.1<Rpk<0.3
- 0.6<Rk<1.2
- 0.3<Rvk<0.6
- OD to a surface finish of 0.8 Ra.
- ID round to within 0.010mm
- ID parallel to within 0.010mm
- Bore size tolerance +0.010mm / -0
- Honing cross hatch angle 35 degress inclusive
Capabilities.
Our in-house proprietary nickel-ceramic coating process enhances the performance and longevity of cylinder liners by providing superior resistance to friction, wear, and thermal stress. This makes them ideal for high-performance engines used in motorsport, niche automotive, and aerospace applications, where engine reliability and longevity are critical. The coating also improves heat dissipation, reduces friction, and enhances the overall efficiency of the engine, resulting in better performance under extreme conditions.
Advanced Materials & Coatings.
We utilise the latest in material technologies including differing grades of aluminium, high strength steels and MMC.
Advancement in coating technologies also allows us to offer zinc phosphate, nickel PTFE, and xylan coating to the outside dimensions of the cylinder liners to prevent micro-welding, corrosion, and galling.
Innovation.
Whether it's a stand-alone dry liner or wet liner or as part of a cylinder block liner conversion we have the knowledge and expertise to find the right solution.
Our constant desire to push the boundaries for innovation is one of the main reasons for our continued long-term success along with the will to improve current products and to strive for perfection makes us what we are.
Our longstanding partnership with Loughborough University helps us to reinforce this vision keeping us very much at the cutting edge of engine technology.
Nickel Ceramic Cylinder Block Services.
capricorn are the market leader in coating technology for motorsport and automotive applications. Our propriety electrolytic nickel ceramic coating has been at the leading edge of motorsport technology for over 20 years.
Capabilities.
We are experts in providing high-performance solutions all designed and manufactured in-house and have proven repair/engine upgrade solutions for many types of cylinder blocks including Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW, Mercedes, Yamaha and Suzuki to name a few.
Our in-house honing capabilities allows us the options of cold or hot honing (with or without torque plates), variable surface finish options to suit and typically inline with our own cylinder liner standards.
Alternative coatings and materials such as plasma and cast iron can also be honed utilising our in-house equipment.
Advanced Coating Technologies.
Our in-house proprietary nickel-ceramic coating process enhances the performance and longevity of cylinder liners by providing superior resistance to friction, wear, and thermal stress.
With the ability to deposit up to +um of nickel ceramic coating, giving an optimum hardness of +550Hv with an average SiC count of 8%.
Innovation.
Research carried out by our Chief Technical Officer Dr. Sebastian Howell Smith in conjunction with the Loughborough University, has proven that nickel ceramic has the lowest frictional properties when compared to other alternatives.
Typical repair/engine upgrade solutions are;
- Re-plate and hone with our nickel ceramic coating, offering excellent wear resistance and low friction thus optimising the performance of your engine.
- Dry liner or wet liner conversion using steel or aluminium custom-designed cylinder liners with our nickel ceramic coating. This will add the same benefits as a standard re-plate and hone, but provide additional benefits on cylinder strength and cooling enablng high-performance tuning to be achieved.
If you have a cylinder block that you would like to send to us for evaluation/repair/upgrade please use the contact form and we will be in touch.
Contact us
Telephone: +44 1256 365800
E-mail: sales@capricornauto.co.uk
Address: Units B&C Lutyens Industrial Centre, Bilton Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8LJ, UK.
Performance Products by capricorn.
capricorn Performance Products are dedicated to delivering high-quality performance solutions engineered for reliability, precision, and results. Built on a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship, capricorn Automotive designs and supplies products that meet the demands of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Every product is developed with performance, durability, and application in mind, ensuring confidence whether on the road or track.
Capabilities.
Precision-engineered performance products for Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari and Nissan to name a few. capricorn Performance Products delivers uncompromising quality, track-proven design, and results you can feel.
Our Porsche Performance Products include forged and billet machined pistons, forged air-cooled cylinder barrels, water-cooled nickel ceramic coated cylinder liners as well as proven repair solutions for damaged crankcases.
As the chosen design partner for McLaren we were tasked with carrying out all of the piston and cylinder liner development, prototype and early production requirements for the M838 engine. Utilsiing this experience and knowledge we are able to offer customers performance upgrade kits to further enhance your experience.
Our expertise and knowledge covers performance upgrades for other prestigious marques including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, BMW and Nissan.
Advanced Materials & Coatings.
We utilise the latest in material technologies including differing grades of aluminium, high strength steels and MMC.
Our in-house proprietary nickel-ceramic coating process enhances the performance and longevity of cylinder liners by providing superior resistance to friction, wear, and thermal stress.
Innovation.
Whether it's a piston, stand-alone dry liner or wet liner or as part of a cylinder block liner conversion we have the knowledge and expertise to find the right solution.
Our constant desire to push the boundaries for innovation is one of the main reasons for our continued long-term success along with the will to improve current products and to strive for perfection makes us what we are.
Our longstanding partnership with Loughborough University helps us to reinforce this vision keeping us very much at the cutting edge of engine technology.
Machining.
In addition to our core competencies, our ever-expanding range of capabilities extends to the high precision machining of other motorsport, automotive, and niche aero engine-related components.
Capabilities.
Our range of 3, 4, and 5-axis machining centres enable us to machine complex castings for cylinder blocks, crankcases, water jackets, and gearbox housings as well as other critical engine internal components like connecting rods.
Away from motorsport and automotive our expertise in the complete manufacture of machining, coating and grinding of complex trochoid shape housings are perfect for the niche aero market.
Advanced Materials & Coatings.
We utilise the latest in material technologies including differing grades of aluminium, high strength steels, cast iron, titanium, MMC and Inconel.
Our in-house proprietary nickel-ceramic coating process enhances the performance and longevity of cylinder liners by providing superior resistance to friction, wear, and thermal stress.
Innovation.
Many of our customers have found that our in-house forging, heat treatment, nickel ceramic coating and comprehensive machining services can generate significant benefits in cost and lead-times.
The addition of an aluminium sand casting foundry within the capricorn Group allows us to offer customers a truly one-stop shop for casting and full machining all carried out to AS9100 Rev D standards.
About the capricorn Group - Our Locations.
1. Headquarters.
capricorn Group,
Dusseldorf, Germany.
Headquarters and administration of the capricorn Group.
2. Composite.
capricorn Composite,
Meuspath, Germany.
Development, production and coating of high-performance components made of fibre-reinforced composites.
3. capricorn Automotive GmbH,
capricorn Automotive GmbH,
Monchengladbach, Germany.
Design, construction, and production of high-end connecting rods, engine components, as well as mechanical components.
4. capricorn Automotive SAS,
capricorn Automotive SAS,
St. Etienne, France
Design, construction, and production of high-end crankshafts and camshafts.
5. capricorn Automotive Ltd,
capricorn Automotive Ltd,
Basingstoke, England
Design, construction and production of highly complex CNC machined components including cylinder liners, pistons, aluminium forgings, coatings and cylinder block services.
6. capricorn Fonderia Srl,
capricorn Fonderia Srl,
Modena, Italy
Specialised in high precision aluminium gravity sand castings for engine and gearbox components, supplying the biggest and most renowned high-luxury automotive and motor vvehicle manufacturers.
7. capricorn Works GmbH,
capricorn Works GmbH,
Monchengladbach, Germany.
Maintenance, restoration, service and racing of vintage cars, vehicle conversions and development of OEM automotive manufacturers, production of carriage and chassis components as well as complete engines.
Send Us A Message:
Contact Details:
Telephone: +44 1256 365800
E-mail: sales@capricornauto.co.uk
Address: Units B&C Lutyens Industrial Centre, Bilton Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 8LJ, UK
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