From Spreadsheets to Easy-Grind – How NCMT Revolutionised Grinding Technology
To understand the journey, we return to that pivotal year, when Paul Bullimore, Senior Technical Engineer at NCMT, responded to a customer’s challenge that would spark one of the company’s proudest engineering achievements.
Today, Easy-Grind is a trusted name in grinding and is relied upon by global manufacturers and contractors alike. Yet its beginnings were humble. A handful of spreadsheets, manual calculations and a determination to deliver for a customer in need.
From Challenge to Opportunity
Viper Grinding was designed to machine exceptionally tough alloys such as Inconel materials used in turbine blades and guide vanes. Initially utilised by Rolls-Royce, the machine relied on proprietary third-party software that only they had access to.
When the machines exclusivity period ended, companies within the Rolls-Royce supply chain and beyond sought to adopt the technology but were left without access to the control software, a major roadblock.
In true NCMT fashion, a solution was found. Paul recalls: “It was clear from day one that we couldn’t leave customers to struggle. All I had were spreadsheets and manual calculations, so drawing on my background in technology and databases, I built a small Java program to generate the necessary NC code.”
The initial software was successful, and the customer was delighted with the results. This marked the birth of a software solution that would go on to transform precision grinding worldwide. From those first calculations and Java program a seed was planted and what grew out of it was Easy-Grind.
Building a Platform for Precision
Grinding high-temperature alloys brings unique challenges. Unlike a milling cutter, a grinding wheel wears down with each dressing, changing its diameter and affecting precision. Software had to adapt dynamically, accounting for those changes while maintaining micron -level tolerances and managing coolant flows at pressures exceeding 70 bar.
By 2005, demand from new contractors led NCMT to formalise the programme into Easy-Grind Version 1. Written in C# on the .NET platform, it introduced new cutting strategies, linear and five-axis capability, roll corrections and an intuitive user interface.
In 2009, Easy-Correct was launched, a companion program allowing operators to manage corrections directly on the machine via a simple graphical interface. “It made training easier and gave operators real confidence,” Paul recalls.
Then, in 2010, came Easy-Grind Max, enabling users to import 3D CAD models, simulate toolpaths and validate processes virtually before ever cutting metal. Max Plus followed, offering deeper integration and near ‘click-to-machine’ simplicity.
“What started small became my unruly child,” Paul laughs. “It just kept growing as new challenges emerged.”
More Than Software
Unlike generic CAM systems, Easy-Grind was designed specifically around the complexities of Viper Grinding and the real-world needs of NCMT’s customers.
“If a customer needed a new cutting strategy, we could build it directly,” Paul explains. “They weren’t waiting in a queue of thirty requests we could respond immediately. That agility became our trademark.”
That responsiveness helped Easy-Grind become the software of choice for aerospace manufacturers across Europe, the United States, Japan, India and beyond. Makino recognised its value, shipping machines bundled with NCMT’s software.
As Gary Mason, Engineering Director at NCMT, reflects: “Customers don’t just buy machines, they invest in capability. The combination of Viper Grinding and Easy-Grind gave them a complete solution. It’s a perfect example of how NCMT goes beyond supplying equipment, we deliver engineering excellence and ongoing partnership. Easy-Grind embodies our belief that innovation and service go hand in hand.”
Passing the Baton
For Paul, Easy-Grind represents more than technical achievement it’s a culture of continuity.
“We’ve always treated our application engineers as internal customers. They’d bring me real problems, and the software evolved to solve them. That mindset of responsiveness is what truly sets NCMT apart.”
As retirement approached, NCMT needed a succession plan and found the right candidate to carry on the Easy-Grind story with experienced software developer Steve Walton. Paul worked closely with Steve for over a year to ensure a seamless handover and now Paul is driving the innovation forward with his extensive knowledge of niche CNC machining. As Paul puts it: “Easy-Grind is in safe hands, Steve brings fresh energy and technical skills and will carry the software forward”.
With its modular design, Easy-Grind is built to evolve. New plug-ins, correction strategies and scanning technologies can be seamlessly integrated as customer needs change.
“From my perspective, the platform is mature,” Paul reflects, “but it’s also built to adapt. The future belongs to the next generation.”
A Legacy Celebrated
Looking back, Paul remains characteristically modest.
“I always said I was just doing my job. But when you see Easy-Grind running worldwide, cutting the parts that keep aircraft flying, it’s hard not to feel proud.”
As he steps into retirement, Paul leaves behind a piece of engineering history.
Gary Mason sums it up best: “Easy-Grind symbolises everything NCMT stands for innovation, integrity and customer focus. It transformed what was possible in aerospace manufacturing and continues to evolve with every generation of engineers. Paul’s contribution has left an indelible mark on the industry a true legacy of excellence.”
From a few spreadsheets to a globally adopted software platform, Easy-Grind stands as proof that necessity, technical creativity and customer-first thinking can reshape an industry. For NCMT, it remains a symbol of engineering partnership at its finest. For Paul Bullimore, it marks a career defined by ingenuity, mentorship and a legacy that will continue to inspire for decades to come.