Sturdy Cycles is not your typical bicycle manufacturer. Based in Somerset, founder and engineer Tom Sturdy has built a reputation for creating some of the world’s most advanced bespoke cycles, designed and fitted to each rider with absolute precision.
Every frame, every joint, and every component is the result of careful craftsmanship, engineering know-how, and an uncompromising approach to quality.
Producing components of this calibre means pushing machining processes to their limits. For Sturdy Cycles, machining titanium and other high-performance alloys is part of the everyday workflow, but achieving flawless surface finishes and repeatable accuracy requires not just the right machines, but also the right fluids to keep everything running smoothly.
That’s where Jemtech – the UK’s only distributor of Blaser Swisslube cutting fluids – came in.
For years, Sturdy Cycles had been producing exceptional bicycles, but behind the scenes, coolant performance was proving a bottleneck. Precision machining demands consistency. When coolants break down, lose stability, or fail to protect tools and machines, the whole process suffers.
Issues Sturdy faced included:
Variable surface finishes on critical components
Reduced tool life, leading to higher costs and downtime
Coolant instability, requiring frequent top-ups and adjustments
Operator dissatisfaction, with odours and residue creating an unpleasant working environment
For a workshop where every component matters, this was unacceptable. Tom and his team knew there had to be a better way.
When Jemtech introduced Sturdy Cycles to Blaser coolants, the appeal was clear. Blaser’s reputation in aerospace, medical and precision engineering made them the ideal partner for a manufacturer pushing the boundaries of cycle engineering. Jemtech recommended Blaser B-Cool Motec 501, a high-performance, water-miscible coolant designed to deliver long-term stability and consistent machining quality – even when tackling demanding alloys like titanium.
The trial was straightforward: swap out the existing coolant for Blaser B-Cool Motec 501 and monitor the results. Within days, the benefits were visible. Machining operations ran more smoothly, surfaces came off the machines cleaner, and operators immediately noticed the difference.
The feedback from Sturdy Cycles couldn’t have been clearer:
“Just wanted to send you a quick note to say how much better the Blaser coolant is. It’s made a really massive difference!”
Tom
Owner, Sturdy Cycles
Blaser was recommended to overcome their persistent coolant stability issues. After eight months, Tom is very happy to report that those problems are gone.
But that wasn’t all. An added bonus has been dramatically improved tool life, finer surface finishes, and even reduced cutting noise – proof that coolant really is a “liquid tool.”
Key improvements included:
Surface finish
Parts came off the machines with a noticeably finer finish, reducing the need for secondary operations.
Tool life
tools stayed sharper for longer, cutting costs and improving efficiency.
Stability
B-Cool Motec 501 maintained concentration better, with fewer adjustments and less waste.
Operator satisfaction
No unpleasant odours, no skin irritation, and a cleaner working environment.
For a business where quality is everything, the coolant was no longer a weak link – it became a strength.
Jemtech has been supplying cutting fluids and fluid management solutions to the UK’s leading manufacturers for over 30 years. With customers across aerospace, automotive, defence and medical sectors, Jemtech understands that coolants are not just a consumable – they are a critical part of the manufacturing process.
As the UK’s exclusive distributor of Blaser Swisslube, Jemtech provides not only access to world-leading coolants, but also the technical expertise to help customers maximise their performance. Every installation is backed up with support in fluid management, monitoring, and optimisation – ensuring customers get the most from their investment.
Founded in Switzerland in 1936, Blaser Swisslube is a global leader in metalworking fluids. Their coolants are trusted by manufacturers worldwide for their consistency, performance and operator-friendly formulations. Blaser’s philosophy is simple: the right coolant is a “liquid tool” – every bit as important as the machine and cutting tool.
By working closely with partners like Jemtech, Blaser ensures their products deliver real-world benefits: improved productivity, extended tool life, reduced maintenance and healthier workplaces.
B-Cool Motec 501 is part of Blaser’s advanced water-miscible coolant range, delivering stable, long-lasting performance across a wide range of applications and materials – from steels to titanium alloys.
✔ Extended tool life
Reduces wear and tear, especially when machining tough materials.
✔ Outstanding stability
Maintains concentration over long periods with less need for adjustments.
✔ Clean machining
Minimal foaming, clean surfaces and reduced residue.
✔ Operator friendly
No unpleasant smells, skin-friendly formulation.
✔ Versatility
Performs well across a wide range of machines, materials and operations.
For a bespoke manufacturer like Sturdy Cycles, this meant faster turnaround, better part quality, and lower operational costs.
The success at Sturdy Cycles underlines an important point for all precision engineers: coolant choice is not secondary – it is central to machining performance.
Many shops accept coolant problems as unavoidable, but as this trial showed, the right product can deliver step-change improvements across productivity, quality and operator satisfaction.
As engineering pushes into more demanding materials, tighter tolerances and higher expectations, coolants like Blaser B-Cool Motec 501 are becoming an essential part of the precision toolkit.
For Sturdy Cycles, the trial wasn’t just a minor upgrade – it was a game-changer. Machining performance improved, tools lasted longer, operators were happier, and the company could focus on what it does best: designing and delivering some of the most advanced bespoke cycles in the world.
If you’re looking to improve your machining processes, extend tool life, and eliminate coolant headaches, Jemtech and Blaser have the solution.
Contact Jemtech today to arrange a consultation or trial and see what a “massive difference” the right coolant can make in your workshop. You can keep up to date with the latest news from Jemtech on LinkedIn.