FAQ
Browse our Frequently asked questions
Laser Cutting
Maximum thickness is a balance between machine capacity and optimum quality.
Maximum sheet size: 3048x1524mm
Maximum thickness:
Mild Steel – 16mm
Stainless Steel – 12mm
Aluminium – 12mm
Copper – 6mm
Brass – 6mm
We use specialised suction lifting devices to handle sheets and minimise scratches and gouges.
We can take both 2D and 3D files. The main ones we use are DXF, DWG and most 3D files including Solidworks part files, Inventor part files, Step files, IGES files and so on. If you have another file type we’ll do our best to work with it, but we can’t guarantee it will work with our systems and software.
We proudly use LVD machinery for many reasons including reliability, build quality and back up service. Our laser machinery is powered by a fibre optic 4kw power source which allows us to cut very quickly and efficiently whilst maintaining the intricacy and tolerances required in the industry.
LVD specify the repetitive accuracy to +/-0.025mm and positioning accuracy to +/-0.050mm
It is common to get a burr when laser cutting aluminium. When the material thickness is 3mm and under, we cut burr free. When the material thickness is 4mm and over, we typically get a very slight furry edge which can worsen as the material thickness increases.
We use a factor of 75% of the material thickness. So if we’re cutting from 10mm thick material, we can achieve a 7.5mm hole.
Typically pricing is based upon time to complete the job combined with material value. There is an initial set up charge and following that we charge for laser time and materials. That means that a one off custom part will be less cost effective than a larger production run.
CNC Folding
We have a 3100mm 135T machine capable of folding 3000mm of 6mm mild steel. The smaller the length, the thicker we can fold. We have tooling to fold 0.5mm material right through to 16mm material.
We are proud to use an LVD Easyform press brake which we installed brand new in July 2019. The machine has a full 3D 6 axis back gauge, the famous patented laser angle measuring system, CNC crowning, hydraulic upper and lower tool clamping, offline programming software which automatically corrects incorrect K-Factor’s/bend radiuses and the list goes on. There has been no expense spared on our machine and the tooling we have for it. We firmly believe it’s the best available in the market.
Absolutely – in fact we prefer it!
Absolutely, contact us and we’ll send you our data to ensure your parts come out correct.
Fabrication
We have specialist fabricators who are skilled in common welding techniques with most common materials, including:
- Stainless Steel TIG and MIG welding
- Aluminium TIG and MIG welding
- Mild Steel TIG and MIG welding
We use our own electropolishing machine to minimise acid staining.
We certainly can. We often utilise clinch nut and stud insertion, nut and stud welding as well as other fixing methods.
Yes – we have specialised machines to carry out these processes.
Yes – we are experienced in this specialist field. You name the micron, we’ll work to it.
Our specialist fabricators are dedicated to supporting our manufacturing customers so unfortunately we are unable to help with one-off welding repairs.
Powder Coating
Yes, we sure do. We use it to benefit our customers, allowing them to avoid secondary lead time delays, admin costs and double handling. There are great benefits for customers who get us to powder coat their product as well as make it.
We offer our customers access to a superior powder coating finish. Not just because powder coating is how we started as a company. We grew with customers into a full-service metal manufacturing supplier because our director has extensive experience working in the industry both here and overseas.
Our oven is sized to suit the majority of our business in smaller components and subassemblies.
Length – 3000mm
Width – 1100mm
Height – 2000mm
We typically use the Dulux powder coating range but can use others where required. We often get custom colours made for large quantities or ongoing orders where we’re required to match a particular company colour.
We do when necessary. We use a subcontractor who we have a longstanding relationship with which provides us an excellent quality and service. Because we project manage this for our customers we ensure the process is seamless and that lead times and costs are kept to a minimum.
Assembly
We certainly can. The depth of assembly is managed on a case by case basis. We often assemble or part assemble our customer’s products for them. Our goal is to deliver a product that is ready to assemble or sell.
We utilise our fabricators when assembling for a very good reason. The fabricators have already worked on the product and already understand it – our studies show our fabricators assembling the product in a specific assembly area is the most efficient way of carrying out the process.