When it comes to metal cutting, there are a number of methods that can be carried out. This can range from simple engraving through to intricate machine part manufacturing. However, the level of use is commonly misconceived, and what many don’t appreciate is how intricate and widely used this process is.
In this blog we will look at all of the services Yorkshire Profiles provides, how our metal cutting services work, and what benefits it can provide.
2x Axis Laser Cutting
2x axis laser cutting involves cutting a flat object, in most cases using sheet metal. Other processing techniques aren’t a practical option due to how long they take to use, and how inaccurate they can be. It’s possible to create a variety of items that can be used for industries such as construction, from road vehicles to cogs and gears.
It’s an economical process, boasting fast cutting speeds whilst keeping waste reduction low through a term called nesting. Nesting involves the process of laying out a cutting pattern to make sure raw material wastage is kept at a minimum.
Steps are taken to make sure that the final quality will meet customer expectations. No mechanical pressure is applied to the metal so there’s less chance of surface damage. The correct measures are made to ensure material deformation isn’t a problem. There’s also no use of punch dyes to minimise risk completely.
When it comes to accuracy, it’s a struggle to find another process that has such high levels when it comes to consistency. The tolerance is normally 2.5% of material thickness or 0.025 mm. It doesn’t matter how intricate the cut needs to be, it is achieved with great ease.
Regardless of deadline, it’s possible to achieve a rapid turnaround of any design changes. Thanks to the software we use, design and tool changes can be done without expense.
Forming and Bending
Forming and bending is achieved by using hardened steel tooling to shape sheet metal. It creates a unique U or V shape which is important for certain mechanical items. A key example of this is how industry ductwork needs to go through a bending process to be fully functional.
We use special mechanical presses that do this job to a very high standard, and our experience allows us to do both these processes to exact specifications with maximum accuracy. This allows us to work with a number of materials that can undergo bending and forming without causing any damage thanks to special equipment.
Welding and Assembly
Our team of skilled experts can translate your concept designs into reality. An important process is welding, both semi-automatic and manual. There are a wide range of materials that can undergo this type of process, including more exotic types such as hardox and weldox.
Assembly can often be a stressful task to carry out. It requires many different elements to ensure the final item is made as briefed. The final construction can be left to the customer, or can be carried out by us, dependant on requirements. We have experience in creating a variety of different units for industry projects.
Machining
Machining is often one of the most important aspects of material manufacturing. It can include anything from cutting, abrading, forming, drilling or shaping metal. Regardless of what is actually done, we always do it to an industry standard thanks to our in-house experts.
Due to how crucial machining is we assure customers that we work with the most current and up to date technologies, including different materials.
Plating and Powder Coating
Depending what item you require work on, it may require a plating or powder coating. Plating is essentially adding another layer of armour that may receive a lot of contact, allowing the metal to be shielded sufficiently.
Powder coating is an advanced method of adding a protective finish that improves the aesthetic of the material. Normally, the powder is a mixture of resin and pigment that’s electrostatically sprayed onto a surface. Once heated into a smooth coating, the final result is a uniformed, durable and top quality finish.
Plating and powder coating is a fast growing technology for a variety of reasons. Not only is the material durability improved considerably, but it’s more environmentally friendly, especially as an alternative to a liquid finish. They have solvents which contain pollutants. Powder coating doesn’t have any solvents whatsoever, allowing manufacturers to save money on pollution control equipment.
Deburring
Deburring is a mass finishing manufacturing process that can deburr (remove unwanted edges) a considerable amount of items. Specially sized ceramic stones and the item are placed into the container/tub. This tub is then vibrated, causing the stones to rub against the item to achieve a smooth finish without any marks.
This is ‘tumbling’, where vibrations are able to finish off internal features with holes as an example. To provide the very best in quality, Yorkshire Profiles uses special machines that can be used for mass production.
Most clients prefer us to do this process to ensure an item is safe to handle. Sharp edges are common after being laser cut but aren’t suitable for most environments. There’s no need to worry, as we have an incredibly fast turnaround for this process.
Drill and Tapping
A tap drill is a tool that’s used to cut a cylindrical opening into a particular item, normally metal. This is done before tapping it which involves cutting threads on the inside surface to allow for a screw. Although this type of process has been done in the industry since the middle ages, there are now state of the art machines that can automatically do the job.
It’s an important process for modern manufacturers, as a high number of jobs will revolve around catering to custom items. For sheet metal work, it is common to tap holes for nuts and screws so they can be fastened to another component. It’s important this is done correctly, so the final item functions and constructs correctly.
Inspection
Inspection is a vital aspect of any job, regardless how small or large. It requires strict principles and state of the art technologies that check each item is of the best possible standard. We carry out inspections regularly throughout the manufacturing process as a safety precaution, and also to provide assurance to our customers.
In the rare situation there is a problem with the fabrication, we can easily detect and resolve it, meaning you still get a fantastic product.
Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering, often known as back engineering, is a process that extracts the design and knowledge from anything man made. It then gives us the ability to reproduce any aspect of the item, even if you wish to adapt it in a personal way. In some cases this tasks requires the full disassembling of a component so we can understand all the details.
The main aim of this process is to recreate the item but of a superior quality. It’s possible to maintain the same principles of the first product whilst fixing any issues it may have had.
Quality Assured
You can always rely on Yorkshire Profiles to provide a top quality service. Our ISO9001 accreditation proves that everything we do is done to the best possible standard. We stand out as a family-run business that has our customers best interests at the heart of our morals.
Yorkshire Profiles and Metal Cutting Services
After reading all of the process that we do at Yorkshire Profiles, it shows how versatile metal cutting is. With many years of experience with laser technology, there are very few manufacturers that can offer a level of service compared to ours.
Whether you have any questions about our metal cutting services, the secondary operations we do or anything else, get in contact today on 01904 737095. Alternatively you can join the conversation and see the latest on industry news on Twitter: @YorksProfiles
