Plastic coated materials
This was an interesting little job I saw in the workshop today and gives me the chance to talk about the pros and cons of pre-coated materials. The customer wanted us to produce a batch of 300 electric motor covers. These were made from mild steel with zinc coating on the underside. The top face has a thick white plastic coating bonded to it and on top of this sits a low tac 4 thou (0.1016mm) peelable protective film. This film actually stays in place throughout the entire cutting and manufacturing process and remains there whilst the components are being transported to the customer. It is only removed at site after delivery, by the customer.
Plastic coated flat blank
The flat blanks here were punched out using our Trumpf 3000R punching machine. This is obviously slower than using our Trumpf fibre laser but unfortunately pre-coated materials such as highly reflective pre-anodised reflector material, pre-painted material or plastic coated material (as seen here) are not suited to laser cutting.
Folding up the blanks
For this job 0.9mm mild steel was used but with the coating on it measures 1.2mm. The coating is very durable and tough with a leatherette finish. It would be a good coating to use for something such as a radiator cover. Another advantage is that it is relatively cheap as it bypasses the need for another process such as powder coating. However, unlike powder coating it does leave exposed edges so is only suitable for interior settings.
Protective film partially removed
Need to contact us?
Take a look at our website for more insights into past and recent sheet metal projects and the help we can give you with your designs. There’s also a useful section dedicated to our plant list and detailed help on tooling.
If you are looking to purchase metal work in Great Britain, then do it it’s easy! No complications with language problems or expensive shipping costs. Just pick up the phone and talk to us on 01489 577786. Alternatively send us your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will produce some estimates for you.
Electric motor covers
Basically if you want to have sheet metal work produced in the south of England we would be more than pleased to help you.