laser cutting Archives -

Manufacturing sheet metal mild steel brackets in 2023

Tuesday, October 24th, 2023

Sheet metal mild steel brackets: A versatile and durable solution

Sheet metal mild steel brackets are a versatile and durable solution for a wide range of applications. They are strong enough to support heavy loads, yet lightweight enough to be easy to install. Mild steel is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many projects.

CNC punching sheet metal – CSK

One of the biggest advantages of sheet metal mild steel brackets is that they can be custom fabricated to meet any specific needs. This means that you can get a bracket that is the perfect size, shape, and strength for your application. V and F Sheet Metal can also add features such as holes, slots, threads inserts and bends to your brackets, making them even more versatile.

Sheet metal mild steel brackets are commonly used in a variety of industries, including construction, lighting, heating, electronics, audio, pumping etc. They are used to support lighting, shelves, cabinets, pipes, ductwork, and other equipment. They are also used to create frames for structures such as tables, chairs, and storage racks.

Sheet metal brackets

Here are just a few examples of how sheet metal mild steel brackets can be used:

• Construction: Sheet metal brackets are often used to support walls, ceilings panels, lighting runs, roofing and heating systems. They are also used to create frames for windows, doors and locking systems.

• Manufacturing: Sheet metal brackets are used in a variety of manufacturing applications, such as supporting assembly lines and conveyor belts. They are also used to create frames for machinery and equipment.

• Electronics: Sheet metal mild steel brackets are used in a variety of electronics applications, such as supporting 19” rack mount equipment, PCB mounting, chassis front and rear panel fixing.

When choosing sheet metal mild steel brackets for your application, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Size and shape: Make sure to choose brackets that are the right size and shape for your application.

• Strength: Consider the weight of the load that the brackets will be supporting. Choose brackets that are strong enough to handle the load without bending or breaking.

• Finish: Sheet metal brackets are available in a variety of finishes, including bare steel, galvanized steel, and painted steel. Choose a finish that is appropriate for your application and environment.

Sheet metal brackets

For more examples of sheet metal mild steel brackets why not take a look at our Pinterest Boards where we have hundreds of examples of sheet metal projects.

If you are looking for a versatile and durable solution for your bracketing needs, sheet metal mild steel brackets are a great option. They can be custom fabricated to meet your specific needs and are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes.

Need a quote for your sheet metal brackets? Contact us through the website or email us at sales@vandf.co.uk. We will be happy to help you.

Sheet metal manufacturers near me Portsmouth Southampton Hampshire

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023

Sheet metal manufacturers near me Portsmouth Southampton Hampshire UK

V and F Sheet Metal have been a sheet metal work sub-contract manufacturer for nearly 40 years. For sheet metal manufacturers near me if you are based in Hampshire, UK you should try V and F Sheet Metal. We have been supporting companies within Hampshire and right across the UK.

Sheet metal housings

Here are some tips for choosing a sheet metal manufacturer:

• Look for a manufacturer with experience in your industry. This will ensure that they have the knowledge and expertise to produce the parts you need to meet your specific requirements.

• Make sure the manufacturer has the capabilities to produce the parts you need. This includes considering the size, complexity, and material of the parts.

• Read reviews from other customers. This can give you a good idea of the manufacturer’s quality of work, customer service, and turnaround time.

• Get accurate quotes. This will help you to cost out your projects before committing to production.

Once you have chosen a sheet metal manufacturer, be sure to provide them with clear and detailed specifications for the parts you need. This will help to ensure that the parts are produced to your exact requirements.

Welded sheet metal work

Looking for sheet metal manufacturers near me to offer laser cutting, CNC punching, CNC bending and welding services. We can supply all that and much more. Spot welding, rolling, press work, drilling, 3D CAD/CAM support and mechanical assembly.

Looking for more examples work produced by sheet metal manufacturers? Take a look at our Pinterest Boards for hundreds of part sheet metal projects.

Simply send us your sheet metal drawings and volumes required and we will be happy to produce price breaks and any design help we can offer, free of charge.

Laser cutting sheet metal panels at V and F Sheet Metal

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

Laser Cutting Sheet Metal Panels

Laser cutting is a process that uses a high-powered laser beam to cut through materials. It is a very precise and versatile process that can be used to cut a variety of materials, including sheet metal.

Laser cutting sheet metal

Laser cutting sheet metal panels is a popular choice for a variety of applications. It is often used to create complex shapes and designs that would be difficult or impossible to cut using traditional methods. Laser cutting can also be used to cut very thin sheet metal, which is not possible with other methods. As there are no tools involved laser cutting is very cost effective for small batch volumes and prototyping.

The process of laser cutting sheet metal panels is relatively simple. The first step is to create a CAD file of the desired design. This file is then sent to the laser cutting machine, which uses the laser beam to cut through the sheet metal according to the design.
The laser beam is focused on the sheet metal and vaporizes the material as it passes through. The molten material is then blown away by a jet of gas. This gas may be compressed air, nitrogen or oxygen. The choice of gas will depend on the material and thickness of the panel required. The laser beam can be moved very quickly, which allows for very precise cuts.

The advantages of laser cutting sheet metal panels include:
• Precision: Laser cutting is a very precise process that can create very accurate cuts.
• Versatility: Laser cutting can be used to cut a variety of sheet metal materials, including ferrous, non-ferrous and yellow metals.
• Speed: Laser cutting is a fast process that can produce a large number of parts in a short amount of time.
• Cleanliness: Laser cutting is a clean process that does not produce any waste and very little fumes.

Laser cutting stainless steel

Overall, laser cutting is a versatile and precise process that can be used to cut a variety of materials, including sheet metal. It is a popular choice for a variety of applications, including manufacturing, prototyping, and art.

Here are some applications of laser cutting sheet metal panels:
• Manufacturing: Laser cutting is used to manufacture a wide variety of products, including automotive parts, medical devices, and electronic components.
• Prototyping: Laser cutting is a popular choice for prototyping new products. It allows for rapid and accurate production of prototypes, which can help to shorten the product development cycle.
• Art: Laser cutting is used to create a variety of decorative and functional artworks, such as sculptures, jewellery, and furniture.

For more examples of laser cutting sheet metal panels take a look at our Pinterest Board.

If you are looking for a precise and versatile method for cutting thin sheet metal, laser cutting is a good option to consider. Ask us today and we will be happy to provide a quote for laser cutting sheet metal panels, brackets, housings etc.

Manufacturing sheet metal enclosures in the UK since the 1980s

Thursday, July 13th, 2023

Sheet metal manufacturers

Manufacturing Sheet Metal Enclosures: A Guide to sub-contract manufacturing

Sheet metal enclosures are used in a wide variety of industries, from electronics, lighting, pumping, heating to medical devices. They provide protection for sensitive equipment, as well as a way to mount and secure components. That protection might be from dust, water, chemicals or to incase electrical components.

The manufacturing process for sheet metal enclosures typically involves the following steps:

Design: The first step is to design the enclosure. This includes specifying the dimensions, materials, and features of the enclosure. This design can come entirely from the customer in the form of CAD drawings or 3D models. We are always happy to guide you with the selection of materials, thicknesses, tooling, pressed inserts, treatments and finishes.

Cutting: Once the design is complete, the sheet metal is cut to size. This can be done using a variety of methods including, guillotining, laser cutting and CNC punching.

Bending: The next step is to bend the sheet metal into the desired shape. This is typically done using a CNC press brake or folder. We have a range of these machines which can cope with sheet metal enclosures up to 3M long.

Welding: If necessary, the sheet metal parts are welded together. This is usually done using a MIG or TIG welder. We have the ability to weld mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and brass.

Finishing: The final step is to finish the enclosure. This may involve painting, powder coating, zinc plating, anodizing and screen printing. These are all services we can arrange for you if needed.

CNC punched and CNC formed mild steel sheet

The manufacturing process for sheet metal enclosures can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project. However, the steps outlined above are a general overview of the processes undertaken.

For many examples of manufacturing sheet metal enclosures please take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

If you are looking for a custom sheet metal enclosure, be sure to contact us for a quote today. They will be able to help you design and manufacture an enclosure that meets your specific needs.

Sub-contract projects manufactured from sheet metal in 2023

Thursday, February 23rd, 2023

Sub-contract projects manufactured in 2023 using a wide variety of sheet metal materials

sub-contract projects, CNC punching in 2023

Sub-contract CNC punching in 2023

We use CNC punching for so many different projects. CNC punching stainless steel brackets. CNC punched aluminium electronics front panels. Sub-contract mild steel housings with CNC punch dimples, ventilation louvres and formed stand-off dimples. Here we have simple gear trays for light fittings CNC punched from 0.9mm zintec sheet. Such an efficient way of using material with little waste.

Sub-contract CNC bending in 2023

Here’s a small aluminium sub-contract project. CNC punched and CNC bent in batches of 1000 at a time. Barrel deburred to remove any sharp edges. Quick production for the bending was carried out on one of our 3 Trumpf 7036 CNC press brakes.

Sub-contract laser cutting and CNC bending in 2023

These parts are on the thicker end of the work we take on. 6mm mild steel brackets. Laser cut from steel using oxygen as the cutting gas. There are often several variants manufactured together adding up to many hundreds of brackets in a run. You can see them stacked up here in from of our 100 ton 3M Safan CNC press brake. This machine is great of sub-contract projects due to it’s speed of programming and tool setting. It shares the same tooling as our Trumpf 7036 CNC press brakes. This makes it easy to run a large production run over several machines when needed.

If you wish to see more examples of sub-contract laser cutting, CNC punching and CNC bending please take a look at our Pinterest boards.

For any sub-contract projects that you might have, simply send us an e-mail at sales@vandf.co.uk and we will be happy to supply you with a quote.

Custom sheet metal panels manufactured in the UK

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

Laser cut mild steel panels

Custom sheet metal panels can come in many different shapes and sizes. The panels can be very simple such as the rectangular panels shown here. They can also be very complex with many different cut outs, edge profiles, studs, bushes, paint colours, silk screening etc.

We make custom sheet metal panels for a wide range of industries. They may well include electronics front and rear aluminium panels. Mild steel heating control panels. Rear connector panels for audio speaker and amplifier interfaces. We also make custom sheet metal panels for a wide range of industries where there are special projects such as lighting. Often lighting is ordered that will be a standard design but needs to fit into a ceiling with holes left from an older fitting. Customer sheet metal panels are then used to take up the difference as a cheaper option than manufacturing custom light fittings.

CNC punched pre-painted mild steel sheet metal panels

As you can see from these photos panels can be produced by either Laser cutting or CNC punching. Which method we use will depend on the complexity of the panel required, the material type and the thickness. Having both laser cutting and CNC punching facilities in house allow us the flexibility to apply the right manufacturing process to your panel design.

The only way to be sure that your custom sheet metal panel is right for production is to simply send over your drawings and let us take a look. We will quickly be able to produce price options. We will be able to help you refine your design where needed to make it right for manufacturing. Thereby saving you money and reducing problems in assembly.

If you want to see even more examples of custom sheet metal panels please take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

Laser cutting sheet metal work in November 2021

Tuesday, November 30th, 2021

Laser cutting sheet metal

During November 2021 we have been busy laser cutting sheet metal. Some components are simply laser cut and that’s it. Our customers may only need a flat part such as a front panel for a rack mounted electronics chassis. They may only need a flat part because they are going to machine cut outs for special projects or perhaps they have the ability to fold up part in their own workshop. Most of the time we use the laser to cut blanks that will go on and be folded. Sometimes welded and then treated or finished in some way.

Laser cutting sheet metal produces very little edge burr and is very efficient when it comes to material yield. Laser cut parts are accurate. Complex internal and external shapes are easily produced with no need for special tooling.

The example shown here is our Trumpf 3030 in full production mode. I managed to catch the sparks flying from the initial laser hole piercing. Most of the laser cutting is clean as far less exciting! Some lines of parts have tipped where they lie between the slats on the bed of the machine. They have been programmed to have a small uncut tag. This little piece of material keeps the part held in the sheet and stops it flipping up. A simple twist once the parts are cut and it’s free from the sheet.

Need a quote for laser cutting sheet metal? Send us your drawings and we will be happy to help.

Sheet metal laser cutting near me in Hampshire UK

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

Sheet metal laser cutting near me

Sheet metal laser cutting near me, well if you are based in Hampshire then we are near you. Not a problem if you are further afield as we can ship over night. We also have vans running around the south coast, we may even be delivering to companies near you already. We tend to specialise on laser cutting thinner gauges. Up to 6mm think for mild steel an stainless steel. 3mm for aluminium alloys. We can also CNC punch in house which offers a great option to laser cutting. It also enables us to offer hybrid parts. Perhaps laser cut complex shapes and then CNC punch ventilation louvres of formed dimples.

Where parts are thicker than perhaps we feel comfortable processing in house we can connect with other laser cutters for you. This way we can offer a range of parts placing them with the best manufacturer to suit your needs.

For hundreds of examples of sheet metal laser cutting, take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

Already know what you want to have laser cut? Perfect, we will take your drawings and work out cut sizes. How many we can laser cut from a given sheet of metal and of course most importantly. Your price options. Give us a call and we are ready to help.

Laser cutting custom mild steel panels in the UK

Monday, September 27th, 2021

Laser cut mild steel panels

Laser cutting custom designed panels is something we do every day. From helping customers with their designs, producing prototypes and production volumes we are here to help. These particular panels were laser cut from thin gauge mild steel sheet. Using pure nitrogen with our Trumpf fibre laser allows for fast and accurate blank cutting.

You can see from the images here that when laser cutting custom panels it’s easy to fill a full sheet of metal. Once a single panel has been programmed, which is a matter of a few minutes, the whole sheet can be filled with the part. The exact position and orientation of each panel is automatically calculated by the Radan laser cutting software.

Laser cut mild steel panels

Panels such as these can be produced without the need for post laser cutting edge de-burring. These particular panels were powder coated and then ready for shipping.

Laser cutting custom panels along with CNC punching is the main way we produce sheet metal blanks. Feeding these custom blanks into our CNC press brakes enables us to produce a wide range of sub-contract parts.

For a wide range of laser cut panels designs why not view our Pinterest Boards.

For more details on the services we can offer and a specific price for your custom panels please contact us on 01489 577786 for a chat. Our engineering team will be happy to help you. If you want to send CAD files then no problem. Please send DFXG, DXG, STEP, SAT or PDF files to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will do the rest.

Custom sheet metal work near me using CNC production techniques

Tuesday, August 24th, 2021

Laser cutting mild steel brackets

You have designed a new component and you need it manufacturing. You want it made from sheet metal but are not sure which processes to select. Should it be laser cut, should it be CNC punched and how do you know what sort of folding will be needed? No problem, at V and F Sheet Metal we cover all the custom sheet metal work techniques. We can select the right production method to fit your custom design. The right method for your order volume and the materials you might be interested in.

Whether its thick gauges of steel or thin spring stainless. Copper sheet, light fitting reflector materials or brushed stainless steel we have the right CNC machines to cope. With custom sheet metal work it’s all about picking the right production technique to suit your design. Lots of complex shapes, connector cut outs or a detailed outer profile and we will probably go for laser cutting. A large number of simple shape holes such are circles or rectangles and its likely to be CNC punching.

cnc punching circular discs

Thicker materials tend to be laser cut. Custom sheet metal work needing forms such as ventilation louvres, pressed dimples, plunges sheet with tapped threads and you are definitely requiring CNC punch presses. Luckily we have both areas covered in house.

When it comes to folding custom sheet metal work we have a range of machines. We can fold sheet metal profiles up to 3M long and right down to just a few mm across. CNC press brake tooling investment over many years enables us to produce the vast majority of folded sheet metal work without the need for new tooling.

Bending sheet metal work

What should I do now?

For more custom sheet metal work examples please take a look at our Pinterest Boards for design ideas.

The most important thing for you to know is that whatever custom sheet metal work project you design you have a partner in V and F who can support you. Simply send us your drawings, 3D models, sketches and we will be happy to produce a range of quotes for you.

Bespoke sheet metal components manufacturers in the UK

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

Bespoke sheet metal components

Bespoke sheet metal components manufacturers

V and F Sheet Metal having been producing bespoke sheet metal components since the 1980s. Now using a wide range on CNC manufacturing equipment. Laser cutting with a Trumpf 3KW fibre laser, perfect for very fast cutting of thin gauge ferrous and non-ferrous materials. It can also laser cut much thicker materials when needed.

CNC punching with 2 Trumpf punch presses. A wide range of standard and special tools collected over the years help to reduce tooling costs on new projects. Fast production of holes in standard sheet metal materials along with formed dimples, plunges, tapped thread features, electrical knock outs, you name it we can probably make it on these CNC punch presses.

All blanks are taken to our CNC press brakes when folding is needed. From small machines up to our 3M Safan e-Brake CNC press brake. Common CNC press brake tooling across the range adds flexibility when it comes to production and sampling bespoke sheet metal components.

For a much wider view of custom sheet metal components manufactured in the UK why not take a look at our Pinterest pages.

Using the latest CAD/CAM software to read 2D and 3D drawing we can quickly produce prices for your bespoke parts and the volumes that you need.

Precision sheet metal brackets manufactured in the UK to your designs

Thursday, July 8th, 2021

Precision sheet metal brackets

When you are looking for a manufacturer of precision sheet metal brackets several factors come into play. Not just the manufacturing ability to physically make the brackets although this is clearly important. You may need support throughout the whole process. That support could take the form of design assistance. It could be multiple drops from a larger batch / kanban. It might be treatment and finishes for the complete one stop shop. If we can help you we will.

As far as the production of precision sheet metal brackets is concerned we have all the right equipment. Whether it’s laser cutting mild steel sheet metal as shown in the photo here. CNC punching aluminium with a wide range on standard CNC punch press tooling. Folding complex shapes using a range of CNC press brakes. Again, with a large selection of bend tooling to produce most parts without the need for special tooling. All aimed at keeping the cost down on new sheet metal projects.

If you want precision sheet metal brackets another important factory is communication. When you are selecting a new sub-contract sheet metal worker you need to be sure than can read your drawings. We have the ability to open DXF, DWG, STEP and SAT CAD files. Obviously we can also read PDF files if you prefer that format. Sketches and samples can also be used as a starting point for manufacturing.

Ask us for a quote today and we will be happy to help you.

Custom sheet metal workers manufacturing in the UK

Thursday, April 8th, 2021

Custom sheet metal work

Custom sheet metal work can encompass so many different products. From the smallest clip just a few mm across to folded sections up to 3M long. As we deal with approximately 75 different customers every month custom sheet metal really does include many different parts. We would normally say that thinner gauges best suit us when we are manufacturing sheet metal components. Traditionally we have worked up to 3mm thick sheet in ferrous and non-ferrous materials. With a laser cutter we can go thicker than that and work up to 6mm on occasions. It really depends on the size of the component and the tolerances required by the customer.

So, let’s take a look at these custom sheet metal projects in more detail. The only thing these parts have in common is that they were all being manufactured in April 2021. In fact I saw them all on the same day as I walked around our factory. I never tire of seeing sheet metal components being manufactured no matter what the batch size of design. It’s always a good starting point for a sheet metal blog post.

Custom sheet metal work

We have here parts that have both been created by laser cutting and CNC punching. Both services are offered in house and supported by Trumpf service engineers and Radan CAD/CAM software. If a customer had no particular preference for laser cutting or CNC punching we will select the best method to suit the custom part.

It may be that the custom sheet metal part really suits laser cutting, perhaps it has a complex outer profile or a unique cut out shape. New tooling isn’t always practical if there are only small volumes. In that case the way to go is certainly laser cutting. The thickness of the part may also decide which way to go. When parts have added features such as formed dimples, tapped threads or ventilation louvres then it’s obviously going to be CNC punching. We will often produce a quote both ways to see which comes out the cheapest. The advantage for you is that we can take the best path to cheap parts without compromising the quality of the parts.

Custom sheet metal work

For examples of other customer sheet metal work produced by us over the years take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

The parts I have chosen to illustrate here just happen to be made from mild steel, galvanised steel and stainless steel. They could just as well have been brass, copper or aluminium. They have all been folded up on one of our Trumpf 7036 CNC press brakes. Having a number of CNC press brakes to call upon enables us to be flexible when it comes to dealing with urgent jobs.

So when I say custom sheet metal work cab be varied I really mean every part is different. That’s the challenge of sub-contract sheet metal work. Every customer has their own ideas and we are here to support them where we can. If you have a custom sheet metal job and need some advice on manufacturing or price options for different volumes, give us a call. Better still, if you have drawings e-mail us at sales@vandf.co.uk and our team will be happy to help you.

Laser cutting galvanised steel sheet metal components

Thursday, March 18th, 2021

We are often laser cutting galvanised steel components for our UK customers. With our Trumpf 3030 fibre laser cutting machine it’s no problem cutting galvanised steel. Cutting from 0.5mm to 4mm thick is easy with pure nitrogen for a clean edge finish. The layout (nest) of the components being laser cut is automatically produced using Radan CAD/CAM software. The best fit of parts to any sheet size and the quickest laser cutting path are all taken care of by the software.

laser cutting galvanised steel

As a sub-contract sheet metal working company we are often cutting a wide range of materials including laser cutting galvanised steel. With a fibre laser cutting machine yellow metals such as copper and brass can also be cut. This enables us to offer a more comprehensive service to our customers. Brass display housings, brass light fitting parts, copper electrical connector panels being typical examples. Galvanised steel and Zintec are both forms of mild steel that are often requested for sheet metal designs.

There is virtually no edge deburring needed after laser cutting galvanised steel. If the parts are smaller such as those shown in the photo then they may be tagged into the parent sheet. This is simply a technique to prevent them tipping up during laser cutting and stopping the laser head. This small tag sometimes needs deburring off. On larger components, say over 150mm square, tagging is not normally needed further reducing post laser operations.

Off cuts of material (remnants) can be saved from production orders and used up of subsequent orders. This obviously keeps down the cost of components and is an easy for of recycling. All scrap, the middle of holes and sheet edges are collected and recycled back through the mills. Nothing is wasted.

Want to see more examples of sheet metal laser cutting, take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

Have a sheet metal job that you need producing? We will be happy to take a look and produce some price options for you. Send us your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will do the rest.

Sheet metal bracket design ideas to help you save you money

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021

Sheet metal bracket design

Sheet metal bracket design ideas can be many and varied. From using different materials and surface treatments to material thicknesses and profiles. The brackets shown here were manufactured from mild steel (zinc plated) and mill finish aluminium. They could just as easily have been produced from galvanised steel or stainless steel. Like all sheet metal manufacturing we have the flexibility to produce a wide range of part designs without the need for specific tooling.

Sheet metal brackets designed with inserted threads are ideal for saving time in assembly. Whether its bushes, stand-offs or studs we have huge stocks of parts and all the tooling needed to insert them. CNC bending brackets is easy when you have decades of experience and the right tooling for the job.

Sheet metal bracket design

Laser cutting and CNC punching both perfectly suit the manufacture of sheet metal bracket blanks. Using Radan CAD/CAM software to develop reliable 3D models, developed blanks and complete tooled nests we are able to turn your ideas into reality.

A great place to review an in depth study of the stages we might go through in CNC programming sheet metal brackets can be seen at http://www.vandf.co.uk/software/sheet-metal-fabricated-bracket/

For many more examples of sheet metal bracket designs you can always take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

If you already have a bracket design ready for quoting / manufacture please send us a drawing and our team will be happy to take a look for you.

Laser cutting sheet metal fabrications in Hampshire UK 2021

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

laser cutting sheet metal fabrications

I’ve just been taking a look around our sheet metal fabrication factory again today and spotted these stainless steel plates. Laser cutting sheet metal fabrications is something we do very well on light gauge sheet metal. These stainless steel plates are on the upper end of the material thickness we normally laser cut. 6mm 304 stainless steel laser cuts brilliantly with pure nitrogen as the assist gas. Often parts like these would not need to be de-burred in any way after cutting. The finish from laser cutting is often good enough straight from the machine for the finished part. In this case the parts are being used to construct a roof hinge mechanism for a campervan. All the edges needed to be de-burred well to eliminate the chances of the customers cutting their fingers.

Laser cutting stainless steel

The batch of stainless steel parts were cut from 2M x 1M sheets and off cuts from previous orders. The ability to easily tune CNC programs to use up any remnants we have in stock saves money and reduces material scrap. We can either reprogram the parts using our Radan CAD/CAM software in the design office or by the machine setter on the Trumpf laser cutter.

The complexity of a part profile (within limits) is no problem when laser cutting sheet metal fabrications. If you can draw it we can laser cut it. Simple send us a drawing and we will be happy to try out the part, produce a quote with your price options and any other operations you might need. Please send your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will do the rest for you.

Sheet metal laser cutting and cnc punching program nests

Thursday, January 14th, 2021

Laser cutting program nest

When it comes to creating sheet metal laser cutting and CNC punching program nests there’s only one choice for us. Radan have been supporting the sheet metal industry for decades and we have over 20 years’ experience using their software. Supporting us with 3D modelling, 2D drafting and CAD/CAM translations they are the go to people in the sheet metal industry.

We use the software to produce our own 3D models when our customers cannot supply a STEP file. We can also turn 3D data into production drawings to aid bending and welding. But the real strength is the CAM side where we use the software to drive our CNC laser cutting and CNC punching machines.

CNC punching program nest

Once individual parts have been developed as flat profiles with the correct bend allowances we move onto nesting. The images here are typical of sheet metal laser cutting and punching nests. It’s easy for us to use the software to automatically fit parts to the sheet. If we have off cuts it’s also not a problem. As you can see in the red image various parts can be nested together if needed.

For more examples of sheet metal laser cutting and CNC punching projects please take a look at our Pinterest Boards.

This ease of nesting is great when it comes to produce a price for a job. We can play around with different options and sheet sizes to get the most efficient program and hence the best price for our customers. Ask us for a quote and we will be happy to help. Do you need some engineering advice? We can guide you on material selection and design details.

Please give us a call or send your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will get working for you.

CNC bending sheet metal work in the UK during 2020

Tuesday, July 28th, 2020

Brackets manufactured in the UK

It’s time to have another quick look at recent sheet metal projects. This time it’s sheet metal brackets. Using various CNC bending techniques some very complex parts can be manufactured. I love that fact that nearly every bracket we produce is different to the next but all using standard tooling. Whether it’s on one of our smaller Trumpf 7036 CNC press brakes or our larger 3M Safan e-brake the tooling’s the same. The process is the same and so is the end result, accurately folded sheet metal work.

The repeatability from part to part and from batch to batch is what makes these machines so useful in the workshop. We can produce a sample today and come back in a year’s time with the same CNC program and tooling and run production without any changes. Before CNC bending machines (press brakes) every set up was a long winded process and nowhere near as accurate as todays processes.

sub-contract sheet metal work

We take full advantage of the ability to treat a small batch like a big batch when it comes to costing. With very short set up times along with easy setting of a laser machine it has enabled us to try out samples and fine tune sizes before running a production batch. It’s a great help when materials come in say in their bottom or top tolerance for gauge. Simply run a couple of parts from the corner of a sheet and bend them up to check all is well before pressing ahead with the full production batch.

2020 has been a strange year for everyone. We hope now to push ahead again with supporting our customers, dealing with panic orders if they help our customers to gain new business and as ever the standard production runs when people need them.

If you have a sheet metal bracket that needs CNC bending simply send us a drawing and we will be happy to quote for production. Have an idea and stuck on the detail, give us a call and our team will help you out.

Brackets manufactured in the UK direct to your own designs

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020

Brackets manufactured in the UK

If you are looking for brackets manufactured in the UK then we are definitely here to help you. With over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing we can help you with your new projects. Hundreds of CNC punching and CNC bending tools enables us to produce the vast majority of products without the need for new tooling. Having seen and manufactured so many projects in the past help us to see any pitfalls in a complex design, point them out early on and save you money.

Whether you are thinking of having brackets manufactured in stainless steel, mild steel or aluminium we are here to help. We also manufacture brackets from brass, copper, galv., Zintec and spring stainless steel. You name it and we make it.

Brackets manufactured in the UK

With a wide range of CNC punching, laser cutting and CNC bending facilities all in house samples and development can be quickly supported. 3D images from our Radan CAD/CAM system can be used to help discussions when it comes to reviewing design options.

All you have to do now is send us a drawing in either 2D or 3D format. Need to have a chat, that’s OK with us we are passionate about sheet metal and would love to hear from you and discuss your ideas.

Folded stainless steel sheet metal housings manufactured in the UK

Thursday, July 16th, 2020

CNC bending stainless steel housings

Folded stainless steel sheet metal housings, some of the options available to you.

When you are designing sheet metal housings it’s always worth thinking about the manufacturing processes in advance. Whether the housing is made from a single piece of metal or many sub-parts joined together time spent early on will save money in the long run.

We may be looking at laser cutting v CNC punching to produce the housing blanks. Depending on the thickness of the material required and the complexity of the design one way or the other will seem the best route to take. Some feature may also immediately suggest a certain blank production method, for example if the housing has formed dimples or plunged and tapped threads then CNC punching will be the best manufacturing method. If however the housing has a company logo cut into it or a series of curved profiles laser cutting may be the more efficient method of production. We will always look at your design and select the most appropriate method and keep you in the loop at the quoting stage.

Stainless steel housings

There are similar considerations to be made when it comes to folding sheet metal housings. Not only the physical size and tonnage required to fold the angles but the complexity of the design and the ease with which the folds can be produced. This certainly needs experience, we have had many a good design sent to us to find that’s it’s impossible to fold from 1 piece of metal. A quick call or e-mail at an early stage of development will save time in the long run especially if we are using off the shelf tooling.

These folded stainless steel sheet metal housings have been developed in conjunction with the customer to enable the most efficient method of production. The more parts that have to be assembled together more thought has to be given to alignment and tolerance build up. This is where a useful piece of software such as our 3D Radan CAD/CAM software comes in handy.

Stainless steel housings

Like so much in sheet metal work it can look easy until you come to translating your designs to physical components. We are always here to help you with your ideas and point you in the right direction when it comes to tooling and material selection.

For more examples of recent sheet metal projects why not take a look at our Pinterest boards.

We are always happy to receive your drawings to review.

Latest sheet metal projects manufactured in the UK

Wednesday, March 4th, 2020

Latest sheet metal projects manufactured in the UK direct to your designs

Mild steel support brackets

Whether you want just a few simple flat sheet metal plates or a very complex welded fabrication we will be able to help you. Special one off sheet metal projects or monthly repeating batches of work we don’t mind. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience in the UK, contact us with your ideas. Laser cutting, CNC punching, CNC bending and a host of other sheet metal manufacturing processes.

If you have a full set of dimensioned drawings and CAD files that’s great. If you only have a sketchy idea of what you want we can still work with you to get your desired outcome. We are always happy to help you and advise the best design options to suit the right manufacturing techniques, materials types, gauge thickness and cosmetic or protective finishes.

Aluminium angle brackets

These sheet metal projects show a range of manufacturing techniques. From laser cutting, CNC punching, CNC bending and formed press work. The Zintec angle brackets have also had zinc plated bushes inserted. Batches of 50, 250 and 1000 for these parts.

Sheet metal angle brackets

There are plenty of other examples of sheet metal projects manufactured in the UK over the last few years. Take a look at our Pinterest boards.

The sheet metal projects shown here are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the range of production we get involved with. You really need to explore our website to see all the weird and wonderful projects we get involved with for our UK customers.

Send us your details and drawings in 2D or 3D formats. and leave the rest to us. We are happy to comment on any design issues you may be having, provide you with quote options and lead times.

Stainless steel sheet metal housings manufactured in the UK

Monday, November 25th, 2019

Laser cut blanks nest

Stainless steel sheet metal housings such as these are typical of the work we can produce on our Trumpf 3030 fibre laser cutter. With a range of circular holes, slots, cut-outs and a complex outer profile. Housings like this can be CNC punched but with more difficulty and with the need for special tooling. Whereas with laser cutting, there is no need for tooling and virtually any shape can be cut. The parts are easy to CNC program and that also enables us to make quick changes to CNC programs when there are design changes. Filling the metal sheet with components is also easy with the ability to automatically turn parts to get the best fit possible. More parts per sheet equals cheaper part prices for you.

Laser cutting stainless steel in detail

This photo perfectly shows just how easy it is to produce complex profiles with a laser cutter. The stop start points for the laser cut. The profile path all are automatically selected by the Radan CAD/CAM software. At any point we can step in and make changes where we see fit. The quality of the cut is also very important on components such as these. Trying to de-burr around these profiles would be difficult and time consuming. So being able to produce a profile in stainless steel with pure nitrogen is a bonus in production time and final part quality.

Finished laser cut housing blanks

Stainless steel sheet metal housings, brackets, trays, panels are all easily produced. For more examples of recent laser cut stainless steel projects please take a look at our gallery pages.

It’s not difficult to program parts straight from your drawings. We can quickly use this data to experiment with the best material usage and cutting times to produce competitive quotes. Try us with your next sheet metal production order. Simple e-mail your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk or call us on 01489 577786 and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Laser cutting thin gauge sheet metal brackets in the UK

Monday, November 4th, 2019

Laser cutting in progress.

Using a Trumpf 3030 fibre laser for laser cutting thin gauge sheet metal is absolutely perfect. Being a fibre laser source the machine is extremely fast when cutting sheet metal below 3mm. Easy and cheap to run. Easy to CNC program and ideal for sub-contract sheet metal manufacturing where you never know what you will be asked to make next.

Parts removed for inspection

When laser cutting thin gauge sheet metal brackets the production team have some control over the parts they produce. At the start of a new batch the laser cutting machine can be stopped and parts can be removed. They can be inspected visually to check that the laser cut is clean. They can also be measured to ensure they are to drawing. In both cases adjustments can be made at the machine to influence the finished parts. This can be adjustments to the gas flow rate, feed rate of the machine, power of the laser beam and focus position. We can also adjust the cutting offset at the machine so component profiles and hole sizes can be tuned to achieve the drawing tolerances required. All this without having to talk with the CNC programmer saves time and enables the production staff to make their own decisions in real time.

Full sheet of laser cut brackets

Using our Radan CAD/CAM software enables us to produce very efficient nest layouts. Once a blank has been programmed it’s very simple to fill a standard or off cut sheet with as many parts as possible. Not only does this save money on material when quoting for new projects but it also enables us to reduce waste by using up off cuts from previous projects. Looking at the image here and the magnified image you can see just how fine laser cutting thin gauge sheet metal can be.

Laser cut brackets in detail

Parts such as these brackets are long enough to simply leave on the bed of the machine. No corner tags are needed. No time consuming breaking out of parts from the sheet nest and no edge de-burring. We simply pick the parts from the sheet and then lift the scarp skeleton off the bed. All this can happen while the laser machine is cutting the next sheet so that production is not interrupted.

Laser cut scrap nests

All the scrap sheet metal is collected together and separated into different grades. Stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel along with Zintec and galvanised steel, copper and brass. That way we manage to recycle 100% of the scrap metal we produce. Another advantage of laser cutting is that all the scrap sheet is dry and easy to handle.

If you have a project that requires sheet metal brackets please give us a call. We will be happy to help you out and produce price options to suit your order volumes.

Laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal in the UK

Wednesday, September 11th, 2019

Laser cutting stainless steel nests

Laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal whether it’s coated or plain is no problem when you have a Trumpf 3030 fibre laser machine. Plain stainless steel laser cuts beautifully with a clean edge and very little burring. Thin gauges can simply be cut with compressed air and thicker gauges with pure nitrogen. When laser cutting stainless steel with a protective peelable plastic film a slightly different technique is needed. The laser cutter is programmed to mark out the profile to cut at a low power to fuse the plastic to the top surface of the stainless steel. This happens at speed and is automatically programmed at the machine if needed. The profile is then cut again fully using pure nitrogen to cut out the parts with the plastic film in place. This process enables the laser to cut the parts out without forming a gas bubble under the plastic film.

Laser cutting stainless steel panels

Any grade of stainless steel can be laser cut although our customers seem tend to favour 316 for top quality parts needing the best corrosion resistance. 304 is the most popular grade giving a good balance between performance and cost with 430 being the cheapest.

As far as gauges are concerned we have been laser cutting stainless steel form 0.3mm thick to 6mm thick. Our Trumpf 3030 fibre laser is capable of cutting much thicker than this but it’s not required for our customer base.

These images show rather nicely the advantages of laser cutting a range of parts from the same sheet of metal. The parts were all used to build an assembly as part of a display stand. With all the parts being from the same material and thickness our Radan CNC programming software could easily find the best fit for all the parts saving money on material.

Laser cutting stainless steel

So what do you do next?

Well if you have a sheet metal project and you want it laser cut we will be happy to produce some prices for you. Or perhaps you need some help with a design or selecting the right materials, again we can advise you. With over 30 years of experience in sheet metal work we have a solution for all your design problems.

Call us on 01489 577786 if you want to chat through your ideas.

Send us your drawing data to sales@vandf.co.uk if you like and we will take a look for you.

If you want to see past laser cutting projects our Pinterest Boards are well worth a view.

Laser cutting mild steel components using a Trumpf fibre laser cutter

Monday, August 5th, 2019

Laser cutting mild steel components is the perfect process for manufacturing batches of sheet metal work.

3D software image of a sheet metal bracket

3D Model of a mild steel bracket generated in Radan CAD/CAM sheet metal software

Nearly all our sheet metal work that has folds starts with a 3D model. It could be one supplied by our customers in a STEP / SAT or IGES format. This is great as it saves time not only when programming to manufacture the components order but also when initially preparing quotations. If our customer doesn’t have a 3D model or one that we can open then we will generate the 3D model ourselves. By using our Radan CAD/CAM software we can produce a 3D model and link it to the correct material databases to aid the calculation of cut sizes and tooling for laser cutting or CNC punching.

The process can go the other way with us creating a 3D model and providing our customers with images or DXF files if the need them.

Image of a laser cutting nest of components showing efficient use of material

Once the 3D model has been created and unfolded the individual parts can be “nested” together to produce the best sheet utilisation possible. The Radan software calculates this with one click of a mouse and in seconds. We can then experiment with the orientation of the components on the sheet as well mixing several different parts together to reduce material wastage. That said, the vast majority of the time the software gets it right and cannot be beaten by human intervention.

As well as creating an efficient nest of parts the software also enables us to produce a CNC program which drives the laser cutter to produce the components with the shortest cutting path.

Laser cutting path simulation generated within the Radan software

Along with the automated best path we can intervene to cut parts in a certain order or tag certain parts in place or allows others to fall through the machine bed and then collected by a conveyor belt system. This ability to tune the program to suit the component size, material and profile makes this software very powerful, we wouldn’t be without it. This is especially useful when laser cutting a range of different parts from the same sheet of metal. The laser machine operator can also take an active role when using off-cuts of materials on the shop floor. The operator can select a piece of material and then take parts from a programmed nest and make them fit the material without the need to involve the office. This speeds up the production of samples and trial components on the shop floor for new projects.

Trumpf fibre laser cutter pallet changer

Mild steel sheet on the pallet changer waiting to be laser cut

The components discussed here were laser cut from 2M x 1M sheets of mild steel 2mm thick. They were loaded onto the automatic pallet changer system as shown in the photograph. This system allows a sheet of parts to be laser cut while a sheet is waiting to be loaded. Once that sheet is finished it’s automatically switched over enabling the operator to remove parts while the next sheet is being laser cut. This simple system enables us to maintain a high laser cutting rate which saves time and cost prices.

If you look carefully you can see our Trumpf 200 and Trumpf 3000 CNC punch presses in the back ground of the photo. Acting together with our Trumpf 3030 fibre laser they make a great team and allow us to take on a wide variety of sheet metal work.

Laser cutting 2mm mild steel – sparks generated from piercing holes

So now we are at the point of laser cutting mild steel components. You can see a sheet full of cut components and the fibre laser machine right in the process of laser cutting through the 2mm mild steel sheet. The sparks are instantaneous and are normally associated with the point of piercing through the material. Once through the laser can cut a hole or edge profile very cleanly. These parts were cut with pure nitrogen gas producing a very clean edge. The final parts needed no further cleaning up before they were powder coated.

Laser cut nest of mild steel components waiting to be removed from the parent metal sheet

If you click on the photos here you will see in detail just how cleanly the components have been laser cut. Virtually no distortion, burnt edges and no burring. Processing materials as cleanly as this saves us a lot of time in post op finishing and improves the consistency of components throughout a batch. You can also see just how thin the laser cut line is, well under 0.5mm thick. You also see how well the parts have been nested together to reduce material waste.

Clean cut from a fibre laser cutter using pure nitrogen gas

Laser cutting mild steel components such as these really shows how easy it is to produce components with a smooth clean finish and simply get the best from a sheet of metal. This is important when working with 2mm mild steel but even more so when cutting expensive materials like aluminium, stainless steel, copper or brass. All materials that are easily processed with a fibre laser cutter.

Laser cutting scrap skeletons waiting to be recycled

Once all the laser cut components have been lifted away from the parent sheet the material that is left is called the skeleton. This residual sheet material can easily be lifted from the bed of the machine and folded up. The material is then kept with other off-cuts of the same grade and then recycled. All the waste sheet metal materials used by us to produce our customer orders is recycled, nothing is wasted.

Final laser cut mild steel components waiting to be folded

The final components are simply checked, stacked and then are ready for CNC bending. Components like these are easy for us to produce and are very much part of our everyday production plan.

If you have laser cutting mild steel components already drawn up please send us your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will be happy to produce a price for you and get you started.

For more specifics on laser cutting mild steel components or any other materials please read our web page “what is CNC laser cutting?“

Aluminium electronics chassis panels manufactured in the UK

Friday, June 7th, 2019

Aluminium electronics chassis

Aluminium electronics chassis panels CNC punched and CNC folded. Manufactured in house by our engineering team in the UK. You design it and we will make it. From the simplest flat panel with just a few holes. Right up to complex welded chassis assemblies for housings electronics components.

Having over 30 years experience in manufacturing sheet metal work for the UK electronics industry we are here to assist you. With many standard tools for CNC punching and CNC bending on the shelf and ready to go. Using the latest sheet metal CAD/CAM software (Radan 2019). We can effortlessly communicate with your design team and guide them to produce the best parts for manufacturing.

Aluminium electronics chassis panels from from connector plates right up to 3M long display panels. All produced in house and with powder coating, iridite NCP or anodising treatment where necessary through our network of long established suppliers.

Whether your designs need CNC punching or laser cutting or a combination we are here to help. We have experience in combining both manufacturing methods where needed to produce the perfect panel.

Simply send us your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will do the rest. Check your options, produce price options and manufacture without any fuss.

Laser cut decorative screens produced to your own designs

Thursday, May 30th, 2019

Laser cut decorative screens

If you are looking for complex shapes cut from sheet metal then you have to think laser cutting. With the ability to laser cut around shapes without the need for tooling you can concentrate on your designs without the constriction of thinking of tooling.

Whether the shapes are internal windows or external profiles laser cutting is certainly the way to go. Decorative screens such as these shown here can only really be manufactured by laser cutting when there may only be small volumes. Luckily we have a Trumpf 3030 3KW fibre laser which is more than capable for jobs like this.

If you can draw it there’s a good chance we can laser cut it for you.

The ability to take our customer’s drawings and lay them out to get the best from any standard sheet of metal. To fine tune details to suit the manufacturing process and feedback problems before starting the manufacturing process.

Not sure if your design can be laser cut? Simply send us your designs (sales@vandf.co.uk) and we will run them through our software and send you back an image of the nest of parts for you to check.

Ask us today for a quote and we will be happy to help.

Laser cutting sheet metal work in Great Britain 2019

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Metal work in Great Britain produced by laser cutting

Laser cutting sheet metal work in 2019

Now this is a perfect example of getting the best out of a sheet of metal. Click on the red image of the 6 metal parts from the CNC program and you will so no waste material. Using the complete sheet wherever possible helps to minimise material waste and reduce components prices. We have been producing sheet metal work in Great Britain for over 30 years and using a laser cutter is just the latest manufacturing development.

Laser cutting sheet metal work in Great Britain 2019

Laser cutting sheet metal work in 2019

Laser cutting Zintec (a zinc coated mild steel) sheet metal material is ideal on our Trumpf laser cutter. The laser cutting process is very quick on a component like this. It has very few holes so the laser can cut around the straight outer and inner profiles very quickly.

Laser cutting sheet metal work in 2019

With an automatic change over pallet the Trumpf fibre laser machine can be kept continually running. This is great when we have a large order or that panic job that comes along from time to time.

Whether we are looking at 0.7mm Zintec, 1.5mm mild steel, 2.5mm aluminium or 6mm stainless steel we can cope with it. Most components when laser cut have very little or no need to have edge de-burring. Not only does this obviously save money but time and energy as well.

So you have a laser cutting job and need a price? It’s easy, all you have to do is send us a drawing. We will happily work through the options you want, volumes, materials and then produce you a range of prices. You can send them to sales@vandf.co.uk or call us on 01486 577786 and have a chat through your ideas if you like.

Laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal UK

Monday, April 29th, 2019

laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal uk

All our sheet metal components that are either CNC punched or laser cut are programmed off-line. This basically means all the instructions needed for laser cutting stainless steel parts are ready for the machine operator when needed for cutting. A few simple alterations can be made at the laser machine but the part details and the part layout (nest) is set off-line. We use Radan CAD/CAM programming software to control this aspect of the manufacturing. The algorithms within the Radan software instantly find the best fit from any given sheet and the quickest path for the laser head to cut all the internal cut-outs and the outer profile.

laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal uk

When laser cutting stainless steel with a protective plastic coating we have to carry out a vapour laser cutting operation first. This is a quick process with the laser cutter running around the profiles of the holes and profile at low power fusing the plastic film to the stainless steel substrate. This then allows the laser to switch to full power and cut through the stainless steel without the nitrogen cutting assist gas blowing bubbles in the plastic.

laser cutting stainless steel sheet metal uk

Once the laser cutting program has been created. A single part checked out for size and edge quality. There is only the the batch to run and with a 3KW Trumpf fibre laser that is very quick. With an automatic pallet changer we can be laser cutting stainless steel parts while removing the previous nest of parts. This enables us to keep the machine running more of the time saving time and money.

You can now see how easy it is for us to laser cut stainless steel parts to suit our customers designs.

For more information on laser cutting take a look at this page.

Simple send us a drawing or two and we will be happy to take a look and produce you an estimate for supplying materials and manufacturing. Either a direct e-mail to sales@vandf.co.uk or use our contact form on the website.

Brackets manufactured in the UK to your designs

Tuesday, April 16th, 2019

Brackets manufactured in the UK

Whether you are looking for a few special sheet metal brackets to complete a special installation or repeating batches of brackets for higher volume production we are here to help you. We have over many years produced thousands of different brackets for our customers in the UK. Using a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous material ranging from 0.3mm right up to 10.0mm thick we can cover all your needs.

Brackets manufactured in the UK

Using our CNC punch presses and fibre laser cutting machine to find the best production methods for producing the bracket blanks. Depending on the materials and the gauge as well as the details we will know which way to go and the most cost effective process to suit your needs.

Having a large library of standard CNC punch tooling helps us to keep your costs down, especially if you only have a small order. It’s the same with CNC bending. We have a wide range of CNC press brake tooling which will enable us to fold a wide range of shapes, angles, safe edges and bespoke forms.

For lots of past projects of brackets manufactured in the UK take a look at our Pinterest Board.

Brackets manufactured in the UK

Our customers come back again and again for production but also for advice. Whether it’s manufacturing advice to solve a tricky design problem or perhaps advice when selecting the correct materials. Often a simple phone call is enough to save a lot of money when it comes to production. We are always happy to help and enjoy being part of our customers design team.

Give us a call and we will be happy to help. Alternatively if you wish send us your drawings to sales@vandf.co.uk and we will sort out a quote.

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