Precision Micro offers a range of in-house and subcontract forming and finishing technologies which complement photo etching, enabling customers to reduce their supplier base.
Forming
We offer manual and semi-automatic precision forming using standard, modular and custom form tools. Where possible, bend lines can be incorporated into photo etched components, removing the need for hard form tooling.
In-house spot welding is available for components which require a permanent connection, such as nickel silver screening cans.
General forming tolerances
| Metal thickness | Positional | Angular | Internal radii |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft metals up to 25mm | ±0.1mm | ±1º | 0.5 x material thickness |
| Soft metals 25mm to 100mm | ±0.2mm | ±2º | 0.5 x material thickness |
| Soft metals 100mm > | ±0.2mm | ±3º | 0.5 x material thickness |
| Half-hard metals up to 25mm | ±0.1mm | ±1º | 1.0 x material thickness |
| Half-hard metals 25mm to 100mm | ±0.2mm | ±2º | 1.0 x material thickness |
| Half-hard metals 100mm > | ±0.2mm | ±3º | 1.0 x material thickness |
| Full-hard metals up to 25mm | ±0.1mm | ±1º | 2.0 x material thickness |
| Full-hard metals 25mm to 100mm | ±0.2mm | ±2º | 2.0 x material thickness |
| Full-hard metals 100mm > | ±0.2mm | ±3º | 2.0 x material thickness |
Electropolishing
Electropolishing produces a brighter, smoother surface finish, reducing surface roughness by up to 50%.
Heat treatment
For components which require increased surface hardness, temperature resistance, ductility or strength, we offer heat treatment by way of hardening, tempering, annealing and normalising.
Surface finishing
Materials can be specified with a non-reflective, dull, satin, bright, mirrored or grit finish to improve component appearance form or function.
Available post-process surface finishes include:
- Vapour blasting
- Anodising
- Electroplating
- Chemical blacking
- Chromium nitride
Bonding and brazing
Brazing and diffusion bonding is available for heat exchanger, cooling and fuel cell plates.
