Processing Overview
We are much more than a tool steel stockholder and have extensive processing capabilities in-house, including cutting / bar sawing, grinding and machining, with an experienced, dedicated team of skilled operatives.
Cutting / Bar Sawing
We stock a wide range of tool steel in both round (10mm – 805mm dia) and flat bar (starting from 10mm thick by 30mm wide, going up to 400mm thick x 800mm wide) which we will cut in-house to your required lengths, either one-off “specials” or multiple cuts with volume demand. Using one of our 14 horizontal band saws. We can also offer water jet cutting for material up to 200mm thick and 1250mm wide x 2500mm long. We are also happy to work with your own free issue stock.
Machining
To complement the stock range of black flat sections and peeled diameter bars, we can also offer an additional machining facility. We have available both CNC milling centres and traditional surface grinders, which have the capability to finish mill surfaces to a maximum size of 700mm x 800mm x 1600mm or finish grind to a maximum size of 350mm x 500mm x 1400mm, with a minimum tolerance of +0.2mm / +0.3mm. If required we can also offer an edge milled finish, chamfering or drilled and tapped lifting holes.
Centreless Grinding
We have over 25 years of grinding experience to call on & have a dedicated team of skilful grinding operatives. We offer precision grinding of bar from 2mm diameter right up to 240mm diameter, in lengths from 2,500mm to 12,000mm. We can supply to tight tolerances. Our precision grinding facility consists of 5 Lidkoping Centreless Grinding machines with automatic bar feeders, 2 straightening presses and one polishing line, giving us the ability to handle volume orders to tight tolerances and lead times.
Turning & Boring
A longstanding relationship with a reliable external supplier enables us to provide turning and boring processes when required.
3rd Party Testing & Inspection
In addition, we can offer third party ultrasonic testing and inspection with your specified testing house.
Etching for easy identification
We can etch product numbers, item numbers, order numbers, part numbers etc into your tool steel to make identification, sorting and handling of parts easier on large orders. This will solve any problems of stickers peeling off, or writing rubbing off. Just specify your requirements on your order.
Safe Packaging
We wrap our finished products in Netlon sleeve, a thermoplastic mesh, to ensure maximum protection. If necessary, we will also box, for added protection.
Quality
Over the last few years, our parent company Bird Stainless, has implemented a continual improvement program with procedures that are assessed externally and have met ISO 9001:2008 quality requirements, ensuring that your steel is processed on time to your requirements. These procedures are reviewed annually to ensure we continue to offer our customers excellent quality and are being gradually introduced to the whole of the AKM operations too.
