Mollart adds deep-hole micro-drilling to subcontract services
1 min read
Mollart Engineering has expanded its subcontractor machining operations at Chessington in Surrey and Resolven in South Wales, with the addition of a precision micro-drilling and ultra-thin wall hole component production service for holes as small as 0.5 mm diameter by up to 50 mm deep.
The service, which pushes the current boundaries of hole machining technology, can be applied to plastics, as well as to challenging materials, such as titanium and high alloy steels. According to managing director Guy Mollart: "To achieve this level of expertise, we drew together our machine tool building, deep hole tooling development, materials knowledge and application skills, so we are able to provide a fast turnaround for customers."
Deep hole micro-drilling is fraught with problems. There are several processes now available for producing small precision holes, such as laser drilling and electro-discharge machining (EDM), but each has a distinct disadvantage to drilling.
Drilling achieves higher levels of roundness, straightness and concentricity, while problems such as molten materials at the break out position are eliminated. Drilling is also a far quicker process, but needs precise tool and machine setting, as well as monitoring that Mollart equipment can provide to avoid breakage and hole wander.
In support of the micro-drilling service, Mollart also has the in-house capability to add value through other processes, such as turning, milling, grinding and honing, as well as providing ancillary processes, such as heat treatment, plating and crack detection, that create a true 'one stop' service to customers.
