From lamination to finished part
Once the parts are made, additional operations are required to get the part to a point that the customer needs!
Get in touch
Ready to talk to Quantum about your next project?
|
|
Manual TrimmingWhen the parts come out of the mould, they have excess material that is necessary for the production process, but not required in the finished part and so needs removing. GRP trimming is historically a manual process where a skilled trimmer uses cutting and grinding tools to trim excess fibreglass off. A scribed line in the mould shows on the part providing a trimming line as a guide ensuring parts are trimmed consistently. Typically each part can be trimmed within a couple of millimetres each way – even parts which are metres long. |
Robot TrimmingOn higher volumes a robot trimmer can be used. This requires the manufacture of a fixture to locate the part accurately every time. The robot trimmer is then programmed to trim every part to the same path - in this case it is located by computer co-ordinates, so no scribe line is required. Whilst we still utilise a manual trim process (and sometimes humans have more dexterity even that a well programmed robot!), many of the higher volume contracts are trimmed using our in-house ABB robot trimming cell. This provides excellent accuracy and a clean, consistent cut every time which needs little or no hand finishing.
|
|
Trimming Process Video |
|
AssemblyMany of the parts Quantum make are components in larger assemblies. During assembly, we can add further features or fittings to the parts, for example hinges, threaded inserts and trims. Additional elements may be added to make assemblies or subassemblies ready for our customers’ production lines.
|
|
|
|
FinishingWe offer different levels of finish to suit the application requirement – from an industrial ‘mould’ finish all the way through to a fine automotive finish. The parts are hand finished, using a variety of techniques to achieve the customers’ requirements. Some parts require a split mould, so the first stage is the removal of these joint lines. Following this any small marks or mould defects are removed. Finally, working under high intensity lighting, the part can be progressively polished through multiple stages to achieve the gloss level required.
|
Finishing requires a thorough understanding of the correct tools needed to get the best finish and only comes with training and experience. |
|
|
|
InspectionPrior to packing and despatch, all parts are inspected, and in several cases undergo specific testing for their intended purpose (e.g. water pressure testing). Pride in our work drives a philosophy that we would rather tell a customer that we are not happy to send a part, rather than have them receive something substandard. Once inspected, parts are then wrapped and packed as required for transport – some customers prefer to use their transport to collect, in other cases we deliver with our own truck. |
View our Gallery
