04 Dec Introducing New Services from SixDe
Premier precision engineering and CNC machining company, SixDe, has a long history of providing unparalleled expertise. Now, thanks to the announcement of four key new services, manufacturing companies in Perth, WA and across Australia can benefit even further.
Metal 3D Printing
Markforged Metal X printing is a game-changer in the field of precision engineering. Thanks to utilising cutting-edge atomic diffusion additive technology, complex parts can be constructed in a wide variety of advanced metals.
Metal 3D printing stands out from other methods in the following ways:
- Unique, unmatched part production: The process accurately replicates shapes that aren’t possible to manufacture with any other process. Cavities and curves of incredible complexities are easily created in a huge selection of metals.
- Consistent costs: No matter what size the production run, the cost remains the same. This is because the automated process has minimal overheads and uses the same level of consumables whether a single part or hundreds of thousands are produced. This makes the process extremely valuable for SMEs, prototypes and smaller runs.
- Cost isn’t determined by complexity: No matter how intricate the geometry of a part is, this has no bearing on the cost. This is because metal 3D printing is an additive, rather than subtractive, process. (The part is created from scratch, rather than removing elements from a metal block). As well as being dramatically cheaper than traditional production, it’s also much faster.
Calibration Blocks
SixDe can create NDT testing calibration blocks of any size, up to 200kgs. From common designs, such as eddy current notch and fish-tail, through to bespoke block or plate, precision machine technology allows any defects to be manufactured into the material.
These can be designed for reference standards in a variety of block materials, including:
- Pipes
- Plates
- Tubes
- Bars
- The blocks themselves
And can be utilised for NDT methods, such as
- Ultrasonic testing
- Phased array
- Advanced ultrasonic testing
- Eddy current testing
- Time of flight diffraction
EDM Plunger / Sink
Pinpoint accuracy is guaranteed with this precise, faultless replication method. Ultra-fine finishes are achieved using a formed electrode that feeds the EDM sinker into the workplace, burning the geometry of the shape into the metal.
Spark erosion then vaporises and removes the eroded metal. The part is then cooled, so recreating the form in reverse.
With ECM plunger / sink technology, accuracy of 0.020mm to 0.050mm is delivered each time. The process brings superior tolerance to parts with highly complex patterns and does so in incredibly short timescales (far less than traditional production methods).
This state-of-the-art production is ideal for EDM parts within a wide variety of industries, including defence, aerospace, medical and OEM.
EDM Wire Cutting
The process is used for machining parts ranging from 4mm to 500mm x 300mm x 260mm and of any weight, up to 600kg. It can be utilised with any material that conduction electricity, such as aluminium, exotic alloys, titanium and tungsten carbide.
EDM wire cutting is ideal for complex parts, such as advanced tapered profiles and 3D geometries. The accuracy is impressive, to +/- 0.02mm, and brings superior surface finishes. Production is fast, wholly repeatable and incredibly cost-effective – especially for large production runs.
These new services complement the already industry-renowned manufacturing processes that SixDe is known for. The company’s global reach continues to bring the high standards customers have become accustomed to, with processes subjected to continual review to ensure the ultimate quality and standards. Each project is considered bespoke, with the SixDe design team working directly with clients to ensure end-to-end continuity and the desired results. Manufacturing continues to accelerate towards the goals set out by the Australian government to bring the industry back to its former glory. By taking advantage of cutting-edge processes such as these, individual companies can fast-forward their own strategies and success levels, ensuring they remain competitive in this ever-changing landscape.