Sheet metal and laminate processing: stainless steel and aluminium

The processing of laminates is one of the main pivots around which our production possibilities revolve in the creation of devices, cases and light metalwork components to support electronics. We can take care of the handling of laminated products at each of the stages of their production journey, and our sheet metalworking service can effectively support you regardless of the evolution of your project.

elmec’s proven working method allows us to listen to your needs and work out a shared plan using the most sophisticated CAD/CAM systems. We then proceed to processing your laminates through the steps of cutting, bending, surface finishing and the application of fastening points, for an optimal connection of the device with your electronics.

Sheet metalworking: laser cutting

For the cutting phase, we have modern punching machines with CO2 and fibre laser cutting technology. The combined use of the two alternatives allows us to process the sheets with precision, respecting the specifications given during the design phase.

Through this step, part of the shaping of your laminates, we can give defined shapes and contours to the sheet metal, to adapt it to the applications you need it for.

Bending in sheet metalworking

For sheet metal bending, we use both manual press-bending machines and advanced automatic and robotic bending machines, which allow us excellent productivity and high standards of precision. This phase is part of the so-called laminate forming, i.e. the operations which give three-dimensionality to the sheet metal and bring it closer in shape and functionality to the desired finished product.

Surface finishes: what can we do?

A good laminate product may need several surface finishes to give the device a better aesthetic and functional performance, but also greater resistance to wear, oxidation and the external agents with which it will come into contact.

We offer our customers a wide range of possibilities. Mechanical surface finishes which we can perform include deburring, satin-finishing, sandblasting and tumbling, which are essential for removing machining residues and paving the way for the appropriate treatments.

The journey continues with galvanic treatments. The main ones include anodising, conductive colourless chrome plating (SURTEC 650), zinc plating, nickel plating, tin plating and numerous other options. We complete the work by producing the necessary graphics (by screen printing, pad printing, digital printing) or by applying polycarbonate labels and films.

Fasteners, essential in sheet metalworking

Every laminate case needs the right connection points to your electronics: we can apply a wide range of strong and durable PEM fasteners to laminates, using innovative manual or automatic presses.

This phase is part of the final assembly of the output and allows us to provide you with a product which perfectly matches the requirements set out during the initial work phase.

Metalworking of stainless steel, aluminium and other materials

Thanks to state-of-the-art metalworking lines, we have the technological capacity to shape steel, stainless steel, pre-galvanised steel, copper, aluminium alloys and brass sheets, working on thicknesses from 0.5 mm up to 10 mm.

We can support you in choosing the most suitable material for your project so that the final device meets your requirements. For example, we recommend that you opt for the sheet metalworking of aluminium, or alloys which include it, when the objective is to maximise the lightness of the end result and the machinability of its surfaces, as well as its capacity for electrical conduction and heat dissipation.

Stainless steel sheet metal is an excellent alternative if your electronic device will be placed in environments with considerable external stresses, as this material is resistant to corrosion and particularly robust. We also use it in the INOX 430 version, which has a ferritic component which is ideal when optimum shielding from magnetic fields is required. Zinc-coated steel, on the other hand, is particularly corrosion-resistant, economical and durable.

We also use the innovative Magnelis®, copper, brass and plastics such as PVC, polycarbonates and plexiglass.

Why choose elmec for sheet metalworking?

The extensive possibilities for working on laminates allow us to offer you a comprehensive service which delivers a product ready for the final application into your hands. Our team works with external partners with proven reliability, so elmec is your single point of contact throughout the entire duration of the work.

In this way, you can optimise the time, quality and cost of sheet metalworking, while also being able to rely on a team which specialises precisely in the production of mechanical devices for electronics. Multiple partnerships in a wide range of industries count in our favour: take a look at our case studies and discover the sectors in which we already have consolidated experience.

Contact us for more information!