CNC Punching

Our CNC punching department uses a highly reliable and efficient Pullmax 720 machine, allowing us to offer a flexible and dynamic CNC punching service depending on the specific needs of individual customers.

Punching is a versatile process used for a wide range of applications. Beyond creating various perforated shapes, we can also apply countersinks, embossments, extrusions, and louvres. One common use of our punch operations is for electrical enclosures, which require different perforations, extrusions, and inserts before being folded into box forms.

While both punching and laser cutting can produce similar results, we consider certain factors before choosing one method over the other:

• Material Thickness: For materials over 3mm, we prefer laser cutting over punching. Although our punch machine can handle thicker materials, this approach extends the life of the punch tools.
• Waste Reduction: Waste is a key factor in our decision-making. Laser cutting generally produces less waste than punching due to its smaller “clearance” (the space required between shapes) and lack of a clamp zone for sheet movement. This means less material is wasted per sheet with laser cutting.

Capabilities

• Mild Steel
• Pre Galvanised sheet
• Coated Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminium
• Copper

Maximum Sheet Size

• Up to 3000mm x 1500mm

Material Thickness

• Mild Steel punching up to 6mm
• Stainless Steel punching up to 3mm
• Aluminium punching up to 8mm

CNC Folding

Meath Metal Products operates three CNC press brakes, expertly programmed and operated by skilled fold technicians to deliver precise sheet metal fabrication. Our CNC folding services offer flexible, high-quality bending solutions, tailored to meet complex design requirements with consistent accuracy.

In the initial stage, our design team collaborates to determine the optimal folding method, leveraging their extensive expertise. Depending on part complexity, folding may be the first step in processing.

After folding and quality checks, parts are either sent for further processing or prepared for dispatch.

Capabilities

We can fold various materials including:

• Mild steel (up to 3000mm in length and 3mm thickness)
• Pre Galvanised sheet
• Coated steels
• Stainless steel
• Aluminium
• Copper

Welding Services

Our welding department offers MIG and TIG welding, complemented by state-of-the-art welding robots, showcasing precision in sheet metal manufacturing.

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding utilises a consumable wire electrode fed through a welding gun, which melts into the metal substrate, forming a strong joint. Ideal for high-speed production, MIG welding ensures efficient, clean welds on thin to medium-thick metals.

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld, using a separate filler material if necessary. Renowned for its precision and control, TIG welding excels in creating intricate welds on thinner metals, with minimal distortion and superior aesthetic results.

Our welding robots streamline the manufacturing process with precise, efficient automated welding.  They enhance productivity, maintain consistent quality, and adapt seamlessly to various metal configurations, minimizing costs and maximising output.

Contact us to discuss how our various welding techniques elevate structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in sheet metal fabrication, fulfilling diverse industrial requirements with precision and finesse.

Capabilities

We can weld:

• Mild steel
• Stainless steel
• Aluminum

Copper Bar Punching

BAR punching is a specialised process used to punch holes, slots, or other shapes in metal bars or flat bar stock. Unlike traditional sheet metal punching, BAR punching is tailored for metal bars of uniform thickness and width.

This method is ideal for creating precise, repeatable holes in structural or framing components, providing a quick and efficient way to prepare bars for assembly or further processing.

It can produce various shapes, including:

• Round, square, or oblong holes
• Slots or notches
• Custom perforations for fastening or mounting

At Meath Metal Products, we operate a Boschert CU PROFI machine designed specifically for punching copper, aluminum, and steel bars. The CU PROFI can use eight tools for efficient processing, ensuring high-quality results. The material is fed by clamps gripping the bar from each side, resulting in flat and straight parts with minimal waste and an accuracy of ±0.1mm.

Capabilities

• Copper busbar manufacture
• Steel bar punching
• Aluminum bar punching

Sizes

• Copper bars up to 4m long with 4m table support and a width of 15mm up to 200mm and a thickness from 3 – 15mm
• Steel bars up to 4m long with 4m table support and a width of 15mm up to 200mm and a thickness from 3 – 8mm

Powder Coating

Powder coating is a cutting-edge method that applies a durable, vibrant finish to metal surfaces. This process involves applying a dry polymer powder using an electrostatic charge, where the positively charged powder is attracted to the grounded metal. Heat is then applied to cure the powder, resulting in a robust finish.

With no liquid component in the powder coating process, there are no solvents required, significantly reducing hazardous chemical production. The electrostatic curing ensures there is no sagging or running, allowing for thicker paint applications.

Ideal for both aesthetics and protection, powder coating offers a vast range of colour options while enhancing the durability of your sheet metal products. Our facility features a 4m x 2.5m oven, accommodating components up to 3.5m long, 1.7m high, and 0.9m wide on a manual line.

We provide a wide selection of powder paints, including epoxy, polyester, and polyurethane, in RAL and custom colours.

Our six-stage, eco friendly, ALUfinish pre-treatment process enhances quality:

1. Alfinal 275 – Alfisid 14: A combination of immersion and spraying pre-treatment for cleaning and etching. Alfisid 14 is a liquid alkaline 2-component degreasing agent with excellent properties for aluminum and its alloys.
2. Cold Rinse: Two stages of rinsing with mains water supply.
3. Demineralised Water Rinse: Rinsing with demineralised water.
4. Alfipas 7816 – ENVIROX SG: A chromium-free, zirconium-based corrosion protection process that enhances adhesion and corrosion resistance on zinc surfaces, replacing traditional iron phosphating.
5. Demineralised Water Mist Spray: A final rinse using demineralised water.
6. Drying Stage: High-volume air drying at 60 degrees Celsius.

Design Services

We employ cutting-edge CAD software to transform concepts into detailed, customisable designs. Our expert designers collaborate closely with clients to ensure every specification is met, from initial sketches to 3D computer modelling. This streamlined approach not only enhances accuracy but also accelerates the production timeline, ensuring the swift delivery of high-quality sheet metal components.

During the development stage, we produce computer models of the metal products for customer approval prior to manufacture.

Where customers have established designs, we can accept 3D models in a variety of formats and utilise this information to produce sheet metal components, dramatically reducing machine programming time. We also design and develop jigs and fixtures for assemblies in-house, directly from the 3D models, ensuring that the parts are right the first time, every time.

To enhance our production efficiency, we leverage Lantek software solutions in our operations:

• Lantek Expert: the most advanced CAD/CAM nesting software, designed to automate CNC programming of sheet metal cutting and punching machines, using advanced algorithms to optimise nesting and reduce waste.
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): We use Lantek MES to effectively manage and optimise our manufacturing processes with real-time control of workshop activities.
  • MES Manager: This tool helps us direct all manufacturing processes, from launching work orders to product completion.
  • MES for Workshop Stations: It provides essential tools for data collection directly at the operator workstation.
  • Machine Data Capturing System: This system facilitates data input on the shop floor.
  • Inventory Management: We maintain a real-time overview of stock quantities and valuations across our warehouses.

Experience the future of sheet metal manufacturing with Meath Metal Products – where innovation meets precision.

Zinc Plating

Zinc plating involves the electrodeposition of zinc metal onto components. This process is passivated to enhance corrosion resistance, with the zinc plating providing additional protection to the underlying material by acting sacrificially. Zinc electroplating is a form of electrochemical galvanisation. The type of passivation used on zinc plating determines its final colour. We offer clear passivation (blue-tinted, trivalent) or colour passivation (yellow, iridescent, hexavalent).

A clear passivate closely resembles a natural zinc finish in appearance but offers significantly improved corrosion resistance and durability over time.

Why choose zinc plating?

• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Sacrificial protection
• Good base for paint or powder coating
• Cost effective

Capabilities

• Steel
• Copper
• Brass
• Bronze

Size

• Maximum part size  1700mm x 1400mm x 600mm

Thicknesses

• 5µm
• 8µm
• 12µm
• 25µm
• other thickness available on request

Passivation

• Clear passivation – blue-tinted, trivalent
• Color passivation – yellow, iridescent, hexavalent