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Secondary operations

Signicast’s secondary operations provide a diverse range of manufacturing techniques and treatments that enable us to improve mechanical properties, achieve precise dimensional tolerances and enhance surface finishes.

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As a single-source supplier specialising in investment casting and secondary operations, we excel in handling the most challenging parts with precision. This includes scaling up production, accommodating diverse project requirements and maintaining consistent quality, making us a trusted partner for reputable brands.
Automated lights-out machining and gauging
Automated lights-out machining and gauging
Automated lights-out machining and gauging enable continuous, unattended production with high precision.
Broaching
Broaching
Broaching precisely machines complex internal and external shapes, ensuring high dimensional accuracy and smooth surface finishes while reducing the need for additional machining.
CNC machining
CNC machining
CNC machining uses computer-controlled tools to precisely cut and shape investment castings. It removes material from a block of metal, exemplifying the core principle of subtractive manufacturing.
Coining (hot and cold)
Coining (hot and cold)
Hot coining applies compressive force at elevated temperatures to improve dimensional accuracy and surface finish by softening the material. Cold coining uses high pressure at room temperature to refine the surface and details of the casting without additional heat.
Drilling
Drilling
Drilling creates precise holes in investment castings, improving functionality and supporting accurate assembly and fluid passage.
Horizontal machining
Horizontal machining
Horizontal machining uses a horizontal spindle to machine investment castings with high precision.
Lathe turning
Lathe turning
In lathe turning, a cutting tool removes material to shape metal into cylindrical or symmetrical forms.
Reaming
Reaming
Reaming refines the diameter of pre-drilled holes in metal parts to achieve precise dimensions and smooth surfaces.
Straightening (hot and cold)
Straightening (hot and cold)
Hot straightening uses heat to soften the material, allowing easier correction of warping or distortion in parts. Cold straightening applies force at room temperature to correct distortion.
Tapping
Tapping
Tapping creates internal threads in metal parts to enable secure assembly with bolts or screws.
3-axis machining
3-axis machining
3-axis machining uses three perpendicular axes to cut and shape components, improving dimensional accuracy and detail for complex features and smooth finishes.
4-axis machining
4-axis machining
4-axis machining adds rotational capability to the standard three axes, allowing parts to be machined from multiple angles. This creates complex shapes and detailed features with fewer setups.
5-axis machining
5-axis machining
5-axis machining adds two additional rotational axes, allowing parts to be machined from virtually any angle.

Finishing operations

Abrasive media blasting
Abrasive media blasting
Abrasive media blasting uses pressurised streams of materials such as sand or glass beads to clean and refine components, improve surface texture, remove contaminants and enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the part.
Thermal deburring
Thermal deburring
Thermal deburring removes burrs and sharp edges from parts using high-temperature gases.
Tumble deburring
Tumble deburring
Tumble deburring uses a rotating barrel with abrasive media to smooth and clean investment castings, removing burrs and sharp edges.
Vibratory polishing
Vibratory polishing
Vibratory polishing uses vibrating bowls with abrasive media to smooth and refine metal parts.

Other operations

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) inspection
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) inspection
APQP inspection uses a structured approach to evaluate and ensure the quality of parts throughout the production process. This ensures parts meet specified standards and customer requirements.
Assembly
Assembly
Assembly combines multiple components into a final product, improving efficiency and ensuring precise fit and function.
Automated dimensional inspection
Automated dimensional inspection
Automated dimensional inspection uses advanced technology to precisely measure and verify component dimensions, ensuring they meet specifications while reducing manual errors.
Automated visual inspection
Automated visual inspection
Automated visual inspection uses imaging systems to detect defects in components.
Functional gauging
Functional gauging
Functional gauging measures critical part features and tolerances to ensure they meet functional requirements.
In-process CMM
In-process CMM
An in-process coordinate measuring machine (CMM) uses real-time measurements to ensure ongoing accuracy, reduce deviations and minimise the need for post-production corrections.

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Our engineers are here to answer your questions and show you how innovative investment casting technologies can transform your next project and future programmes.

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