Fine Metal Tubes

Utilising a selection of:

XL Precision Technologies have developed an unrivalled capability for the manufacture of stainless steel tube components and assemblies. We currently manufacture 900,000 individual parts each year, and we continually upgrade our facilites to manage increasing demand.

Tube sizes range from 0.25mm OD to 25mm OD for WHD tubes (0.50mm minimum for seamless).

Although production is primarily stainless steel tubes, we can supply other specialised materials eg. titanium, Nitinol.

We have developed new techniques for the economic manufacture of ophthamology instruments including cannulae, needles and complex surgical assemblies

We offer advice and development assistance to customers, ensuring the optimum design is achieved. Our controlled raw material and manufacturing processes provide highly accurate and consistent tubes.

Complex Machining

XL Precision Technologies operate full 3D design and machine programming systems. We can interpret customer requirements via drawings or computer models and quickly establish feasibility and delivery plans.

We utilise a proprietary combination of laser technology, wire erosion, spark erosion and traditional 5-axis machining facilities, linked to the integrated design system, to ensure all requirements can be achieved. Laser machining of tube with the XL Precision Technologies Starcut

Wire EDM

Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) is a sophisticated process that uses a computer-controlled, electric plasma field through fine wire to cut and shape all metal alloys and other conductive materials. The surface finish can be refined to eliminate any further polishing processes.

Sink EDM

Sink EDM utilises the same technology as wire EDM but using specific shape and configuration electrodes to define the machined feature or dimension. XL Precision Technologies offer the various latest technology and capability in extremely accurate and economic applications.

Fine, Complex, Micro Features

XL Precision Technologies operates mainly Mitsubishi high precision CNC driven EDM equipment. Our facilities are capable of producing microscopic, extremely complex features with tolerances of <± 5µm that could not be achieved using other metal cutting techniques.

Consistent capability

The process is highly accurate and repeatable. It allows stacking when machining multiple parts from sheet material. Taper cuts, free curves and complex shapes can be achieved.

The solution process is developed for initial samples and pre-production batches then carried through to higher production volumes utilising the same technology and programmes. These fast-track delivery schedules are enhanced by minimal tooling requirements.

Combining Technologies

EDM features can be combined with laser machined components and assembled using laser micro-welding technology. These combinations of process significantly broaden the applications and solutions available. Universal modelling and programming software ensures design integrity is maintained.

To further increase the productivity, a low profile, universal, work holding tooling system has been developed. By setting the work piece away from the machine we improve flexibility and increase machine utilisation; all of which helps us to be more competitive in the market.

Micro-components

XL Precision Technologies are world leaders in the precision manufacture of tight tolerance, micro-dimension components. We currently manufacture, for medical and other markets, complex shaped components with overall dimensions of 3mm x 2mm x 1mm, with standard tolerances down to 15 microns (0.015mm).

Utilising the latest technology in wire erosion, spark erosion and laser machining, XL Precision Technologies provide a unique capability for micro-component manufacture.

Depending on final form and design, we can help the customer develop products that completely satisfy functional requirements and can be manufactured accurately with continuous repeatability.

Our unique quality control systems ensure that manufacturing process capability is maintained and guarantees correct parts for every customer delivery.

Laser Machining – tube and flat sheet with off-set axis cutting

In November 2009, in their new 12,000sqft facility, XL Precision Technologies commissioned the only production facility in the UK for 4-axis micro-machining of stainless steel tubes and fine-cutting of flat and tubular material.

Laser cut hole 0.3mm in 22g tubeLaser cut 0.3mm diameter hole in 0.7mm tube with laser welded closed end

Laser cut tube 2laser cut hole array 0.15mm to 0.40mm diameter in 1.5mm tubeLaser cut tube 1 laser cut slot 1.5 x 0.5 1.47mm tube

A pulsed, Nd:YAG laser with 1.6kW peak power and cutting widths from 60 microns down to 5 microns.

XL Precision Technologies autoloader for laser cutting (video)

Fully programmable, direct from design software, and incorporating a fully automated loading system for up to 150 metres of tube length.

Probably unique in the UK and rare in the global market, XL Precision Technologies offer full offset laser cutting on fine tubes. Combined with standard radial cut technology, this provides unlimited capability in complex shapes and edge profiles on most fine tube sizes.

Magazine feature Nov 09 -- Industrial Laser Solutions

Magazine feature Nov 10 -- Advances in laser-based micro-machining

Laser Marking

XL Precision Technologies laser marking capability provides a wide variety of opportunities. Metallic surfaces and plastics, flat and curved parts, standard marking tasks or serial numbers, stationary or mobile use. Program-controlled axes (linear z axis and circumferential indexer) provide total system flexibility.

Laser Welding

XL Precision Technologies have 2 precision laser welding units employing the latest technology equipment from world-leading manufacturers.

We can offer programmable, highly accurate laser welding of micro assemblies from 0.5mm up to 180mm cube volume envelope. Max load weight is 50kg.

Our units are designed for welding steel, gold, platinum, titanium and copper utilising a 100W pulsed Nd:YAG laser with beam diameter from 2.0mm down to 0.05mm