faq

Answers to frequently asked questions about RLR Engineers.


Q What materials can you machine?
A

All carbon steels All stainless steels Alloy steels Toolsteel Super Alloys (Nimonic, Monel,Hastelloy, Inconnel etc.) Brass Bronze Aluminium Copper Titanium Some Plastics, Ceramic. If not listed please ask.

 

Q What is the smallest batch size you can produce?
A

Depends on the component, we can do prototypes or batch runs. The bigger the batch - the lower the cost. 1 offs to tens of thousands off.

 

Q What tolerances can you work to?
A

Toolmaking (not ground) +/- 0.01mm Production CNC Turning +/-0.025mm Repetition Autos +/-0.05mm

 

Q What size components can you make?
A

Depends on the nature of the component. CNC fixed head bar feed up to 51mm dia. (at present - watch this space!) CNC sliding head up to 18mm dia. (at present - watch this space!) Auto Capstan bar feed up to 60mm dia. CNC chucking 250mm dia. We also regularely act as procuring agents for large capacity machining.

 

Q Can you work from samples?
A

Yes, if we must. Samples don't give us tolerances and the sample might be a bad one! If working from a sample we would need written acceptance from the customer of the tolerances we can work to, and confirmation of the material spec. and any processes necessary (heat treatments etc.)

 

Q Will you hold parts in stock for us?
A

Yes, subject to contractual agreement. We regularely hold items in stock awaiting call-off, and also provide a consignment stock service.

 

Q What sort of things do you make?
A

Predominantly turned parts eg. Shafts, Bolts, Collars, Pins, Rollers, Pulleys, Studs, Wheels, Nuts, Axles, Cylinders, Spacers, Nipples, Caps, Screws, Plugs, Ferrules, Bushes, Knobs, Finials, Bosses, Spindles, Valves, Rings, Spigots, Stems, Sleeves, Cylinders, Rods, Nozzles, Couplings, Plungers, Bodies, Inserts, Washers, Adaptors, Reducers, Flanges, Elbows, Fittings and Rounders Bats!!! If it can be turned from bar on a lathe we can make it. Also, the more complexed the part the more suited it is likely to be for our hi-tech multi axis CNC lathes - reduced cycle times mean savings for our customers.

 

Q Can you produce some prototypes to help us develop a new product?
A

Yes. Supporting our production CNC turning we have a fully equipped toolroom, with centre lathes, milling machines, grinders, slotters etc.