New ‘Tube Map’ Online Resource For Stamped/Plated Components

Batten & Allen makes parts specification quicker and easier

World-class stamping and plating specialist Batten & Allen has created a new online technical resource to help customers specify precision components faster and more easily.

The new resource is a comprehensive end-to-end journey that covers every aspect of stamping and plating for electronics, automotive, telecoms and aerospace.

It is aimed at purchasing managers, commodity buyers and design engineers in Europe, the USA and Asia: 98% of the company’s output is exported.

During development, the new resource was dubbed the ‘Tube Map’ because it takes users on a logical journey through the various manufacturing ‘stations’:

• Design – a smoother idea-to-implementation workflow from concept to component.
  - Tooling – all meticulously designed and built on-site to ensure quality. Nothing is outsourced.
  - Design For Manufacturing (DFM) – optimising the manufacturing process to enhance quality, reduce costs and shorten time to market.
• Samples – with advice on design-for-manufacturing principles and cost-saving ideas before investment in hard tooling begins.
  - Etching – cost-effective and rapid production samples from thin-gauge materials, typically up to 0.1–0.5 mm thick.
  - Laser Cut/Wire Erosion – advanced laser cutting to tolerances of up to ±0.05 mm.
• Tooling – a state-of-the-art toolroom and modular format ensure rapid scaling, adaptability and unparalleled quality control. 
  - Progression – 100% in-house tooling for quality, consistency and accountability.
  - Customer Use – bridging the gap between high-volume stamped output and seamless in-line integration for the customer, ensuring parts can be handled, processed and installed downstream without friction.
• Stamping – 22 high-speed Bruderer presses configured for progressive tooling, supported by advanced feeding systems and inline inspection.
• Reel to Reel Stamping – with multi-coil winders (automating reel changes and increasing operator efficiency) and highly accurate auto-dosing systems that apply lubricants only where required.
  - Loose Piece Stamping – for smaller production runs or highly specialised applications.
• Plating – including copper, nickel, tin, silver, gold and palladium. These can be applied using barrel and reel-to-reel methods, depending on volume, part geometry and application.
  - All Over Plating – simplifying the plating process and delivering uniform protection or conductivity.
  -Selective Plating – for high-value or application-specific finishes such as gold, silver and palladium.
• Moulding – designing stamped components that accommodate the requirements of the moulding process from the outset, enhancing end-product quality.
• Assembly – bespoke solutions built around customers’ specific requirements.
• Logistics – managing the international movement of precision components, ensuring that parts arrive on time, intact and fully compliant with local regulations.
  - Packaging – reel-to-reel, tape and reel, thermoformed trays and blister packs, and bulk packaging with dividers or inserts.

Batten & Allen Senior Technical Sales Manager Terry Brisland said: “This online resource is especially useful to anyone who has new product needs but is not sure where to begin their journey and how to navigate to the desired destination.

“It offers a clearer insight into all the quality, consistency and manufacturing optimisation benefits at every stage of design, production, assembly and shipping,” he added.

UK-based Batten & Allen manufactures up to 650 million parts per month. It ensures consistency and quality by combining stamping and electroplating under one roof.

The company has been awarded more than 20 different certifications and accreditations including ISO 9001 (quality management), IATF 16949 (automotive quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management systems), REACH (chemicals) and CFSI (conflict-free sourcing).

For further information, contact Batten & Allen Senior Technical Sales Manager Terry Brisland.

Find out more about delivering consistent stamping quality here.