Retail display solutions company
Manufacturing Case Study
We fabricate dozens of different retail display solutions every day at Constant, so when we were approached to manufacture a new table-top counter magnetic display it was a simple task. The display rotates, on a lazy Suzanne ball bearing mechanism, and the main body manufactured by us was a simple 1.5mm Zintec. Why Zintec? Well not all metals are magnetic of course!
As the customer already had a provisional idea, our CAD design drew up their design idea, and prepared the drawings ready for our laser cutter and press brake CNC machines. First step was for the large flat pattern boxes to be cut on our laser cutting machine. The magnet displays consist of three elements; main body, lazy Suzanne turntable and a base plate connecting the two.
Once cut, the flat pieces of metal made their way to the team of press brake operators. The team expertly bent the sides, and the base plate ready for fabrication.
Once bent, the units were riveted to keep their shape before welding started. It is actually quicker to rivet the side panels into place versus tack welding, as well as more cost effective for the customer.
Our welders took the various pieces of the lazy Suzanne mechanism, as well as the base plate and unit’s body and got to work. First up was to build the base plate and mechanism into the main body of the unit.
Next the welders MIG welded the body down the edges to create the finished shape.
Then it was off to the grinders and linishers. They grinded down the edges to smooth them and give a slightly rounded corner. They also removed the top of all the rivets, so they weren’t visible after powder coating.
The units went into our on-site powder coating plant to get a coat of smooth gloss black finish. The black will make sure the unit looks like it is floating when it rotates, as well as not detract from the magnets that it’ll be holding.
Each unit when cooled from the powder coating line, is first tested to make sure it still rotates smoothly and it doesn’t catch or clip on the base.
They are then boxed up, and ready for delivery to the customer. Our customer doesn’t have to handle the product at all, as we boxed each as single units to be ready for the them to ship out when ordered.
The base fitted snug inside the main body, leaving only a millimetre gap from table top to body, giving it a floating effect for the customer.
Give us a call to go over your next manufacturing project to see how we can add value, reduce lead times, and improve quality.
Send your details and drawings to contact@constantmanufacturing.co.uk and we’ll get back to you with a quote and any adviser information on your project.