What do a piece of jewellery and a high-precision industrial component have in common? A real case study
When we think of a piece of jewellery, we usually imagine an item manufactured with precision, where every detail of the process influences the final result. The selection of materials, finishes and surface treatments are all part of a meticulous process aimed at creating a piece capable of maintaining its properties and appearance over time.
Although it may seem like a completely different sector, certain industrial components require a very similar level of attention.
It is not simply about manufacturing a specific geometry. In some projects, machining is only one part of the process. The materials, subsequent treatments and coordination with external specialists are equally important in achieving the result required by the customer.
REAL CASE: an industrial component with a gold coating
A jeweller selects materials, defines finishes and works with specialists to achieve specific characteristics in a piece. In industrial projects like this one, something similar happens: machining is only one part of a process that continues with specific treatments and specialised partners to achieve the desired result.
One of these projects involved the manufacture of a machined component in CuZn39Pb3, initially developed as a prototype and intended for future series production.
Two production machines were combined for its machining:
- Doosan MYNX 540 machining centre for milling operations.
- Doosan Puma 2000Y CNC lathe for turning operations.
Once machining was completed, the component was sent to a specialised supplier for surface treatment processes.
The applied process was as follows:
- Electroless nickel plating.
- Surface blasting.
- Ultrasonic cleaning.
- Final 5 μm gold coating.
What does this surface treatment provide?
The applied coating is not based on aesthetic criteria, but rather on specific technical requirements.
The electroless nickel layer provides a uniform surface and improves resistance against corrosion and wear. Subsequently, blasting and ultrasonic cleaning prepare the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the final finish.
Finally, the 5 μm gold coating provides properties that are highly valued in certain industrial applications, such as high oxidation resistance and excellent electrical conductivity on contact surfaces.
The combination of these treatments makes it possible to obtain a component prepared to operate in applications where surface stability and contact reliability are determining factors.
The importance of working with specialised partners
Not all surface treatments require the same level of specialisation. In projects requiring specific processes, selecting the right supplier is just as important as the manufacturing itself.
For this reason, at MEBSA we work with a network of approved partners who have demonstrated their technical expertise and reliability in meeting the requirements of each project. This collaboration allows us to offer complete solutions and ensure that subsequent treatments maintain the required level of quality for each application.
The coating applied to this component was carried out by a specialised external supplier, selected through our approval and validation processes.
Precision also lies in how each component is treated
In projects like this, machining represents only one part of the process. Planning the operations, handling the component and preparing it for subsequent treatments are equally important in achieving the expected result.
At MEBSA, we understand that the quality of a component does not end when it leaves the machine. That is why we supervise the entire manufacturing process and, when external operations are involved, we collaborate exclusively with approved partners who meet the same quality standards and technical requirements as we do. In this way, we ensure that each component reaches its final application in the expected condition and meets the requirements defined for each project.
Do you need to manufacture machined components with specific technical requirements or special surface treatments? Contact us and we will study your project individually to define the most suitable manufacturing process and provide a solution tailored to your needs.