Precision Engineering
A broad variety of materials is used by the precision engineering industry. This includes:
- Stainless Steel
- Copper Alloys
- Aluminium
- Brass
- Phosphor & Aluminium bronze
- Titanium
- Nickel Alloys
- Engineering plastics
We can supply all major grades on a rapid turnaround basis, with many metals held in stock at our strategically located branches throughout the UK. Most materials are available in a wide choice of profiles including round, flat, hexagon, sheet/plate or flat bar.
Our customers expect only the highest quality materials in order to work to the highest standards of accuracy during precision machine processes.
Stainless Steel
This robust, long-lasting and highly versatile material is available in a wide range of grades to suit various precision machine applications. Our austenitic. martensitic grades are selected for corrosion resistance with various standards available to provide different levels of machinability, heat resistance and suitability for welding. The Duplex grades are ideal for high strength applications where ductility is a key factor.
Copper Alloys
We have an extensive range of copper alloys suitable for machining to high tolerances. Each of the alloys has different properties with varying levels of strength, conductivity, corrosion and fatigue resistance dependent on the individual composition.
Aluminium
With high levels of mechanical strength and durability, Aluminium is an excellent choice for machining, with properties making it ideal for cutting, drilling, milling, turning, or punching. Its light weight and superior corrosion resistance, as well as aesthetic appeal make this material a primary choice for design engineers. Aluminium can also be recycled easily and cost effectively whilst its unique range of properties make it widely used in the precision engineering of components for the aerospace industry, Holme Dodsworth is able to supply a comprehensive selection of aluminium alloys to your specific size requirements in round bar, hexagon, square, angle/channel/tee, flat, tube, or sheet/plate.
Brass
We have brass in multiple grades and sizes to suit an extensive range of precision engineering and machining applications. Whilst brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, the addition of other elements increases machinability, corrosion resistance and strength whilst lowering the alloying elements or decreasing the zinc content improves ductility and cold formability.
Typical grades include free machining brass, high-tensile brass, riveting brass, stamping brass, low-lead brass, and dezincification-resistant brass as well as marine grades. Furthermore, we can source non-standard brass grades or sizes through our global supply chain.
Phosphor & Aluminium bronze
Phosphor bronzes are basically alloys of copper and tin - primarily used for their wear and corrosion resistance and medium strength, as well their traditional bronze appearance. Our wrought grades are offered in round, hexagon, flat, square, sheet and plate form. We also stock leaded gunmetal in round bar and thick-walled tube.
The aluminium bronzes are alloys of copper-aluminium alloys together with the addition of varying amounts of nickel and iron. They are generally stronger and more corrosion resistant than the phosphor bronzes, providing greater wear resistance under heavier loads, good formability, machinability and weldability. Possessing more of a gold-bronze colouration, these are mainly stocked in round, hexagon and plate.
Both types of metal are widely used in the precision engineering industry.
Titanium
A low density, high strength metal, titanium’s excellent corrosion resistance coupled with superior strength to weight ratio make it an ideal choice for precision engineering solutions, particularly for the aerospace industry. We are able to supply a variety of forms and sizes to meet your specific engineering requirements.
Nickel Alloys
Nickel alloys are often used to manufacture components for some of the toughest environments and applications where their superior levels of corrosion resistance and mechanical properties ensure that engineering solutions can perform across a range of temperatures. Use include, springs, fasteners, precision instruments and valve components.
Engineering plastics
Engineering plastics are often easier to form into complex shapes compared to standard materials while offering the benefits of light weight, resistance to wear and corrosion, and excellent thermal and electrical insulation. They also provide an extremely cost-effective solution. We offer a comprehensive range of high performance engineering plastics with various combinations of properties including enhanced mechanical strength, impact or abrasion resistance, chemical stability, low flammability, and even self-lubrication.