Any metal bashers on here?

[AlanQ]

I would like to get a small product manufactured that looks like this:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RVRMqtPUc3LSczyZ6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9KGGNMBq3PL3BzPD6
Its made out of aluminium I assume laser cut and folded. I've spoken to a local company that said it needs a special folder to get the return shape and they cannot do it. Can anyone help?
Depending on price I was looking at a fairly small initial run say 30~50pcs then go for a larger run if all goes well.

[rich888]

Do you have a DXF file for the component?

Have a chat with EMS in Mansfield who are laser cutters and fabricators, their phone number is 01623 420890.

[MM]

What thickness is it and what is the length of the return fold?

[RobXjcoupe]

From a toolmaker point of view, it’s an extruded form or if stamped from flat stock a form tool will be needed to complete that final fold. You won’t get exact dimensional replication from folding each part by hand

[AlanQ]

Thanks for the replies, I'll try EMS.
I don't have any drawings I was hoping I could give the original to someone and sketch out what I need. It measures 2mm thick including the finish which I think is powder coated. Good point about the likely variation in folding, perhaps the original is cut from an extrusion? Not sure of the process.

[RobXjcoupe]

Having another look, possibly it’s a regular rectangular extrusion that has been formed afterwards. No need to worry about return folds then

[mel]

As a metal basher, I can't see what the fuss is about. We make stuff like that every day and there is nothing at all tricky about it.

Yes in 2mm material an outside fold of approx' 7mm is going to be tight using standard tooling by we've tooling to do it, no special machinery over and above a punch/laser and pressbrake needed. As for accuracy, well we happily work with repeatability of 0.1mm so can't really see any problem.

We could do it from start to finish including the powder coating without any drama, in those sort of quantities you'd be looking at £200-300 "ish" +VAT, ex works depending on the exact sheet yield.

[AlanQ]

Thanks Mel, sent you a pm