Profiling, Sandblasting & Powder Coating

Profile cutting

At Robotic Steelworks we use Laser and Plasma Profile Cutting machines for profile cutting.  Machine operators use CAD / CAM drawing applications and CNC controlled cutting machines to profile cut steel plates to your specification.  We can use almost any material (mild steel, stainless steel, brass etc.)  for profile cutting and any material thickness.

Plasma holds the advantage over laser cutting in that thicker stainless steel can be cut than can be accomplished using laser profile cutting. Plasma puts less heat stress in the material resulting in less distortion.  Plasma profile cutters work by sending a pressurized gas through a small channel, which is then electrically charge to form a plasma arc.  It is this Plasma arc that cuts the metal.

Laser cutting is an accurate and cost effective method for profile cutting.  It has the ability to pierce through many different types of metals at unparalleled speeds.  Laser cutting has the capability to cut small to large shapes to precision within a quick processing time.

Profile cutting can be used for different applications:

  • To cut rings
  • Back plates of equipment
  • Equipment parts
  • Logo’s on signage boards
  • Street names and numbers
  • Washers & multipurpose brackets

Sandblasting

Sandblasting involves using compressed air to forcefully propel a specific type of blasting garnet (sand) via a dense blast hose and nozzle. The compressed air and garnet is travelling at approximately 400km/h when it impacts onto the substrate to be prepared.

The combination of the course grade garnet and high speed at which it impacts the substrate, successfully removes all contaminants such as iron oxide (red rust), zinc oxide (white rust), paint and other such coatings.

Sandblasting can be a preparation method used to prepare your product for powder coating. However, we also offer sandblasting services to prepare steel (including stripping of old paint and other surface coatings) to provide a clean substrate ready for offsite alteration, galvanising or painting.

Powder coating

Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a dry powder.  The coating is applied electrostatically and then baked under heat to allow the powder granules to melt and flow together, giving you a hard, even finish.

Robotic Steelworks can assist with powder coating as a protective and durable finishing texture.

Powder coating gives the added advantage of a long-lasting product with superior protection against corrosion.   Powder coating is a hard wearing and very tough surface coating and is much more resistant to chipping, scratching and corrosion compared with paint.

What can be Powder coated?

Powder coating involves baking at 200°c so only metal items can be coated such as:

  • Gates
  • Fence panels and posts
  • Balustrades
  • Agricultural equipment
  • Trailers
  • Car parts
  • Motor bike frames
  • Mags and automobile parts etc.