Cutting Machines And Coating Machines: Important Tools For Malaysian Manufacturing

Malaysian manufacturers of steel products as well as in other industries like automotive, and construction, rely heavily in efficient cutting machines and coating machines for their production.

For cutting, completely different tools are used for different types of materials, namely oxy-fuel, plasma, laser and waterjet.

Oxy-fuel cutting is the oldest technique, using fuels like acetylene, propylene, or propane. These gases, along with oxygen and the iron in the cutting torch produces an iron oxide which is able to cut the metal. Plasma uses a compressed inert gas and an electrical arc at very high temperatures to produce a plasma which will cut the metal. Cutting machines are used in large manufacturing firms where the metal sheets are placed on a bed with the plasma torch on top.

These machines are programmable through a computer, where the type of cut and configuration are encoded. Laser cutting machines uses carbon dioxide (CO2), neodymium (Nd) or neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG), which allows for cutting, boring or engraving. Waterjet cutting machines uses a high-velocity and pressurized jet of water to cut through metal or other materials. Sometimes the water is mixed with abrasive substances as well. Waterjet is preferred for parts fabrication or manufacturing for machinery or temperature sensitive materials.

The oxy-fuel cutting method is now seldom utilized in most manufacturing industries, but it is still commonly used in small metal shops or junk/scrap shops. Most manufacturing corporations use cutting machines with either plasma, laser or water jet cutters. These machines are mostly guided by CNC (Computer numerical control) panels from a computer or built on the cutting machine itself and will make for a more accurate and better finish for the cut material.

Coating is significantly important in metal manufacturing. It is because metals, when it comes in contact with oxygen and moisture, will develop rust or begin to corrode. Coating metals will shield it from these elements.

The basic technique of coating is utilizing paint, but since paint doesn’t stick with the metal, it will chip or peel away. A more common method is utilizing powder coating. Metal products are placed in a coating machines where it is coated with epoxy or polyester powder. An an electrostatic charge will be applied to make the powder adhere to the metal.

When the metal is heated, the powder will melt and produce a smooth coat on the metal. Other common methods are electroplating. In the coating machine, the metals are first coated with a solution containing anode and another solution containing cathode, that will be bound together through an electrical charge. Last but not the least is galvanization. This process includes immersing the metal in a coating machine containing hot melted zinc. Zinc is naturally corrosion resistant. Since zinc has a gray color, adding coloured pigment to the mixture or utilizing powder coating afterward may be done.

Because of the high demand of metal fabrication and the big range of industries that metal can be used, Malaysian metal products manufacturers rely heavily on these machines. These prompted the establishment of companies that provide or build cutting and coating machines. Corporations that build their own also export their machines outside Malaysia, catering to both local and foreign customers.

With more than 10 years experience and proven track record in the industry, the company’s management and staff are committed to continue with our efforts in Product Research & Development to meet the international standards. With this, YCE Engineering Sdn. Bhd. is all set to become a major market player and exporter in Asia.

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