From etching supplier to developer of precision mechanical solutions
The history of Mekoprint Chemigraphics is one of strong development continuously adding new chapters. The division has in recent years concentrated on automation and expanding its skills within new technology areas. Ever since Mekoprint was founded in 1954, the Chemigraphics business has been a highly-specialised etching business, but within the last three years, the division has invested millions in expanding its product range with micro turning and milling.
“We’ve always been a business that loves customers with particularly high standards,” says Benny Albrektsen, Director of Chemigraphics. “And when a customer turned to us to replace a former supplier unable to fulfil its requirements for special precision engineering skills, we saw it as the ideal opportunity to invest in this particular speciality.”
Robot-controlled 24/7 production
Results so far include the procurement of a range of multi spindle lathes/mills, all of which require a lot more careful handling than their massive industrial exteriors would indicate. The high-tech robot-operated machines stand in a special closed room, where the temperature is kept at a constant 22 degrees C, and where extra-reinforced concrete foundations ensure minimum vibration. They shape items in metal, plastic and other materials with a degree of precision right down to 5 my. Production goes on around the clock with guaranteed highest quality every time – even with very small tolerance allowances.
“We are right on the cutting edge of technology here. What we have is unique in Europe thanks to our skills range, and we can really make a difference for those customers that need special, highly complex items, or items with very small tolerances or special surfaces,” states Albrektsen.
What’s more, Mekoprint can now also offer high volume punching – a much cheaper and faster forming method than the classic etching, which also opens up for production of new types of products.
Turnkey solutions in a one-stop-shop
The new technologies enable Mekoprint to support customers from the early development phase right up to the very last anodising of an item – which Mekoprint also offers in-house. That means guaranteed high quality products, and the opportunity to consult with specialists within each area of early stage product development – to the benefit of both parties.
“There’s plenty of synergy between the old and new technologies, and we can produce turnkey solutions combining an etched product with a turned or milled product. We simply cover the entire value chain, removing an auspicious element of uncertainty for the customer,” explains Albrektsen. “I can see a wealth of opportunities for working closely with customers using these new technologies – any producer of precision mechanical parts in any material can benefit of our new investment – not least medico and similar companies who set very high standards for precision engineering.”
Mekoprint Chemigraphics develops and produces milled, turned, shaped and punched components, plus metal signs at our 6,000 m2 factory, the perfect facility for solutions for professional customers within any electronic-related industry sector. We also have all the necessary equipment in-house for surface treatment and automated quality-measurement of any type of item.