Subcontract honing service launched in Europe

Using electronically-controlled precision honing machines, volumes from 20 up to 50,000 parts per year are offered. Specialising in up to 25mm diameter, Delapena’s service is capable of up to 500mm.

Historically, subcontract honing was a service offered by Delapena, but was stopped to focus on development of new machines it now manufactures. Demand in the UK and the rest of Europe sees this service being introduced again.

According to Delapena, its subcontract service is ideal for low volume and for when the capital investment associated with machine purchase makes ownership prohibitive. Managing director, Martin Elliott said: “The advantage is that we manufacture the abrasives, tooling and machines, used in conjunction with our own special blends of oils. This means we can be competitive on price, yet offer industry-leading quality.”

Mr Elliott comments that the subcontract honing service is being used both as a permanent solution and as an interim whilst machines are built: “We can offer either a long-term outsourced service or a risk-free supply which tailors perfectly with a commissioning process.”

As an increasing number of subcontract customers are looking to hone more exotic materials, Delapena offers an abrasives service. This means typical materials such as aluminium, brass, titanium and hard steel can be honed as standard, with harder materials such as ceramics and Inconel also within honing capability.

Delapena has an abrasive development facility and so can produce job-specific abrasives, which it currently offers as part of its subcontract service without additional charge.

Lead-times for Delapena’s subcontract honing service are typically two weeks and quotations are turned around within 24 hours.

Delapena www.delapena.co.uk