RB Engineering received a call from a client who needed help to create a perforated plate design that would stay absolutely flat. In the past it was usual for the client to order the perforated plate from a supplier but, these were usually made by laser or punched which would cause the metal to warp.  This would cause a problem with a build-up of materials being used in the perforated plate. We decided to make the perforated plate using CAD software.

Damaged perforated plate

Damaged perforated plate

The perforated plate would be made from 5mm 316 stainless steel.  The advantage of having this profiled and cut on the water jet is that there is no warp age of the metal as it is cut using water. The perforated plate has to be installed perfectly level so the material is always cold.

A qualified designer at RB Engineering created the drawing for the perforated plate design using CAD software.  The drawing when then past to a qualified water jet cutter for profiling and creating the plate. The material was required to be cut to a tolerance of 0.05mm.

Before the work began test cutting was done using scrap material to see if having all of the holes closer together would relieve any stress in the rolling of the stainless steel causing the plate to lift.  This didn’t happen so the material was ordered to begin the work on the perforated plate.

Perforated steel plate with water cutting machine

Cutting steel plate

When the work was completed it was scheduled for completion. On completion the client collected the perforated plate and it was fitted by their own staff.  Once installed the customer tested the plate and informed us that it was working to their satisfaction and they were able to put a greater

put through of material.

RB Engineering had solved the problem of the perforated plate design for the customer who was more than happy with the work that the production team had carried out. This type of work will now  be standard on all screen deck machines.