DC Ross engineers have designed and manufactured a number of very sophisticated fineblanking press tools for slitting / cutting revolutionary high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable in a production environment. IRL's high temperature superconducting team has come up with a process to turn fragile HTS wire into robust cable and open the way for the wider application of HTS technology in industry
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If you require high quality production tooling or precision stamped metal components contact us now for an internationally competitive quotation and high quality service.
+64 3 4788060
Next generation fine blank press tooling
Ongoing development of the fine blank process has always been a strength that DC Ross is proud of. Our most recent research and development work has resulted in a higher quality fine blanked product by reduction of die roll and die break on demanding parts with critical working features such as teeth.
The focus of the development work has mainly been on understanding metal flows and punch loadings when the stamping takes place. A good example of this quality enhancement is shown in the attached PDF image.
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June 2008
Air ejection from press tooling
DC Ross has developed new and very efficient air blast ejection technology for ejecting components and slugs from automated production press tooling
DC Ross has a policy of continuous improvement across every facet of its fineblanking precision metal stamping production facility. One area that has always had a bearing on how many components can be produced per minute by our Schmid production presses is how fast fineblanked parts and slugs (waste material) can be cleanly ejected from the press tooling.
We have carried out extensive trials on off the shelf air ejection nozzles and assemblies in an attempt find the ideal one but to no avail. The main issue with standard air nozzles is that although a combination of nozzles can achieve an ejection air curtain the air pattern is quite disturbed and therefore the ejection of components is restricted somewhat by this pattern of disturbed air.
After extensive R&D, design and press trials we have now developed the ultimate and most efficient air ejection nozzle combination on the market.
Click image to view brochure
The DC Ross air ejection manifold can be custom designed and manufactured to fit any automated tooling application. Each nozzle produces a thin curtain of high speed smooth air that when directed over the top of a stamped component/s in the open tool lifts the component off the cavity surface and ejects it from the tool area efficiently.
This recently developed technology has enabled us to increase production output without changing the speed of cutting strokes.
For further information and to discuss your individual requirements we welcome your contact.
+64 3 4788060
New appointment at MTS
Mr Ruban Jey has joined MTS with responsibility for operating the new joint warehousing facility.
The new facility will be located in the Wilson building which was once the location for the assembly of the Healy sports car range.
May 2008
Second R&D fineblanking tool delivered to Industrial Research
Industrial Research have taken delivery of a second DC Ross designed and built fineblanking press tool for shearing the superconductor material they have developed. The tooling clearance tolerances combined with the internal component dimensions really pushed the boundaries of precision engineering.
DC Ross to establish a new logistics warehouse in Melbourne, Australia
DC Ross and subsidiary Metal Treatment Services (MTS) are establishing a new logistics and distribution warehouse in Melbourne, Australia. Work is well underway to establish this new facility which will be located beside the MTS heat treatment facility.
The new facility will have fully automated vision sorting machines and packing facilities. Establishing this facility at the MTS location will further enhance and strengthen the supply chain from DC Ross & MTS to our customers.
April 2008
Assisting research by Dr Patrick McCole, Queens University Belfast.
On a regular basis DC Ross assists local and national organisations with research and product development R&D.
We recently had a plant visit by Dr Patrick McCole, Queens University Belfast. Dr McCole is carrying out research into global supply chain management and we were happy to assist Dr McCole's research project by providing details of how DC Ross manages its global supply chain and our relationships with both suppliers and our customers.
Mr McCole was impressed by the methods and control measures that are in place at DC Ross considering the relatively small size of the operation and geographical location. In order to be globally competitive DC Ross operates on very lean principles throughout its supply chain.
Our plant in Dunedin produces circa 8 to 10 million fineblanked (precision metal stamped) automotive components per annum for the new car industry. We supply directly and indirectly to USA, Asia & Australia.
Over the years DC Ross has invested in advanced and dedicated software systems such as Epicor 'Vantage' CRM package.
DC Ross to attend SAE 2008 World Congress
Bob Houliston and Peter Deans will be attending the upcoming 2008 SAE World Congress & Exhibition in Detroit, Michigan in April, as part of the Team Automotive Australia representation.
This will provide a valuable networking opportunity with both existing and potential customers and suppliers. Should you be attending the congress and wish to arrange an appointment with the DC Ross representatives please email mail@dcross.co.nz .
We actively seek opportunities to foster relationships and collaborate with new and existing customers. We look forward to meeting with you there.
March 2008
MTS completed TS16949 part 2
DC Ross owned and operated subsidiary DRI Metal Treatment Services, Melbourne, Australia has just completed the automotive TS16949 part 2 audit. Apart from two minor non conformances which the company will resolve shortly the audit went very well. MTS expects to receive full TS16949 accreditation when the two minor non conformances are fully resolved.
DRI Metal treatment services is considered to be one of Australasia's leading production metal heat treatment companies. The company has secured some very high profile and technical contracts such as the heat treatment of Formula 1 gearbox components.
For information on the full range of services offered by MTS please click on this link www.drimts.com.au
February 2008
Industrial Research
Following highly successful results from fineblanking new superconductive material developed at Industrial Research Ltd, DC Ross has received an order to develop, design and build a second generation R&D production tool.
QA, ISO 9001 accreditation audit & renewal
Following a full quality system audit by independent auditors Bureau Veritas DC Ross has been awarded re-certification of ISO, AS/NZS 9001:2000 standard, valid until November 2010.
Click on image to view cert full size >>>>>>>>>>>>>
January 2008
Senior management appointment at DRI Metal Treatment Services, Melbourne, Australia.
Following an extensive recruitment and evaluation process we are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr David Karney in the position of General Manager, DRI Metal Treatment Services.
David is tertiary qualified with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Monash University and an MBA through Deakin University. He has extensive front line metal heat treatment and Tier 1 automotive manufacturing experience.
Secure Export Scheme
DC Ross has been accepted into the New Zealand Customs Service approved 'Secure Export Scheme' as a secure export partner effective 31st January 2008. The secure export scheme is a US driven initiative to strengthen US border security. The entire DC Ross facility is an approved export site under the scheme. Joining the scheme will enhance our border clearance privileges in the United States ensuring fast clearance and processing.
Another safe year at DC Ross
The DC Ross facility has completed another safe year in 2007 with no lost time injuries recorded. DC Ross operates the DuPont 'STOP™ for Each Other' workplace safety program.
December 2007,
DC Ross ramps up production of a new fine blanked automotive brake system component for supply to a US based automotive O.E.M. client. Initially 300,000 units will be supplied per annum with volume expected to increase. The components will be fine blanked in New Zealand, heat treated in DC Ross subsidiary Metal Treatment Services, AU and shipped to the US via Australia.
Over the last few months both our toolmaking and precision metal stamping divisions have received a noticeable increase in quotation requests from US based O.E.M's and 2nd tier manufacturers.
DC Ross currently produces 58 different precision stamped metal components by fine blanking with a total annual output of circa 8 million components per annum. We primarily produce automotive components for new vehicles and electrical devices.
If you require high quality production tooling or precision stamped metal components contact us now for an internationally competitive quotation and high quality service delivery.
+64 3 4788060
October / November 2007,
Nano Technology
Over the last two years DC Ross has designed and manufactured prototype instruments and related R&D components for Australo a specialist research and development company focused on high sensitivity real-time analytical systems, Nanotechnology.
Australo have developed a novel technology platform - Scanning Ion Occlusion Spectroscopy (SIOS) that enables sensing, measurement and control of particles ranging in scale from nano to micrometres. SIOS supports
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Robust and cost-effective nano particle analysis
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Real-time fluid borne molecular-diagnostics at single particle level of sensitivity
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Dynamic real-time analysis optimisation
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Ultra-high precision particle gating and clamping.
DC Ross has manufactured 10 units this month which will be available for Beta release from Australo in due course.
Users who will benefit from the availability of the SIOS based technology include those involved in pathogen screening, medical diagnostics, biotechnology, security, authentication, and environmental monitoring.
If you would like more information on the SIOS platform or instrumentation please view the Australo website www.australo.com
Tooling sensing
DC Ross lever form tooling can now 'sense' any component issues within the tooling. Following a number of months R&D and intense QA assessment all lever form tooling can now detect if the part has been malformed. If the tool sensors detect an issue the press immediately stops before the lever is ejected into the operator inspection tray.
DC Ross is absolutely committed to 100% customer satisfaction. Our ongoing commitment and investment in constant improvement and technical advancement has ensured that our customers have a high degree of trust in the consistent quality of fine blanked precision metal components supplied by our company.
September 2007
Another very satisfied client
Dear Darrell, Bob & Brent,
Just a very short note to say thank you!
The single strand tool you designed and built appears to perform as we had hoped and I am impressed that you kept us informed about status weekly, clarified issues on a regular basis and met a very demanding schedule. The finished engineering of the die set is almost a work of art.
I look forward to working with you in future.
Many thanks,
Rod
The DC Ross tool making division designed and manufactured tooling for fine blanking / cutting superconductor material for Industrial Research Ltd, the above email was received from them on 5th September 2007.
The DC Ross team is totally focused on meeting and exceeding client expectations. We take pride in our ability to provide our clients with a fast turnaround of precision engineering and fine blanking projects from inception to handover.
Talk to us now about your requirements.
03 4788060
August 2007
DC Ross has designed, prototyped and trialled new air curtain slug ejection for tooling.
This new and more efficient way of ejecting waste slugs from the fine blanking process has decreased production stoppages and increased productivity. We have reached a new milestone in production having breached the 100 components per minute on one of our production tools operating in a Schmid Press HSR320.
