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Machine processes

Machine processes Machine processes Machine processes Machine processes Machine processes Machine processes

All the processes used by Agate Products involve the removal of material using diamond in one form or another. These range from cylindrical, surface and CNC grinding (using a variety of specialised wheels), to drilling, honing, lapping and optical polishing.

Working closely with specialist grinding wheel manufacturers, Agate Products has, over the course of many years, developed grinding wheels to suit the machining requirements of the various materials processed. These materials range in hardness from various types of glass right up to Sapphire and Silicon Carbide. The company has nearly 70 years of experience in the machining of these hard materials which has resulted in us having highly trained staff that are able to meet most of the challenges that Agate Products is tasked to solve for its customers.

Agate Products is the first choice for many companies and academic institutions when it comes to R & D, low volume and high precision work with some components then moving on to higher volume production runs. Professional advice is freely given in order to help our customers achieve their desired product as feasibly and economically as possible.

Machining capability and parameter values listed are typically ones that have been worked to previously.

  • Cylindrical grinding – Ø1mm up to a current maximum of Ø505mm
  • Centreless grinding – from Ø0.5mm to Ø32mm
  • CNC milling – currently up to 950mm x 500mm
  • Surface grinding – currently up to 1000mm x 480mm
  • Drilling – from Ø0.35mm to Ø235mm
  • Honing – from Ø1mm up to Ø75mm
  • Lapping and polishing – Commercial grade polishing down to as fine as a 20:10 S:D surface finish and flatness down to λ/4 depending on diameter and thickness

Tolerances, lengths and depths vary depending on material and component size. Please contact us for further information or to discuss your specific requirements.

In addition to the above, Agate Products is also able to offer the following.

  • Shot blasting
  • Laser cutting
  • Acid washing and clean firing
  • Annealing
  • Clean room facilities
  • Assembly room
  • Dye penetrant testing
  • Metalizing and brazing
  • Coating of sapphire widows

Why choose Agate

Specialists in precision machining

Founded in 1946, we have over 70 years’ experience in the precision machining of ultra-hard materials making us one of the leaders in our industry. Our customer base is diverse and worldwide.

Vast experience of ultra-hard materials

We predominantly machine and supply parts in alumina, sapphire, silicon carbide and quartz but also a whole range of other materials.  Many of the standard size materials are held in stock allowing us to offer faster lead times.

Multiple machining capabilities

Our substantial production facilities house large capacity surface, cylindrical and centreless grinders as well as a CNC department together with drilling, honing and lapping/polishing machines.  We invariably machine to very complicated designs and tight tolerances.

Prototypes or larger production volumes

We are the company of choice for universities/R&D facilities who require low volume prototypes. However, our manufacturing facility is equally at ease with larger production volumes.

Friendly approachable company

We are happy to share our experience with our customers and advice is freely given to allow our customers to achieve their objectives feasibly and as economically as possible.

ISO accredited

Quality underlies our business. We are ISO accredited and operate within the framework of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. All incoming materials and outgoing products are inspected to the required standard.