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Frequently Asked Questions

SINUTA FCE’s contact details are available in the Contacts menu of this website. However, for any urgent queries or clarifications, please call (+351) 234840280 or email geral@sinutafce.pt.

The certification of SINUTA FCE’s Quality Management System according to Standard EN ISO 9001/2015 is a fundamental guarantee for the customer. However, depending on specific requirements, quality audits are often carried out on the customer’s initiative, a practice for which SINUTA FCE is fully prepared.

SINUTA FCE is certified according to EN ISO 9001/2015, as well as EN 14001 and EN 45001. The actions leading to certification according to the IATF 16949:2016 standard are being planned.

The signing of Non-Disclosure Agreements is common practice between SINUTA FCE and its customers, and there is no obstacle to do so.

Considering SINUTA FCE also has all the technology needed for locksmith work, including cutting sheet metal or tubes and welding, it is possible to hire this type of work from the company, depending on availability and a prior quote.

For a MOQ of 1,000 units, the average delivery time is 72 hours after the order is placed and the raw materials have arrived at SINUTA FCE’s facilities.

The standard minimum order quantity for SINUTA FCE is 1,000 units. This is considered the minimum quantity suitable for optimising equipment set-up times. However, depending on the customer’s needs or the specificities of the order, it is possible to negotiate a lower minimum quantity.

SINUTA FCE can stamp parts up to 2650 mm x 1500 mm (on a 650-ton mechanical press) or up to 1900 mm x 1200 mm (on a 300-ton hydraulic press)

SINUTA FCE can produce stamped parts in almost any type of steel, including stainless steel, or aluminium. Parts in other metallic materials, such as copper, for example, can also be processed by stamping.

The technology used at SINUTA FCE in the manufacture of dies, cutters and stamping tools allows us to guarantee dimensional tolerances of the parts to be produced of up to ±0.02mm.

To properly maintain tools, the following actions must be taken into account:

Routine cleaning: Keep tools clean of debris such as scrap metal, oil and dirt in general. Dirt can damage friction zones such as guides or punch reactions, etc., thus reducing durability.

Visual inspection: Check the condition of the tools regularly. Look for damages, wear on cutting zones (punch dies), guides, cracks or other problems. Replace damaged components as soon as they are identified, so as not to extend the Tool’s damage.

Sharpening: When the cutting edges start to wear, it is important to sharpen the punches. Use appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.

Proper storage: Store the Tools in suitable locations, protected from humidity, corrosion, and impacts.

Lubrication: Depending on the material and application, it may be necessary to apply lubrication to reduce wear and friction. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to choose the appropriate lubricant.

Correct handling: Use the tools appropriately by following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Avoid applying excessive force or making cuts in materials that could damage the cutting edges.

Training: Make sure operators are properly trained to use the tools and carry out basic maintenance.

Safe storage: When storing or transporting dies and cutters, protect the cutting areas with appropriate covers or packaging to prevent accidental damage.

Regular replacement: Even with proper maintenance, tools have a limited lifespan. Replace them as soon as they are worn or damaged in order to maintain the quality of the work and safety.

Maintenance records: Keep detailed maintenance records, including sharpening dates, inspections, and replacements. This will help to programme future maintenance and identify wear trends.

Stamping is a mechanical conformation process, usually carried out in cold, which involves a series of operations in which the flat sheet acquires a new geometric shape, either flat or hollow.

Stamping operations can be carried out using mechanical or hydraulic presses, with or without automatic feeding devices for sheets, cut strips or coils.

The stamping process is used in all metalworking industries in general, particularly those with large production runs.

Some examples of industries that use the Stamping Process:

Telecommunications

Automotive

Aeronautics

Weaponry

 Construction

Household appliances

Etc.

The choice of press depends on the shape, size and quantity of parts to be produced and, consequently, the type of tool that will be used. Mechanical presses are normally used for cutting, bending and flat stamping operations.

The metal sheets most used in stamping are:

  • Those made from low carbon steel alloys
  • Stainless steels
  • Aluminium-manganese alloys
  • Aluminium-magnesium
  • 70-30 brass

We must also consider the quality of the sheet metal, namely its chemical composition, mechanical properties, size specifications, finish, and surface appearance.

The dimensions of the sheet metal should be selected according to the distribution of pieces in the sheet itself, so that the sheet is used in the best possible way by creating the least number of scraps and offcuts.

There are several factors that can affect the cutting force of a tool, such as:

  • the gap between the cutting punch and the die
  • tool wear
  • the shape of the cutting line
  • the thickness of the sheet
  • the quality of the sheet metal
  • lubrication

 

The force required for cutting is determined by the following formula:

 

               Fc = e.L.Ks

 

               Where:

 

               Fc = Cut force (kgf)

 

               e = Sheet thickness (mm)

 

               L = Cut perimeter (mm)

 

               Ks = Shear stress (kgf/mm2)

To get a quote for a particular tool, you can contact us directly by telephone at 351234840280, by email at geral@sinutafce.pt or by filling in the contact form on our website.

To provide a quotation for a particular tool or part, we make a point of first signing an NDA, so as to provide our partners with a guarantee of confidentiality.

Next, and ideally, we always ask you to send us the STEP file (if it exists) of the part you want to produce. This file must contain dimensions, tolerances, type of material, etc. If there is no STEP file, Sinuta FCE has the expertise to do “reverse engineering” and thus arrive at the best solution for the necessary tool.

The production time of a tool depends on the type and size of the tool. Simple tools can take up to 4 weeks, more complex tools can take an average of 12 to 16 weeks.

At Sinuta FCE, more than just selling high-quality tools and/or services, we deeply value the relationship with our customers. We are committed to help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your production processes. We seek to respond to requests quickly and to be as present and close to our customers as possible.

Sinuta FCE has a variety of sheet metal conformation and cutting technologies, including the following:

  • Production of dies and cutters
  • Laser cutting of sheet metal and tubes
  • Punching machines
  • Press Brakes
  • Stamping outsourcing
  • Painting Line (Epoxy)
  • TIG/MIG/LASER/ROBOT welding
  • Three-dimensional measurement
  • Wire Erosion
  • CNC machining