Anti-fingermarking steel for computers
Methods
Anti-fingermarking steel for computers
Keywords British Steel, Cleanliness, Coatings, Computers, Steel
The anti-fingermarking qualities of British Steel's Zintec AF, a relatively new electro-zinc-coated steel which resists grease, oil and sweat absorption, are finding favour with IBM in chassis manufacture for a family of four of its current range of computers.
Produced for IBM at the Beith, Ayrshire, facility of Rubicon HSP Ltd, from Zintec AF slit coil supplied by British Steel Distribution's Service Centre at Blackburn, the chassis maintains a clean appearance and its surface remains tarnish-free as components are inserted during the assembly of the computer.
The specially coated 1.0mm and 1.2mm thick steel also performs well in blanking and transfer pressing operations at the Beith factory where Rubicon HSP has invested nearly £4 million in advanced plant and equipment to double its capacity during the last 12 months.
Now, with two interchangeable press transfer lines, the company is producing over 24,000 fully formed chassis sub assemblies per week for various computers.
Currently supplying a substantial monthly volume of Zintec AF to Rubicon HSP for the IBM account,Blackburn Service Centre is now optimistic that the computer chassis business will continue to grow, having successfully negotiated the contract following a nine month trial period.
Rubicon HSP's procurement manager at Beith, Colin Campbell, is clear about the importance of supply chain relationships, particularly in the competitive field of electronic manufacturing.
He says: "As you would expect of a world market leader, IBM is highly focused on quality. For a major player this is more than skin deep. Not only must the computer perform to the highest standards but, when the outercase is removed, what you see inside should reflect that capability. The formed parts that we supply to IBM are key to this process.
It follows, therefore,that we are equally reliant upon British Steel Distribution for the quality of Zintec AF and the reliability of its supply. It's not enough to have a very good innovative steel product, it must be delivered on time, every time and always in prime condition. In this respect our two companies are working well together to meet IBM's requirements."
Details from: Tel: +44(0)121 557 1831; Fax: +44 (0)121 5202437.
