What is microjoint removal?

Lotte explains, the Q-Fin applications. Last time, Lian discussed the most frequently asked questions about oxide layer removal. Microjoints are sometimes used when cutting metal sheet parts. In this blog, Lotte answers the most frequently asked questions about these microjoints.

“A microjoint is the connection between the cut material and the residual sheet. Microjoints are a convenient way to keep small cut parts connected to the sheet, by not cutting through a small part of the product contour. The product thus remains in the sheet and does not fall into the cutting bed. This prevents products from ‘falling through’. Also long, narrow products, which can be deformed by heat input, are fixed in this way, so that they have less deformation. The biggest advantage is that all small products can be lifted off the table in one go. This saves a considerable amount of time for unpacking and thus handling costs.

 

The use of microjoints is mainly used for smaller products cut from thin stainless steel sheets. When laser cutting fine sheet metal, the cut stainless steel parts are often held in the sheet by these microjoints. After cutting, the products are broken out of the sheet and a ridge remains on the product. This sharp protrusion, a small burr as it were, on the outer edge of the product is not desired for various reasons.”

 

Why remove microjoints?

“Microjoints are a detrimental consequence of this chosen processing method. Firstly, the product does not look smooth with a protrusion. If that is not reason enough, the sharp microjoint can also injure your employees, a possible coating will not adhere properly and dirt can get stuck behind the protrusion. Enough reasons to remove the microjoints. But how?”

 

How to remove microjoints?

“How do you remove microjoints easily and quickly without undesirably altering the contours of the product? There are several possibilities. For example, you can remove the microjoint with a manual grinder. However, this requires a steady hand to ensure that you do not inadvertently alter the contours of the product. You can also choose to remove the microjoints with a standard grinding belt. The disadvantage of this is that the product is rounded off undesirably. You can also choose a smart manually operated machine, such as the SkipJoint from Q-Fin. This allows you to remove the microjoints safely, quickly and with very little effort. In contrast to grinding away microjoints with a standard grinding belt, the product is not rounded off in an unwanted way.”

Besides the SkipJoint, Q-Fin is specialised in developing, building and selling other metalworking machines. Discover our extensive product range!

 

The removal of microjoints is just one of the applications our machines can help you with. In our next blog Lotte will tell you all about edge milling.