What quality management systems do you work to?
We work to ISO 9001, issued by BSi.
Some of our more frequently asked questions. If you don't find an answer here, just get in touch using the details on our contact page.
General Questions
Will you hold stock for us?
Yes, where there are ongoing requirements we are more than happy to hold agreed stock levels for you. This will improve your response times. Please discuss this with your DAL account manager.
Stencil And Etch
What’s the difference between PHD, Laser PHD & 304ss?
These are all 304 grades of stainless steel that have slightly different properties making them suitable for different applications. Let us know the end use and we will recommend the right material for you.
What is FG?
Datum FG (Fine Grain) is a stainless steel with a grain size typically between 1-2 microns.
Why use FG for solder stencil/ metal mask?
In printing applications FG shows better and more consistent paste release.
What advantages does FG show for chemical etching?
For photo chemical machining (PCM) FG allows high accuracy etching with smooth aperture walls. It also has very low internal stress and remains flat following half etching.
What’s the tolerance on thickness?
The tolerance on our stainless steels is +/- 4%.
Delivery Questions
Do we hold stock in all locations?
Yes, we have stock and processing facilities in all locations.
Is delivery charge included in quoted price?
Any quotation that you receive will state if delivery is included within the price and an expected lead time for your order.
Battery Connectors
What is the difference between nickel 200 and nickel 201?
Both these grades come under the ATSM B162 code and the main difference is that the nickel 200 has a maximum carbon content of 0.15% and the nickel 201 has a maximum of 0.02%
What is the difference between nickel and nickel plated steel?
The nickel is a commercially pure product which has a minimum 99% nickel content. The nickel plated steel has a core of steel with a typical 2 microns of nickel, plated either side of the strip.
What is the tolerance on the thickness of the material?
Nickel has an industry standard of 0.01mm and for the nickel plated it is typically +/- 5%
How do you ensure quality?
We have trusted mills that work to the industry and our high standards for the materials We also have in-house slitting and tagging facilities to ensure your tolerances are met.
What are the advantages of cutting from billet?
For our customers who are milling, supplying material sawn from billet has two main advantages.
- We supply you exactly the size needed, not just the standard plate thickness’s available
- The billet material will also reduce tool wear when machining because it does not have the hardened ‘skin’ on its surface that occurs when plate material is rolled to thickness.
Both of these reduce the time the material is in your machine shop.
Controlled Expansion Alloys
Can you cut non standard size pieces?
Yes. With our in house cutting facilities we can cut pieces based on your exact requirements. This will significantly reduce your preparation time and also the scrap generated giving you a competitive edge in the market.