Attewell Ltd

At Attewell, we are the only Boeing approved shim manufacturer in Europe with approvals to manufacture BAC part numbers. We have been approved with all major aircraft and industry related approvals, supplying shims to three continents.

Our aerospace division provides many solutions and components to the global leading aero-structure manufacturers in addition to many airframe fabrications for commercial and military aircraft

Laminated Peelable Shim

Where electrolytic reaction with dissimilar metals is a possibility, consideration should be given to the use of our unique cadmium-plated steel LS3 variant prepared with a coating to both sides of each foil prior to lamination.

If the laminated peelable shim is to be used in a stressed location, it is important, especially in the aluminium range, that the shim strength is similar to the surrounding structure. Materials can also be supplied that are AMS-DTL-22499 compliant.

Laminated Peelable Shim

Laminated and Solid Packers, Spacers and Tapers

Some assembly techniques demand a packer or spacer with a constant thickness and we produce these in a similar way to those manufactured from laminated stock, using press or machine processes.

An infinite variety of shapes can be produced dedicated to a specific customer requirement. A full testing and protective treatment service is offered on all components, using approved sources. Customised tapered shims are manufactured using a technique that does not require specialist tooling. Such shims can be produced precisely and economically in small or large batches.

Laminated and Solid Packers, Spacers and Tapers

Photo-Chemical Machining

The combination of modern computer-aided design and a photo-sensitive mask enables us to produce highly-accurate and intricate components used in a very wide range of systems applications. Photo-chemical machining is particularly attractive for use in electronics, filtration and aerospace and defence. 

Tooling costs are low, resulting in cost-effective solutions for prototype development of thin sheet details. A wide range of metals can be etched from stainless steel to brass 0.127mm (0.005”) to 1.6mm (0.063”) thick.

We have the capability and facilities to carry out the forming of a number of etched products.

Photo-Chemical Machining

Kitting and Package Solutions

We have highly advanced skills and a wealth of expertise in kitting and package solutions tailored exactly to customer requirements.

We integrate resources from low-cost outsourcing to innovative complex in-house manufacturing to extended supply-chain management providing components and assemblies on a ‘just in time’ basis direct to line side.

We operate consignment stocking, kanban, taxban and e-ban techniques to support our operations.

Kitting and Package Solutions

CNC Machining

Precision CNC machining is carried out in-house on a modern extensive range of machine tools and equipment.

Our flexible and versatile approach aids our ‘agile’ engineering philosophy to provide cost efficient solutions for milled and turned shim, taper or packer conversions.

  • CNC Milling : max component size 914mm x 381mm (36” x 15”)
  • CNC Turning : max. dia. 406mm (16”)

Additionally we have the support of the extensive facilities of our sister division, Hampson Aerospace Machining. 

CNC Machining

CNC Punch Pressing

Our CNC punch pressing facilities provide a versatile, rapid and cost efficient conversion service in a wide range of materials including:

  • Mild steels
  • Stainless steel
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Aluminium
  • Titanium

Component sizes of up to 102mm x 204mm (4” x 8”) can be accommodated with our CNC punching.

CNC Punch Pressing

CNC Routing

A wide range of materials and thicknesses are processed by our high-speed state-of-the-art CNC routing machines.

Our CNC routing capabilities include:

  • Component sizes of up to: 3048mm x 1524mm (120” x 60”) in materials including aluminium, polyimide and other non ferrous materials in thicknesses up to 12mm processed quickly and efficiently with a high degree of repeatability.
  • Max bed working area 3099mm x 1537mm (122” x 60.5”)
CNC Routing

Photo-Chemical Machining Process

The polymer resin-based, photo-sensitive resist coated sheet is exposed to ultra-violet light through the photo master created by the CAD system.The unexposed areas are chemically developed away removing the resist, leaving the bare metal where etching will occur. This is a very brief summary of the photo-chemical machining process.

Materials processed:

  • Aluminium
  • Berylium Copper
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Mild Steel 
  • Phosphor Bronze
  • Nickel
  • Spring Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Super Alloys, including: Jetfire, Waspalloy, Haynes, Rene, and some Hastelloys such as Inconel and Incalloy  

We have a range of equipment to carry out forming of a number of etched products and have partnerships with a number of treatment houses catering or aerospace or commercial applications.

Typical products manufactured using photo-chemical machining include:

  • Shims
  • RFI Screening Products
  • Lead Frames
  • Contacts
  • Screens
  • Radial and Axial Springs
  • Iris Leaves and Graticules
  • Valve Plates
  • Heat Sinks
  • Solder Paste Masks
  • Watch Parts
  • Encoder Discs
  • Filtration Products
Photo-Chemical Machining Process

Welding and Jointing

We have the welding and jointing expertise and maintain facilities for:

  • Spot welding
  • Edge bonding
  • Jointing and assembly of shim conversions to finished product status
Welding and Jointing

SHIMTECH Industries

Shimtech is a specialist supplier of high performance composite structures, assemblies and shim solutions to the global aerospace industry.

SHIMTECH Industries

Attewell Ltd Overview

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