ECO-maxi - A THREE IN ONE SOLUTION FOR JEWELLERY MANUFACTURERS Why buy three finishing machines when one will do? This is the philosophy behind the revolutionary new Otec ECO-maxi available in the UK exclusively through Finishing Techniques. ECO-maxi combines three types of finishing - wet grinding/polishing, dry grinding/polishing and magnetic polishing using one base. This is achieved simply by having interchangeable bowls for each process. Increasing profitability by deburring/polishng by machine is now a reality for the smaller manufacturer while the low volume needs of larger manufacturers are also satisfied by the ECO-maxi's clever design. The unit is compact and sits easily on any bench top and requires only a standard power connection. If a different finishing process is required then the operator can quickly and easily change the bowl. No mess or delay, just maximum productivity at all times. Quality of finish is never compromised. Perfect results are possible in quick processing times mostly without the need for any further troublesome and time-consuming work by hand. ECO-maxi is ideal for the removal of oxide marks and deposits of investment powder especially in filigreed areas of fine pieces that are difficult to reach by any other means. Finishing Techniques managing director, Jonathan Dean, commented, "ECO-maxi delivers maximum quality, maximum flexibility and maximum productivity in form never seen before in the UK. It can bring the cost benefits of automation to the smallest of manufacturers." Finishing Techniques is always happy to help users determine the best process combination of time, media and compound to achieve the best results. More information: Jonathan Dean, Finishing Techniques Ltd, Tel +44 (0)1706 825819 Fax. +44 (0)1706 825748 E-mail: sales@fintek.co.uk Web: www.fintek.co.uk January 31, 2003 PLATINUM CASTING SOLUTIONS FROM FINISHING TECHNIQUES The myth that casting in platinum is difficult has been addressed by Finishing Techniques' latest equipment addition from Yasui - the Vacuum Centrifugal Casting Machine for Platinum. As sole UK supplier of the VCC, the company can now offer a system that will repeatedly produce perfect castings of jewellery from fine filigree to heavy pieces. VCC for Platinum has been designed with the special qualities of the metal in mind. Platinum is renowned for its high melting point and the fact that it solidifies fast. During casting it is vital that the molten metal is poured accurately, quickly and smoothly into the mould. To achieve this Yasui has developed the 'Double Swing Arm' this ensures that the mould and molten metal are precisely aligned in the same axis. Precise servomotor control then allows the metal to be fully transferred into the mould in a 1 to 1.5 turn. These advances overcome the problems associated with traditional straight arm casting machines where strong angular acceleration and centrifugal forces are exerted on the molten metal. On rotation, this can cause the molten metal to miss the mould and splash to outside of the flask. On the Yasui system there are further enhancements in the form of highly accurate thermal control and selectable casting atmosphere. The ideal atmosphere can be chosen from vacuum, air, inert gas presence or a mix of both vacuum and inert gas. Finishing Techniques have recently supplied a VCC for Platinum to Weston Beamor, the Birmingham based pioneer in the design and casting of jewellery. More information: Jonathan Dean, Finishing Techniques Ltd, Tel +44 (0)1706 825819 Fax. +44 (0)1706 825748 E-mail: sales@fintek.co.uk Web: www.fintek.co.uk January 31, 2003 SETTING THE WORLD OF JEWELLERY ON FIRE Firescan, an all in one laser engraving system, is being introduced to UK jewellery manufacturers by the leading industry supplier, Finishing Techniques. Individuality is the name of the game. Customers want jewellery that says something about them or records an event of importance to them such that it is timeless like the piece that carries the message. Now Firescan will give the jewellery industry a flexible laser system that is safe to use on a desktop. The ultra-precise 0.2mm laser beam is controlled from a standard PC running easy to use software that is supplied with the unit. Perfect engraving and inscriptions can be made on single pieces or batch production of jewellery and giftware. Signatures, graphics, logos, photos and more are reproduced flawlessly every time at resolutions up to 1000dpi. Precious metals and even plastics are easy to etch using Firescan. Deep engraving and intricate designs can be performed on flat or curved surfaces without the need for extensive training. Furthermore, all markings are permanent, chemical proof and abrasion proof. Unlike many other systems, Firescan is completely air cooled so there is no need for a water connection. This contributes to low running costs and makes the unit more compact and convenient to locate wherever there is a standard power point. Firescan is one of a range of quality laser engraving and welding machines made by Siro Lasertech of Germany and available in the UK solely through Finishing Techniques. Product details are available from the company on 01706 825819. More information: Jonathan Dean, Finishing Techniques Ltd, Tel +44 (0)1706 825819 Fax. +44 (0)1706 825748 E-mail: sales@fintek.co.uk Web: www.fintek.co.uk January 31, 2003 RECYCLING & WASTE WATER SOLUTION FOR JEWELLERY PRODUCERS A simple solution to recycling deburring and polishing fluids and waste water, while concentrating pollutants for disposal, is now available from Finishing Techniques. The WasteWizard uses a patented polymer membrane, that never clogs, to filter out and collect soils that reduce the useful life of most fluids. The unit is ideal for use in deburring, polishing and other jewellery production processes. Significant savings in chemical costs are promised as WasteWizard re-purifies for reuse up to 85 per cent. This ensures the unit achieves a quick payback. The unit concentrates waste by up to 99 per cent so less bulk means the cost of collection is reduced. Cleaned water is made safe for disposal down the drain or can re-enter the manufacturing process to save water charges. WasteWizard is designed to fit a standard 200 litre drum or for lower volume needs of smaller jewellery producers, the company produces the MiniWizard which provides the same benefits but sits on a 60 litre drum. Filters can be stacked to provide greater processing capacity. A single stack will filter 16 litres of fluid per hour rising to 80 litres for the five stack unit. A built-in cleaning cycle ensures the clog-free membranes last from 12 to 18 months. A major benefit for the jeweller manufacturing process is the recovery of precious metals from the waste water. WasteWizard provides a fast and efficient method of producing a concentrated sludge that can be refined to recover gold and other precious metals more easily. This is much quicker and more effective than using settling tanks. Finishing Techniques managing director, Jonathan Dean, explained, "WasteWizard brings more than just cost benefits through waste reduction and recycling. It improves the manufacturing process by removing contaminants that harm finished product quality. Another saving made by reducing rejection rates." Purchase or rental packages are available. For free advice on the correct WasteWizard configuration the company can be contacted on 01706 825819. More information: Jonathan Dean, Finishing Techniques Ltd, Tel +44 (0)1706 825819 Fax. +44 (0)1706 825748 E-mail: sales@fintek.co.uk Web: www.fintek.co.uk January 31, 2003