Knifing jigs are precision workholding tools designed to securely support moulded components during secondary cutting and finishing operations. Used where moulding alone can’t consistently achieve the required edge quality or dimensional accuracy, they hold parts in a fixed position for precise trimming. Commonly used for sealing components such as shaft seals, knifing jigs ensure that critical dimensions and profiles are maintained, helping to produce repeatable, high-quality finished parts where precision directly affects performance and function.
Knifing jigs hold moulded components securely during post-processing operations, allowing cutting tools to remove material with high levels of accuracy and repeatability. By stabilising the part and maintaining its position throughout machining or trimming, the process delivers precise geometries and cleaner finished edges than moulding alone can consistently achieve.
The benefits of using knifing jigs are:
- Improved dimensional accuracy
- Consistent, repeatable finishing
- Cleaner edges and profiles
- Secure component positioning during cutting
- Reduced variability in post-processing operations
At Burnsall Engineering, we design and manufacture bespoke knifing jigs tailored to the geometry and tolerances of each component. Our experience in precision tooling allows us to create stable, repeatable fixturing solutions for demanding finishing applications where accuracy is critical.
Whether supporting post-mould processing of seals, bonded components or specialist rubber parts, we engineer tooling that delivers cleaner finishing operations and consistent part quality across production runs.
Vacuum chucks are precision workholding systems that use controlled vacuum pressure to securely hold components in position during machining, trimming or finishing operations. By evenly distributing holding force across the surface of the part, vacuum chucks minimise movement while reducing the risk of marking or distortion. They’re particularly effective for delicate, flexible or complex components where conventional clamping methods may introduce inaccuracies.
Vacuum chucks use controlled suction to secure parts during machining or finishing processes without applying traditional mechanical clamping force. This approach allows delicate or flexible components to be held accurately while maintaining access for precision cutting and finishing operations.
The benefits of using vacuum chucks are:
- Secure holding without component damage
- Reduced risk of marking or distortion
- Consistent positioning and repeatability
- Suitability for delicate or flexible parts
- Improved accuracy during finishing operations
At Burnsall Engineering, we manufacture bespoke vacuum chucks designed around the geometry and handling requirements of individual components. Our experience in precision workholding enables us to create solutions that provide secure positioning without compromising part integrity.
Our vacuum chuck systems are engineered for stability, repeatability and long-term production performance, ensuring reliable handling of challenging or delicate moulded components.
Punch dies are precision tooling systems used to cut, shape or form materials by bringing a punch and die together under controlled force. Commonly used in rubber finishing applications, they produce clean edges and accurate features that moulding alone may not achieve. Used for operations such as creating holes, trimming profiles or cutting intricate forms, punch dies rely on extremely tight tolerances to ensure repeatability and accuracy.
Punch dies operate by bringing a punch into a precisely matched die opening, cutting or shaping material as force is applied. The effectiveness of the process relies on extremely accurate clearances between both elements, allowing clean, repeatable cuts with minimal material distortion.
The benefits of using punch dies are:
- Clean, accurate cutting of finished components
- Fine tolerance control for precision features
- Consistent, repeatable performance
- Suitability for intricate holes and profiles
- Long tool life through hardened construction
At Burnsall Engineering, we design and manufacture high-precision punch dies for demanding rubber and specialist component applications. Our expertise lies in producing tooling capable of achieving exceptionally fine tolerances, with punch and die systems manufactured to micron-level accuracy for reliable cutting performance and durability.
By combining hardened materials with precision engineering techniques, we create punch dies that consistently deliver sharp features, clean cuts and dependable results in post-mould finishing operations.
Why choose Burnsall?
- 70 years of toolmaking experience
- Fully insured and BS EN ISO 9001 accredited
- In-house team of expert designers and engineers
- State-of-the art modelling and programming applications
- Established relationships with approved contractors
- High quality and competitive lead times
- Awarded the only preferred supply status to a facility in Europe by DuPont Performance Elastomers
