Secondary Operations

Secondary Operations & Product Assembly

Our secondary operations add functional detail and assembly-ready features to laser cut and formed components, allowing parts to move efficiently from flat sheet through to finished products. Processes such as drilling, tapping, and countersinking are used to introduce precise hole sizes, threads, and fastener seating, ensuring accurate assembly and consistent fitment across all components. These operations are carried out with controlled positioning, depth, and alignment to maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability.

We also install threaded inserts and bushes, including PEM® fasteners and Hank bushes, to provide strong, wear resistant threads in sheet metal and formed parts. These are particularly suited to thin materials or applications requiring repeated assembly, higher torque, or long-term durability. Correct insert selection and controlled installation ensure fixings are secure, flush, and correctly aligned, creating reliable fixing points that support both sub-assembly and final product build.

Secondary operations are fully integrated into our manufacturing workflow, allowing components to progress seamlessly from cutting and folding through to drilling, tapping, insert installation, and product assembly without unnecessary handling or delay. CAD-driven data, jigs, and controlled setups ensure hole locations, thread sizes, insert positions, and assembly interfaces are applied exactly as specified, reducing the risk of misalignment and eliminating the need for manual correction at later stages.

Where required, we carry out mechanical assembly of components and sub-assemblies, fitting fasteners, inserts, and joined parts to deliver finished or part-finished products ready for installation or onward distribution. By managing secondary operations and assembly in-house, we maintain tighter quality control, improve consistency across batches, and shorten lead times. Components leave this stage fully prepared for welding, finishing, or final use, reducing overall manufacturing cost and ensuring reliable, repeatable results across both prototype and production work.

See our Mateials

Thread tapping holes in laser cut steel plate

Perforated laser cut brass lamp shade rolled from sheet metal

Sheet metal square to round HVAC duct transition

Laser cut corten steel garden goal post with decorative fretwork panels and folded sheet metal construction

Custom metal lighting braziers manufactured for film and TV movie props

Secondary Operations Capabilities

Precision Machining Operations

Our secondary operations add functional features and fixing points to laser cut and formed components, ensuring parts are fully prepared for assembly and final use.

Hole Preparation

Drilling operations are carried out to create accurate hole sizes and locations, forming the foundation for threading, fasteners, and assembly features.

Repeatability

Controlled setups and defined processes ensure consistent results across both prototype parts and production batches, maintaining accuracy and alignment throughout.

Tapping

Tapping operations are used to introduce precise internal threads directly into components, providing reliable fixing points for mechanical assembly.

Countersinking

Countersinking is applied to allow fasteners to sit flush or below the surface, improving fit, function, and appearance on finished components.

Threaded Inserts

We install threaded inserts and bushes where increased strength, wear resistance, or repeated assembly is required, particularly in thin materials.

PEM® Fasteners

Self-clinching PEM® fasteners are installed to provide strong, permanent threads and studs in sheet metal without welding or distortion.

Hank Bushes

Hank bushes are fitted to create durable, load-bearing threads, ideal for applications requiring higher torque and long-term reliability.

Assembly Ready Components

Secondary operations are combined with mechanical assembly where required, delivering components and sub-assemblies ready for installation or finishing.

See Our Laser Cutting Material List

Integrated Laser Cutting and Press Brake Folding

Maximise efficiency by combining laser cutting and press brake folding within a single, controlled workflow. We take your designs from flat sheet through to accurately formed components, maintaining precision and consistency at every stage.

Precision cutting preparation – CNC laser cutting of mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium, accurately cut to size for forming
Custom cut components – Laser cut blanks produced to suit specific bend allowances and fold sequences
Accurate press brake folding – Multiple controlled bends and folds carried out on laser-cut parts using modern press brake equipment
Optimised blanks – Laser cut components sized and prepared to ensure efficient, repeatable press brake operations

By carrying out laser cutting and press brake bending under one roof, we reduce handling, shorten lead times, and maintain tighter quality control, resulting in reliable, cost-effective folded components.

100-tonne 3-metre CNC press brake at LGM Engineering in Surrey

See Our Other Serives

Other Services

Engineering technical drawings with manufactured sheet metal components

CAD-CAM & Reverse Engineering

RAL colour swatch used for powder coating finishes

Painting and Polishing

Sand timer with blurred clock background representing fast turnaround service

Express Service

CNC fibre laser cutting sheet metal at LGM Engineering in Surrey

Laser Technologies

Secondary Operation FAQ’s

We regularly carry out:

Drilling
Tapping
Countersinking
Threaded insert and bush installation
Mechanical sub-assembly

These processes are applied where required to ensure accurate fitment and repeatability.

Yes. We drill and tap laser cut and formed components to introduce precise hole sizes and threads, suitable for fasteners and assembly. Position, depth and alignment are controlled to maintain dimensional accuracy.

Yes. Countersinking is carried out to suit the required fastener type, ensuring fixings sit flush and assemble correctly.

Yes. We install a range of threaded inserts and bushes, including:

PEM® fasteners
Hank bushes

These are ideal for thin materials, repeated assembly, or applications requiring higher torque and long-term durability.

Threaded inserts are recommended where:

Material is too thin for reliable tapping
Higher strength threads are required
Parts will be assembled and disassembled repeatedly

Insert selection and installation are controlled to ensure fixings are secure, flush and correctly aligned.

Secondary operations are carried out using controlled setups and fixtures to maintain consistent hole positions, thread alignment and insert location. Accuracy depends on material, thickness and part geometry, but repeatability is built into the process.

By carrying out secondary operations in-house we:

Maintain tighter quality control
Improve batch-to-batch consistency
Reduce lead times
Lower overall manufacturing cost

Clear drawings, defined thread specifications and correct insert selection make a significant difference to quality, cost and repeatability. If you’re unsure which method is best, we’ll advise before production begins.

One More Question?

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Contact Us

Call us or request a back call to contact our specialists

+44 (0)1372664222

For presales questions and your order status email us at

info@lgm-eng.co.uk