Case study:  High Quality Jewellery Display Cabinets

We were approached by our customer with an outline of oversized cabinets that were required to model high-end jewellery. The company were not sure how the cabinets would operate and provided sketch-type drawings of what was needed but no information about how they would be manufactured, operate as cabinets or how the high-level quality finish required would be achieved.

We were given very rough drawings (sketches) and the customer needed assistance in understanding what materials and fixings would be required.  We worked with the customer and came up with solutions to these issues to achieve solid, safe, durable, and high-quality polished cabinets.

We experienced a range of issues and difficulties in achieving these requirements. Here’s how our skilled metalwork fabricators overcome those challenges:

1. At 3 metre squared, the size of the cabinets were very large and required us to carefully consider the makeup of the cabinet. The initial sample was 1 mil which was difficult to work with and successful thickness.
2. We suggested a subframe built with mild steel was the best way forward to ensure stability and security, with stainless steel framing placed on top to achieve the desired impact of a high-quality cabinet. The subframe would need to be very large and assembly of it would require strength.  We made separate panels which were pop riveted together to ensure strong hold.
3. It was essential to use the correct material for the subframe within the cabinets. We trialled 1 mil but it was apparent that 2 mil would be needed in mild steel to ensure strength and durability.  The 2 mil thickness was also essential to allow the panels to hold together and support the stainless steel framing.
4. The subframes would be placed into a wall and this was also the reason for thicker material. Various options for positioning the subframes into the wall were trialled and in the end padding was used to protect the metal and ensure cabinets stayed in place and were strong.
5. We used a mild steel fascia onto which the stainless steel edging was placed. Again this design enabled strength and durability.  Three or four samples of the stainless steel framing were provided in terms of width, finish and thickness before it was agreed to use 5 mil polished stainless steel.  A specialist was brought in to guide out team on how to get the polish finish required.
6. Stainless steel used was 5 mil and the glass used was 8 mil. The edging was positioned carefully onto the subframe.  The frame was clipped onto the subframe which was not visible and provided the high-quality finish required by the customer.