Datum Composites

First Steps

The Composite Products arm of Datum began to form in the early part of 2002. Historically Datum had always manufactured prototype model equipment for its customers to evaluate new designs and ideas. On occasions this also meant producing one or two prototype GRP items for a more detailed evaluation. After this stage was completed the project would move away from Datum and into the hands of specialist producers, so it was a natural step that Datum took to becoming a supplier of production GRP items.

The Total Solution

All through the stages of design Datum assist their Customers in advising on production techniques and all aspects of moulding. During these early stages the `history` of design emerges and all to often this `history` is lost when the project moves from prototype to production, as in nearly all cases the project moves from one company to another.

At Datum this does not happen, as we offer the full `Turnkey Solution` form Concept part to Reality Part. It means that our Customers have one point of contact through the whole process and that information is not lost or attention to detail is not forgotten.

Datum have a state of the art CAD / CAM facility and can manufacture to your Cad Data or originate it for you. We have a highly skilled team of craftsmen and can produce accurate Pattern and Model equipment, by hand, from your sketches or drawings, if a more traditional approach is required.

Datum manufacture all its own tooling for either one off`s or a thousand off. This means tooling is made exactly as we want it and suits our production techniques exactly. In many other cases tooling is `out sourced` and situations arise where conflict between tooling manufacturer and producer mean delays and poor quality product.

Development

Through the summer of 2002 Datum had secured more orders for the full service and we had seen projects through from development to production. Datum set up a permanent Factory locally to move the business forward. We also invested in the RTM closed mould process and won orders in this area. Again working from initial Concept to Production items from Phenolic Resins. Phenolics offer high levels of fire resistance and are used widely in the manufacture of public transport vehicles.

In July 2003 Datum moved the Composite Products arm into new premises on John Street, close to the Pattern & Model Making site. This year has seen the Composite Products arm grow into a stand alone division of the company and is looking forward to continued growth in the coming years.