A new Mecal CNC machining centre and a Tronzadoras semi-automatic saw, both from cutting technology specialists Addison Saws, are set to double the production capabilities at Dutemänn UK Ltd’s brand new manufacturing centre in Northfleet, Kent.
A new Mecal CNC machining centre and a Tronzadoras semi-automatic saw, both from cutting technology specialists Addison Saws, are set to double the production capabilities at Dutemänn UK Ltd’s brand new manufacturing centre in Northfleet, Kent.
Exceptional quality doors
Dutemänn has built its reputation around designing and building exceptional quality, German-engineered aluminium bi-fold doors, inline sliding doors and entrance doors. “When we took the decision to move to a new 16,000 sq ft showroom and manufacturing centre, it was imperative that all new production machinery delivered the same uncompromising levels of precision that our nationwide customer base has come to expect,” comments Production Director, Steve Prudence.
A proven investment
When Dutemänn first opened in Dartford in 2010, the organisation invested in a Mecal MC 309 Nike 3+1 axis CNC machining centre from Addison Saws, as well as a Tronzadoras semi-automatic saw. “At the time, we spoke to a number of technology providers before deciding on which machining centre to purchase,” adds Steve Prudence. “It was only Addison, however, that seemed genuinely in tune with our requirements.”
Bluetooth wand measuring system
For their new facility, Dutemänn has purchased a further Mecal MC 309 Nike CNC machining centre and a Tronzadoras TLG 352A semi-automatic rising blade aluminium sawing machine which will be used to cut extrusion bars to length.
The Tronzadoras TLG 352A is equipped with a six-metre in-feed roller and two MPS-powered length stops which incorporate Bluetooth ‘wand’ measuring capabilities. The measuring system provides fast, accurate measuring of components, supported by rapid Bluetooth data transfer to the length stops for greater productivity, reduced operator errors and minimal scrap. By investing in the new machines, Dutemänn has been able to create two parallel manufacturing lines, with the line which comprises of the new equipment also benefiting from the enhanced measuring capabilities of the Bluetooth wand system.
Removing the need for manual measuring
“It seemed only sensible to specify our new Tronzadoras saw with the latest measuring capabilities,” comments Steve Prudence. “Although human error in component measuring has rarely been an issue in our production schedules, the length stops remove any necessity for operator involvement in the measuring process and have increased production significantly.
“The measuring wand capability provides our operators with a quick and easy way to accurately measure inside frame dimensions and then instantly send that data or, indeed, numerous profile length measurements to the powered end stops via Bluetooth. The entire system is surprisingly simple to use and highly effective.”
Meeting customer demands
With dual production capabilities, Dutemänn is now easily able to adjust manufacturing (without compromising on their usual high quality standards) to meet customer demands. Typically, weekly production slots comprise of around 150 units, made up of bi-fold panels, Glide-S sliding doors, Haus doors and the newly launched Haus Tür door complete door sets. Haus door heights range from 1.8 to 2.4 metres high, Glide-S are up to 3.2 metres high, while bi-fold panels have been up to 3.6 metres high.
Automatically drill, mill, slot and prep
Both of the company’s Mecal MC 309 Nike machines are equipped to automatically drill, mill, slot and prep aluminium extrusion bars of typically 6.5 metres in length. As standard, Mecal MC 309 Nike machines are equipped with four pneumatic clamps on the mobile beam and can be positioned at any angle between +90 and -90. For even greater stability in securing parts that are to be machined, Dutemänn specified six clamps. This has also enabled the working bed to be effectively split in half to allow two parts to be machined at a time. The material to be machined can be automatically rotated between +/- 90 and manually set at any intermediate angle between, by way of the end stops.
