High expectations

Soundcraft Doors has chosen an Emmegi Phantomatic M3 machining centre to help it expand capacity and manage some new large scale commercial projects.

Soundcraft originally made its name as a timber joinery company but in recent years has switched its emphasis on to aluminium and hybrid systems produced by Senior Architectural Systems, which now account for more than 80% of its output.

Previously, the Orpington based company had used its CNC timber machines for machining in aluminium, but has now replaced these with the bespoke Emmegi solution.

Production manager Lee Gordon said: “We have been impressed with Emmegi (UK) at every stage of the buying process. The sales manager Andrew Jones talked through our requirements with us and really made the effort to understand what we needed before recommending the 3+1 axis machine which suits our factory perfectly. The installation team did a great job as well, and the training and support we received meant that we were up to speed with the machine in just a few weeks.

“We chose Emmegi largely on the basis of the quality and durability of the machine, and it is definitely living up to all our expectations.”

The Phantomatic M3 is a compact, fully enclosed machining centre which is ideal for producing Soundcraft’s extensive range of SBD doors and windows. The fully enclosed feature was important for Soundcraft in terms of guaranteeing there was no health and safety risk for operators, as well as the ease of operation which means the machine can be manned without any real joinery training.

“Our skilled joiners can now be deployed to more complex tasks which means we are getting better value from them, while our in-training team are still able to turn out beautifully crafted aluminium frames thanks to the precision of the Phantomatic M3,” Lee said.

At Soundcraft, the Phantomatic M3 is linked to BM Aluminium’s LogiKal software which is enabling the company to connect its CAD design function to its manufacturing.