The Haffner MAC 345 has transformed production efficiency and consistency for Universal Trade Frames, taking fabrication of the Residence Collection to new levels of engineered precision.
An awful lot of work has gone into enabling this machine to achieve its maximum potential,” says Duncan Saunders, operations director at Shrewsbury-based manufacturer, Universal Trade frames.
He’s referring to the company’s recent investment in the Haffner MAC 345 – a powerful machine that has advanced Residence Collection fabrication at Universal’s 30,000ft² facility.
Playing a vital role in Universal’s unique HeritageWeld manufacturing process, the MAC 345 achieves finishes and detailing unmatched by standard fabrication processes, delivering a consistent level of quality with just one machine.
“We currently have 26 tools, or cutters, loaded into the carousel, which allows us to complete every process on the MAC 345 without needing separate cutters or millers,” Duncan explains. “This integration has enabled us to achieve the ultimate in engineered precision.”
The machine’s custom tooling and settings accommodate different foil and material combinations, ensuring consistently high-quality results across the Residence 7, Residence², and Residence 9 product ranges.
“We’ve got a different setting for what Residence calls ‘chalk on chalk’; one for ‘chalk on foil’, and then another setting for ‘foil on foil’,” Duncan adds. “It gives us that consistent level of quality, from start to finish.”
The extent of the MAC 345’s precision has also enabled the operation of a 0.2/0 back chamfer on the outer frame, as opposed to the standard 0.5 found elsewhere in the market, delivering cleaner joints and enhancing production accuracy even further.
“Most people within the Residence fabricating chain operate on a 0.5 back chamfer,” explains Duncan. “This hides sins; it covers up plus or minuses in extrusion. But the MAC 345 – alongside HeritageWeld, our ultra-low tolerance 90° traditional casement joint welding process – can eliminate these discrepancies and tolerance issues.
“As a result, we’re operating off a 0.2 finish on the sash and then a zero finish on the actual outer frame which is something that’s quite unique. It enables us to create premium versions of Residence Collection products that set a new benchmark in the market.
“It means our products will be slightly different to those offered by every other Residence fabricator.
They’re not just built to spec but engineered to exceed expectations,” Duncan confirms.
It’s this unrivalled attention to detail that, according to Duncan, provides a competitive edge for installers selling into the premium market.
“The Residence Collection is already known for its quality,” he concludes. “Combine that with the superior finishes and detailing that we can deliver during fabrication, and you’ve got a stronger proposition than most.
“It truly is a premium process to match a premium product.”
