The compact and competitively priced Kombimatec EV443/CNC programmable corner cleaner has been engineered to allow fabricators to do more with less, optimising factory floor space and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Investing in new machinery has always been a top priority for manufacturers, but in the current economic climate, many of the UK’s hard working and hard-pressed window and door fabricators will recognise that it is increasingly difficult to justify significant capital expenditure, even if it does promise greater efficiencies on the factory floor.
For many, the challenge begins with funding but even if it is possible to secure the required capital, the next problem is finding the space to accommodate an additional production line or a larger piece of equipment.
Reorganising an existing factory layout can be disruptive and expanding into new premises will usually be prohibitively expensive, if it is an option at all.
As a result of this dilemma, David Parsons, managing director of Kombimatec, suggests that businesses should consider smarter, more compact machinery that is designed to deliver greater efficiency but with the same, or smaller factory footprint.
That includes equipment that combines multiple operations, reduces tooling requirements and promises a faster return on investment without costly infrastructure upgrades.
“Many fabricators operate from established premises where expansion isn’t practical, making equipment that maximises existing floor space an increasingly attractive proposition,” says David.
“At the same time, manufacturers are under pressure to improve productivity, accommodate a growing variety of profile systems and maintain consistently high quality – all while keeping capital expenditure under control.
“It’s against this backdrop that we have introduced the EV443/CNC,” continues David, “a programmable corner cleaner that demonstrates how compact, intelligent engineering can offer an affordable alternative to larger, more expensive CNC equipment.”
Capable of processing up to 25 differently shaped PVC profiles, the EV443/CNC measures just 86cm x 98cm – excluding the frame support table – and can clean a broad range of frames and sashes, as well as flush, doors, patios, VS and bi-fold joints.
Where alternative machinery is designed to operate with a selection of expensive, profile-specific tooling, Kombimatec’s EV443/CNC utilises a 250mm TCT milling blade that is controlled by a two-axis CNC electronic drive system, to clean the outside edge of the welded corner.
It can also groove the top and bottom faces and mill the outside edge within a single operating cycle, thanks to spring-loaded 3mm groove knives that track the profile surfaces.
In addition, two-axis interpolation allows operatives to accurately mill decorative profile shapes.
“The EV443/CNC has been engineered to be highly flexible but it’s also very user friendly,” explains David. “For fabricators that means the ability to process multiple profile designs by inputting programs directly via a colour touchscreen – which can also provide diagnostics – or they can be prepared offline and then downloaded.”
Once programmed, the EV443/CNC starts automatically once a frame joint is inserted with a dedicated start sequence for smaller sashes, including those with an internal dimension of just 140mm.
Supplied as standard with a wide support frame, programming cable and connectivity software, it also capable of processing orders that include foils, a key feature that ensures fabricators can take advantage of valuable opportunities at the higher end of the market.
“Fabricators are typically handling a much larger volume of foiled profile, following increased demand for premium products and finishes, and the EV443 can accommodate this with special knives to process woodgrain and foils,” says David.
“There’s also the option to isolate the groove-knife stations to protect foiled surfaces or isolate the main milling blade when groove only operation is required.
“When you consider the technology that is packed into the EV443 is often reserved for much more expensive corner cleaning solutions, and the fact its minimal footprint allows it to be inserted into a production line without swallowing up huge amounts of space, it really does represent a highly cost effective solution for fabricators who are looking to increase flexibility, improve efficiency and future-proof production without committing to the more significant outlay traditionally associated with CNC corner cleaning equipment,” he concludes.
