Machinery installed
Abcell has completed the installation of a Graf Synergy SL4FF seamless corner welder and FOM LMT65 aluminium machining and cutting centre – supplied by Promac – as part of a major investment in its Warmcore fabrication facility.
Paul Ford, managing director of Abcell, said: “We have been really pleased with the LMT65. The precision that you get out of it is incredible. It maximises outputs and minimises waste. It’s incredible and key if you want to do volume but do it well.
“The SL4FF gives us a great end-product, with a far stronger welded corner and precision finish. It’s what people want; mechanical joints and cleats don’t deliver on strength or finish and they don’t allow you to do the volume.”
The FOM LMT65 features a multi-spindle preparation unit with 360⁰ variable angle access to all four sides of the profile. This is automatically linked to the sawing unit which features a 650mm diameter blade with electronic tilt control.
A bar feeder and pick up system with adaptive rotating gripper means that the LMT65 can handle different profiles with a single operative.
The SL4FF zip-welds the corner joint while controlling the flow of sprue, delivering a seamless but strong corner joint.
Joe Hague, managing director of the Promac Group, said: “The SL4FF has been instrumental in making the welding of Warmcore possible, perfectly aligning aluminium internal and external faces, while zip-welding the PVCU core.
“This not only delivers a better quality product but can also deliver a twofold increase in productivity compared to other traditional manufacturing processes.
“The precision that the LMT65 brings to the table is equally impressive. It combines operation to an accuracy of 0.2mm with exceptionally high output.
“In real terms and as a practical example, this includes the capability to cut and machine a three-pane bifold in less than 12 minutes. Together, they deliver exacting manufacture, efficiency and volume.”
