Many manufacturers of special purpose machinery, in the UK, are switching
over from fabricated machine frames to more flexible solutions using
extruded aluminium profiles. Applied Automation, the UK supplier for MayTec,
offer a comprehensive range of aluminium profiles and accessories which can
be used in various applications including machine guarding, work & assembly
stations and, of course, machine frames.
For the special purpose machine manufacturer, choosing the right product &
supplier for the machine frame can be as important as delivering the
finished manufacturing solution to the end customer on time and to spec.
Very often the benefit of such a flexible solution can make a difference of
weeks to the delivery, even with each profile system having its own
characteristics or perhaps by having a "standard" machine base which can be
adapted further down the machine design process.
This is one of the reasons why OpTek Systems, an Oxford based manufacturer
of advanced laser processing and inspection tools, chose Applied Automation
& MayTec as their preferred machine enclosure solution. Recognising the need
for a quick turn around to meet the demands of their customers, OpTek
Systems have developed a range of laser micro machining systems that take
advantage of the flexible and adaptable nature of such machine frames. Due
to the required precision needed for their laser micro machining systems
they use a fabricated machine sub frame which supports the optical platform,
then by using the MayTec profile system create a frame which allows them to
"part build" the machine prior to the final specification being drawn up by
their end customer, thus reducing the lead time of the machine and aiding
the design cycle. The added benefit of using this type of machine frame or
enclosure is the ability to mount hardware directly onto it by utilising the
T-slot built into the extrusion.
OpTek Systems do not limit their involvement to the laser micro machining
system, but will also engage in the complete production process by handling
the product prior to machining and also by removing the bi product of the
machining process. Where possible they aim to integrate their system into
the customer's complete production line.
When asked why their chosen supplier was Applied Automation and why MayTec,
Gavin Stockford, Operations Manager said "the simple assembly of the MayTec
profile system is key. We have tried other similar systems and found that
with them you either need 3 hands to assemble it or that the captive nuts do
not hold in place, the MayTec solution is far easier to assemble". In
addition the ease of assembly which, incidentally, is down to the unique way
in which MayTec have designed their captive nuts, Gavin was also full of
praise for the design & support team at Applied Automation where his comment
sums it all up. "The team at Applied Automation know what they are at! A
simple phone call detailing the problem is solved quickly due to their
knowledge and experience".
This is music to the ears of the Applied Automation team who take pride in
their system design and aim to exceed the expectations of the customer,
offering a free system design service and able to deliver profiles from
stock, all aid their goal.
Principal Sales Consultant at OpTek System, Mr Gideon Foster-Turner
commented that "off the shelf components allow a more competitive solution,
and having a standard platform ensures a bespoke machine can be housed
within, improving our delivery times". OpTek Systems have success across
many industries & covering many applications with their laser production
solutions including fuel injectors, aerosol manufacture and the processing
of optical fibre terminations.