Llanelli-based Shufflebottom Ltd was the first UK manufacturer of steel-frame agricultural buildings to be awarded the European CE mark — and one of the first to buy the latest Ernst Pluto 600 deburring machine from Ficep UK (www.ficep.co.uk) to process plasma-cut plate components.

This machine is up to seven times more productive than Shufflebottom’s previous method of deburring, edge rounding and ‘de-oxidating’ plate components. Its highly flexible drum rides on a cushion of air to remove material — mainly from the area next to the edge — by applying uniform grinding pressure to the inside and outside contours of the component.

When components are flame-cut or plasma-cut, they may be susceptible to distortion and bowing. Ernst machines compensate for surface height variations up to 6mm, while wire or abrasive brush rollers are available for edge rounding to comply with CE standards. Powerful magnets securely hold components as small as a credit card to ensure a uniform finish.

Managing director Wesley Shuffle-bottom says: “The Ernst machine has reduced production times and therefore increased output. The biggest benefit is the elimination of grinding, which has put an end to hand cuts.”