County Durham-based CA Group Ltd (www.cagroup.co.uk), which manufactures metal roofing and cladding systems for the industrial, commercial and public construction sectors, has invested in an EHT VarioPress 170-40 bending machine from Trumpf (www.trumpf.com) to reduce the number of processes required in the production of several key components.

Maintenance manager Stuart Lowe said: “We have a couple of Trumpf TC-series punching machines on-site, so we have experienced Trumpf’s customer service and support first-hand.

“We looked at a few different models during the purchasing process, but as service reliability is a key factor for us, we opted forthe Trumpf VarioPress.”

The new machine has been set to work forming a range of products, from flashings to architectural bullnoses. The company typically processes galvanised steel material up to 3mm thick.

Mr Lowe said: “Our operators have taken to the controls very well; in fact, the integration of the machine into our facility was seamless.”

The VarioPress, which can be customised to match specific requirements, is especially economical and flexible, as a result of the individually selected options.

Customers decide on the press force and working length required. The control system is user-friendly, and the angle measurement system is very accurate.

The VarioPress enables two different bending operations to be carried out with just one tool, and even the most complicated bending geometries can be completed in one pass.

“Previously, we had to make some of our products as two separate parts and weld them together, but now we can manufacture them as single-piece components.

“This obviously provides us with a saving, through the reduction in processes.

“There is lots of competition in our sector, so we invest in the latest manufacturing technologies — such as the EHT VarioPress from Trumpf — to help maintain our market-leading position.”