West Yorkshire-based
Airedale Springs, a UK manufacturer of custom made-to-order springs has invested in a new Wafios FMU16+ to increase its range of CNC coiling and wire-forming machinery. The £200,000 investment in the new machine will increase capacity and forms part of a broader plan to improve efficiency across the company.
Airedale Springs chairman Tim Parkinson said: “The Wafios FMU16+ complements our already vast fleet of Wafios machines, bringing with it the latest technology with a higher production rate capability. The new camera technology will ensure our customers receive the best products possible.”
The machine was selected as it offers the greatest product diversity while increasing performance by up to 10% compared to earlier generations of the machine and its engineers are familiar with the brand. It will sit alongside and support Airedale Spring’s wide range of modern CNC coiling and wire-form machines.
Quick re-tooling optionsIt features an optical measuring system that offers 100% quality checking of parts manufactured on the machine. Also, quick re-tooling options make it easy to transition between wire sizes, which is ideal for moving between small and large batch sizes.
The addition of IQ spring simulation software enables operators to design and program parts away from CNC machines, resulting in faster and more-efficient production. The Wafios FMU16+ also comes equipped with a multi-touch monitor, and the enhanced touch screen gives the operator all the programming information they need in one place.
As advocates for apprenticeships, the company believes it is important that its equipment is accessible to staff of all levels, including trainees and that it is only through using machines such as this one, that young engineers will gain the necessary skills required to thrive in the manufacturing industry.
The new Wafios FMU16+ is well suited for apprentices and less experienced operators. The simplified programming option serves as a valuable tool for trainees, allowing them to gain confidence and develop the necessary programming skills.