Machinery
Future proofing your business
The new generation of automated machinery has a transformative effect on window fabrication . Dave Thomas , CEO at Haffner , home of the industry ’ s largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio , discusses the latest in automated seamless machine technology .
The benefits of automating window fabrication have always been clear . Machine automation can boost efficiency and productivity on the factory floor whilst delivering consistent product quality . It also brings greater flexibility to production schedules and allows fabricators to scale production output as fluctuating demand dictates .
Having said that , until recently , there has been limited machinery options in the manufacture of windows that are genuinely unique to the British market ; the concept of reverse butt welding and casement windows setting us apart from our European neighbours . As a result , machine innovation has needed to evolve , underpinned by the desire to do more with less but ultimately deliver the best in fabrication quality to support today ’ s consumers .
This is evident with the evolution of seamless welding technology for fusing together PVC-U frames . This new technology allows fabricators to produce next-level quality and premium-end products that have grown exponentially in the domestic sector over the past couple of years . Today ’ s consumers are looking for the best in window quality , as witnessed by the boom in demand for feature-rich products suitable for heritage , traditional and contemporary homes throughout the UK .
Technological advancement and innovation are the cornerstones of Haffner ’ s commitment to ensuring that today ’ s machines are the best the industry has to offer when it comes to delivering premium products . Take the machines from our exclusive supply partner Graf Synergy as examples .
Graf Synergy machines are the next generation of machinery and are capable
of V , butt and cruciform welding , creating a fully seamless welded frame solution . All the machines benefit from Graf Synergy ’ s patented V-Perfect Technology which allows fabricators to work with all types of coloured and foil products producing a perfect , seamless weld .
Previously the weld finish to foiled PVC-U frames was either feature groove and painted , knifed off , or weld limitation . All these options are less than desirable when delivering the high-end aesthetics these products demand . The solution from Graf solves all these issues and eliminates any secondary finishing to the welded corner or transom / mullion junction .
The era of serious business modelling and lean production methods ( TEEP ) is now upon us . The fabricators that have already embraced it and are building upon these concepts will become the winners in a changing marketplace . Production methods are key , but so is product quality and desirability .
Customer awareness is growing and there is no comparison in the quality of the finished frame from a conventional welding solution to a Graf welded solution . Give the consumer the choice and the quality of the superior Graf weld will win every time .
Window fabricators throughout the UK face the very real prospect that a more
Dave Thomas
desirable alternative to their current manufactured product will be available either through a direct local competitor or from a trade counter . As a result , domestic and trade sales teams are facing the prospect of losing sales to competitors offering a far more desirable finished product with the high-quality seamless aesthetics that the domestic sector now demands . And when it comes to the production of white or white woodgrain windows , do not rely on base white PVC-U frames as a fall-back option . Instead , seamless welded white PVC-U frames will also be a natural choice as the manufacturing benefits are also starting to be realised .
The industry landscape has changed and the next generation of machine technology is here to stay . So , if you are a fabricator looking to stay relevant and future proof your business by delivering the quality output needed for high-end production , then the new Graf Synergy machine technology from Haffner is the answer .
Telephone 01785 222421 for more details . www . haffnerltd . com
62 AUGUST 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM