FACE TO FACE inviting young people to special ‘ job market ’ days at our factory where they can see our technologies and meet our personnel . We also support our younger workers with their studies and professional development ,” he added .
Adapting to the exigencies of the COVID-19 pandemic , SafanDarley has adopted a hybrid working model ( combining work-from-home with office working ) which suits its workforce and allows it added flexibility . It has also continued to offer online demonstrations of its technology and online training / meetings .
A strong vision
Netherlands , North America , Australia ). It will enable more robotisation options i . e . standalone gantries for every press brake .
“ We are very happy with our visitor attendance at EuroBLECH ; it has been a great show for us . It has been terrific to look at new technologies and network with our suppliers , customers and competitors here at the exhibition ,” Dekker added .
An eye on software
SafanDarley ’ s subsidiary in Sweden , FCC , also displayed AutoPOL 3D offline bending simulation software on the booth which is used in all the company ’ s machines as an important part of the automation process . The 3D sheet-metal parts to be processed can be unfolded , after which the bending sequence can be determined and simulated fully automatically . This external ( offline ) programming of bending programs minimises downtime on the press brake . It is also possible to program the E-Bend L angle measuring system offline with AutoPOL .
“ We do not intend to develop a complete sheet-metal portfolio i . e . laser cutting , stamping etc . Our aim is to be the best bending supplier in a digitalised world . We have a long and rich history and heritage in bending and shear technology . A key part of this is our open software . Our software is open and independent , so we can connect with any machine in the world , regardless of brand , which our customers like and which we see as the future . Not all our competitors do this ,” continued Gert Dekker .
The design program includes a simulation and control module for using the press brake that can be remotecontrolled , from the office for example . This
limits the time during which the machine is at a standstill , maximising productivity . Smart Bending with the AutoPOL 3D offline programming guarantees full process control . Thanks to the intuitive design and control , the system only requires two days of training . AutoPOL bending software programme also connects with , for example , other sheet-metal fabrication software such as laser or punchpress management .
“ Our other software partners are working on projects such as managing a laser , punchpress etc . and the connection to AutoPOL . This means that we can integrate bending into other processes done by our customers , which is another important element of the Smart Factory ,” explained Gert Dekker , who envisions integrated manufacturing solutions playing an increasingly important role , mainly around the integration of machine control , automation and communication .
“ We spend around 10-20 % of our turnover on research and development . We are also looking to recruit younger , and more digitally proficient , people right now . We work with schools and technical universities ,
The AutoPOL viewer of the SafanDarley E-Control .
H-Brake Hybrid + 230T Ultra .
Gert Dekker has a strong vision for SafanDarley , which is centred on expanding its expertise as a bending and shearing specialist as well as increasing its focus on robotisation and digitalisation .
“ In terms of regions , we focus on Europe , North America and Australia but also other countries that are highly industrialised and use high-tech equipment . We have a factory in Lochem where we build standard machines on assembly lines and special lines for E-brakes . Our subsidiary in Eisen builds customised H-brakes and hybrid technology , so we have a mix of production ,” he told ISMR .
“ Our target areas for growth are countries in Europe that offer capital equipment subsidies like Germany ; Italy ; Poland and the UK . We are also focusing on the United States ; Canada ; Mexico and India . Our business is split between 30 % North America , 30 % Europe and then the ‘ Rest of the World ’. Over the last few years , we have sold machines in over 50 countries ,” he added .
In a difficult market , where capital investments have been postponed and concerns abound over energy costs , the Russia / Ukraine war and spiralling inflation in Europe , he emphasised that SafanDarley is a global business .
“ We do business all over the world – around
3D programming software .