FACE TO FACE
CIDAN Machinery ’ s nuIT software transforms a sheet metal shop into a smart factory . can also grow their investment around our machines when it suits them e . g . automation around the machine ,” explained Schäfer .
“ We are fully engaged with helping our customers and the team adopts our core values to help customers to succeed . I am most proud of that . Our team is really focused on customer benefits and getting the right applications and systems to them , rather than just selling machines ,” he continued .
With almost 10,000 machines in the field today in over 100 countries , CIDAN has around 90 service personnel around the world ( for installation , training , service , contracts etc .).
“ Service is a vital part of our growth and keeps us close to our customers . Our customer ’ s success is intertwined with ours , and therefore we always strive for a long and beneficial partnership which is based on quality , availability and service ,” added Petter Hjelmqvist . also showcasing other areas of efficiency for customers ( from part orders to delivery ) on our stand . We are a one-stop-shop for their solutions : we write our own software , program the front end on the folders and , with this integrated data , can also run machines from other manufacturers on our production lines ,” CIDAN Head of Industrial Sales , Joachim Schäfer , told ISMR .
Strategic and technical vision
“ Our technical focus is very much on modular automation . You can start with a long folder and upgrade it , step-by-step , to a fully automated long folder with sheet loading , gripping etc . You can also integrate it with coil processing . This means that customers do not have to make large investments all at once , they can wait and grow with their machines
TD Double Folder
The TD Double Folder utilises 50mm synchronised torsion drive shafts on the folding and upper beam movement . Because of the five torsion shafts , all movements in the bending process are precisely controlled to create complete parallelism along the entire length of the machine .
“ This double folder is great at forming radius parts and offers strong longevity . Its accuracy derives from the rotary encoder application directly on the torsion shaft . The synchronised distribution of force to the machine completely eradicates the ‘ twisting ’ that generally occurs over time . This means that the TD Double Folder will produce an accuracy of +/ - 0.5 ° from its first fold to its last ,” confirmed CIDAN Machinery to ISMR . as their requirements develop and their needs change ,” outlined CIDAN ’ s CEO , Petter Hjelmqvist .
“ Product development is also key for us . Our competence centre is alongside our factory , a strategic move to ensure that we offer strong product development . Around 13 % of our employees are busy on product development projects and we also work with outside parties . We see this as a cornerstone of our growth and launch several innovations every year ,” he continued .
Joachim Schäfer agreed , explaining that CIDAN can offer different machine options on its equipment .
“ Customers can also use our software solutions to integrate other partners ’ equipment into our production lines . That is a great for benefit for customers and offers tremendous flexibility for them . Our modular machine strategy means that customers
Trends , opportunities and challenges
Both men saw automation as a key trend in sheet metal markets , driven by the shortage of skilled workers worldwide .
“ Since skilled labour is a huge issue , automation has really come to the fore . I also see an increased focus on ergonomics , as a result . Machine manufacturers must design machines that make an operator ’ s work easier . We focus heavily on this area , making our machines user-friendly and easy to operate with semi-automatic processes for folding . This also increases the quality of the metal folding per shift ,” outlined Joachim Schäfer .
He also highlighted waves of material usage in different regions of the world .
“ Our customers work with a variety of materials i . e . aluminium , stainless steel , copper etc . but there are regional differences .
The TD Double Folder on the CIDAN Machinery stand at EuroBLECH 2024 .
28 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2024