FACE TO FACE
The automated deburring line at Willems Baling Equipment . This includes two F1200-MAG deburring and edge-rounding machines ; two WES6000 wet operating extractors ; two IOC1200-driven input / output conveyors and the Q2S1200 turnaround station .
Deburring parts on the F1200 system .
Market and user trends
Q-FIN sees much larger demand for automation and handling around its machines , as well as Industry 4.0 compatibility .
“ Sheet-metalworking companies are still extremely busy right now . They have more orders than they can handle . It is very hard for them to find skilled staff and operators . Our machines help them address that challenge as they can be operated by just one person . That is why there is extra interest in deburring machines , and all the handling around the machines i . e . factory layout , material feeds etc . On production lines , from laser cutters to deburring machines , customers are using more robots ; labelling machines and Industry- 4.0 connectivity , for example ,” outlined Kouwenbergh .
“ We have picked up lots of new orders , as well as larger orders . One key trend we see is that bigger companies are investing in more comprehensive deburring lines ( featuring two large machines ; a turnaround table in between for double-sided part deburring ; feeding conveyors and / or cobots ). This saves a lot of labour and increases the amount of products produced each hour so that return on investment for these lines can be one or two years ,” he continued .
Q-Fin sold three large deburring lines with turnaround units last year . The lines comprise two deburring machines ; two extractors ;
a turnaround unit and two input / output conveyors .
“ The value of these lines is three to four times the value of a single machine . Around 75 % of the machines that we now sell feature a return conveyor and input / output table . That is a huge increase compared to two years ago ,” he added .
However , challenges such as high fuel / energy prices ; the war in Ukraine ; supplychain issues and ‘ hard to get ’ parts / electronic components ; increasing delivery times / prices and plummeting stock levels are currently hitting many manufacturers . In this respect , Q-Fin points to the lower power consumption of its machines ( saving high energy costs ). “ This new machine will be our focus over the next two years . We will also invest more in software and handling around our machines over the next two years . We do our own software development . Intuitive operation is crucial : the machine must work as autonomously as possible ( including operations
Above : Handling around the SER1200 Multibrush deburrer .
SER100 Multibrush benefits
Q-Fin has summarised the benefits of the new machine as follows :
■ All-in-one machine .
■ More grinding contact surface with fewer brushes .
■ Compact , low-maintenance unit .
■ High product reproducibility .
■ Less than half the power consumption .
■ Directionless finish is possible .
■ Large radius on steel is possible
■ Simple and intuitive operation via HMI screen .
■ Reduction of human production errors .
■ All stations are automatically adjustable and programmable .