FOCUS ON FABRICATION
press brakes . In this project , approximately 17,000 individual components were scanned , 3D-modelled , flat-patterned , laser-cut and pressed .
Graham Gilmour noted measurable improvements in terms of the speed in which drawings were imported , along with the quality of the cut .
“ A laser produces clean cuts without the nibbling marks that are common with a punch . This saves clean-up time and costs . Also , with CNC punching you must tool everything up and follow the lines to punch out . The beauty of running the shingle job on the laser is that it follows the line . This was fantastic because there were so many different shapes of shingles . Programming this job on a punch would have been a minefield ,” he explained .
Beginning decades earlier with a Cincinnati guillotine and press brakes , Gilmours has enjoyed a long and successful history with the manufacturer . Cincinnati is represented locally by Cinmech Services . With a service centre in Scotland , the company has been serving Gilmours for nearly 50 years .
“ We know Cincinnati quality and we could not be more pleased with the service of our local representative ,” commented Graham Gilmour . “ I ’ ve been to the company ’ s USA headquarters , met the people and know the quality of its machines . We knew what we wanted and didn ’ t even consider another manufacturer .”
Looking ahead
Fabricators such as Gilmours understand that technology and automation are strategic to rebranding the industry , closing the skills gap and catching the attention of tech-savvy workers . Maintaining a leadership position requires a willingness to continuously invest in opportunities to advance the company . John Gilmour is confident that , as he turns the reins
The Hexagon Tower . over to his son , the company will find ways to leverage technology and its skilled workforce even further .
One project underway in Manchester , the Hexagon Tower , uses 3mm aluminium ( post anodized ) pressed on Cincinatti press brakes . “ It was a good ‘ design to manufacture ’ exercise – some nice complexity in the pressing here !” stated Graham Gilmour .
“ Increasingly , manufacturing is becoming computer-driven and we ’ re incorporating new tools and processes to streamline processes , maximize resources and attract workers . Under Graham ’ s leadership , we will continue to move the company forward and identify opportunities to incorporate technology even more widely ,” commented Gilmours . Today , the company is doing just this by taking steps to modernise its bending operations .
“ Our plan is to upgrade our Cincinnati Autoform equipment with new Gen 6 PC controls ,” Graham Gilmour concluded . “ This will complement our current offline programming capabilities and further demonstrate our commitment to an automated shop-floor environment .” n
www
. e-ci . com
Close-up of Hexagon Tower , with aluminium panels .
CLX 4020 fibre laser was showcased at FABTECH 2023 .
About Cincinnati Incorporated
Cincinnati Incorporated ( CI ) is a U . S . - based , build-to-order machine-tool manufacturer with over 125 years in the industry . At its modern Ohio-based facility near Cincinnati , it develops and builds custom software , laser cutting systems and automation equipment as well as metal fabrication equipment ( including press brakes , shears and powder metal presses ). It also produces its own linear motors , controls and software .
At the FABTECH exhibition ( 11-14 September 2023 ) in Chicago , USA , Cincinnati unveiled its new XFORM™ press brake with new ergonomic pendant arm ( Omni-Arm ), expanded console and new Human Machine Interface in three versions .
Show attendees also saw the company ’ s CLX 4020 fibre laser at work along with a gas mixing device for processing thicker metals .
The new MARCH 500 CORE at the show offered an automated load / unload system for stand-alone or lights-out production as well as support for manufacturers who are not fully automated .
Cobotic arms , software such as EZ Bend™ and EZ Weld™ and the InspXt™ measuring system were also highlighted at the event .
Above : The integrated CI software environment allows manufacturers to leverage real-time machine data to maximise production , anticipate problems and take advantage of opportunities .
100 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023