Now more than ever it is important to have the latest technology to assist with the manufacture of goods in the UK. Here at HEC Showman we aim to be at the forefront with the plant and machinery we use to ensure we can offer the best goods possible.
CAD Design
Solidworks:
a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering package allowing us to design, engineer and test products prior to manufacture. The 3D aspect as well as the photorealistic rendering capability allows us to provide customers with detailed drawings and visuals for approval prior to cutting steel.
Laser Cutting
Amada ENSIS-AJ4020:
Our ENSIS-AJ fibre lasers offers us high speed piercing and fast cutting. Ideal for a wide range of different materials and thicknesses, although we predominantly work with 0.9-1.5mm thick CR4 mild steel.
Panel Bending
Salvagnini P2:
As of May 2023 we will have installed and working our new P2. The P2 an advanced and semi automated panel bender from Salvagnini. It combines productivity, with its automatic bending and handling cycles, with its universal bending tools. Equipped with an automatic blankholder, the P2 doesn’t require re-tooling and completes an average of 17 bends per minute. This is a significant capacity increase, however this machine does have its limitations and that is where our press brakes are required.
Press Brake
Guimadira CNC Press Brakes
For the jobs our panel bender cant do. Utilising 2 CNC controlled press brakes, we can accurately and repeatedly form laser cut profiles into the components for welding. Both machines are of the same specification, with one 2.5m in maximum bend with, and the other 3m. With a maximum force capacity of 1,350kN, they are up to the task of forming any of the metals used in our production.
Welding
Welding is the stage at which the component parts start to look like the finished goods. Our experienced welders used a welding process called TIG. This process is slower than the more commonly used MIG wed, however produces a cleaner weld that requires much less finishing. Many of our welders are now so skilled at TIG welding that there is no finishing required before paint.
Powder Coating
Powder Coating is the final stage in the ‘manufacturing’ process. Here the cabinets are painted in their tough and durable polyester coat. Our team of painters are responsible for the application of powder to the products before their mechanical paint conveyor transports the goods to the oven where the powder is baked to the product. All products are fully cleaned and de-greased prior to paint, they are then suspended from the powder conveyor prior to powder application and baking. All in all it takes approximately 40 minutes to paint a single cabinet, including the 12 minutes it takes to bake in the oven at almost 200 degrees!