Solidity, Fabricators, Buckinghamshire

A Striebig vertical panel saw is delivering improved cutting accuracy and reduced processing time at solid surface fabricator, Solidity. The Buckinghamshire company produces bespoke wet room floors and shower trays, as well as kitchen tops and vanity units, using 12mm thick LG Hi-Macs acrylic solid surface material.

Solidity’s production processes are very exacting. The solid surface components have to be totally accurate when cut to size so as to produce a seamless, waterproof edge, with a typical shower tray containing up to as many as 30 pieces.

Striebig Control improves cutting accuracy

The Striebig Control model 5168 works to an accuracy of 0.1mm. It can handle panels up to a maximum size of 4,300m x 1,680m and has a depth of cut of 80mm.

It gives a perfectly square cut, with the resultant smooth finish removing the need to manually sand and trim edges after cutting, which was necessary with its former saw.

Another benefit is that the saw’s tungsten carbide blades now last a lot longer because of its constant feed rate. Solidity used to get through six blades a week which has now been halved, saving £36 a week on resharpening costs.

The Control offers every possible option for automatic sawing operations. With manual feeding of the saw unit eliminated, the operator’s job is made easier, giving him ample time to prepare the next cutting job.

Ease of operation is provided by a PLC control system, with any operating errors displayed so that they can be immediately corrected.

Numerous automatic procedures can be carried out by the press of a button including locking and releasing the beam saw, setting the horizontal cutting height, plunging and swivelling the motor, locking the support rollers during sawing and fine saw blade adjustment.

It features the TRK dust and chips extraction system that ensures dust levels are kept well below permitted European limits, plus automatic moving backing support.

Said managing director Chris Cook: “The saw, which was specially made to fit into an area of the workshop with a low ceiling, is also used to cut MDF and plywood panels. As it’s so easy to set up and operate, semi-skilled operators obtain a first class result every time.”

It was supplied and installed by the Swiss manufacturer’s exclusive U.K. distributor, T.M. Machinery Sales Ltd, of Leicester.