Hull-based Ideal Boilers has increased its rate of production for domestic boiler chassis ever since a fully automated and highly efficient process designed by AP&T was implemented in 2018.

Over 400,000 boilers leave the factory in Hull every year for households and commercial properties all over the UK. In order to meet growing demand for the company’s products, Ideal Boilers decided to investigate the possibilities for increased automation and streamlined production. A technology partner was sought that could take on full responsibility and supply a turnkey solution for the fully automated manufacturing
of boiler enclosure parts.
After a careful selection process, Ideal Boilers chose AP&T to be its partner. “With the customer’s two new link-motion mechanical presses as the starting point, we designed a fully automated tandem line with short set-up times and the potential for fast tool changes,” says AP&T account manager Christian Wright. “The rate of production has at least doubled compared with previously, when the parts were handled manually. Since it needs to be possible for up to 10 different products to be manufactured during the course of a working day – some formed in both presses, others only in one – achieving an optimised and flexible process was challenging.”
AP&T’s front/back transfer plays a major role in the line, which went into production in November 2018. This stable and flexible solution takes care of high-speed feeding into and out of the press, and enables fast tool changes.
“The professionalism, technical expertise and support shown by AP&T from the outset of the project have been second to none,” says Joanne Lilley, Ideal Boilers’ engineering innovation manager. “I would have no hesitation in choosing AP&T again for any future projects.”
For further information www.aptgroup.com