KEB Automation has supplied a variety of drives and control equipment to a UK-based machine builder for use on special-purpose cutting machines for stone tiles and roof slates. KEB delivered a complete solution from a single source and provided engineering support all the way through the machine design and build process.

Based in Bridgnorth, Machines & Controls Ltd is a small, privately-owned business that designs and manufactures special-purpose machines. Managing director Alex Wilson says: “In 2018, we received an order for a stone façade cutting machine. The machine is a five-axis CNC saw that cuts stone tiles and cladding for buildings. Around the same time, we also received an order from another customer: for a pair of special-purpose cutting machines for roof slates.”

Both types of machine required a range of drives and control equipment and so Wilson conducted a thorough supplier evaluation. “In the end, I chose KEB Automation as they were able to provide all the drives, controllers, gear motors and HMIs from a single source, and were willing to provide engineering support through the machine design and build phases, which you don’t always get from other suppliers.

“On both machine projects, I was particularly impressed with KEB in terms of their technical capabilities and engineering support,” continues Wilson. “They’ve been very helpful and have always responded promptly when I’ve needed support on resolving any issues. I look forward to working with KEB on future machine projects.”

For further information
www.keb.co.uk

A Bianco bandsaw and HSW steelworker from Selmach Machinery is providing multiple benefits for Next Generation Fabrications, based in Portsmouth.

Next Generation Fabrications specialises in steelwork, producing marine fabrication, domestic steel products – including gates, railings and balustrades – and architectural projects. The company has recently taken possession of a Bianco 420 MS bandsaw and a Morgan Rushworth HSW hydraulic steelworker from Selmach, and is in the process of buying a pair of rollers for the business.

“With the saw, we were just replacing our existing one with a bigger and better model,” explains Rob McDuff, director of Next Generation Fabrications. “However, with the steelworker – I’ve always wanted one, so when they offered me a really good deal on the two, I just went for it. The way I see it: it’s a good investment in your business.

“The majority of what we make is staircases, balustrades, structural beams – and even though we’re cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals – the saw does it all,” adds McDuff. “In terms of machine selection, we just went for what Selmach recommended. I don’t know too much about it, so I trusted what they were saying we needed.

“The machines have saved us time and money, and I would say that they’re definitely worth the investment.”

McDuff is also impressed with the aftercare and service provided by Selmach.

“When the saw was delivered we had a small problem as I couldn’t figure something out, but Selmach went through everything and it’s fine now. They are there if you need their help and I would certainly recommend using Selmach.”

For further information
www.selmach.com

Inez Escamilla started Loose Cannon as a one-woman repair company; since then it has grown into a thriving family business, serving the greater Austin, Texas area. She and her husband, Nick Josyln, co-run the fabrication shop, which they live next door to, while raising their son, Jace.

Escamilla discovered her love of welding in college. After she completed her core requirements, a metal sculpture course ignited her passion for creating with a torch. “Getting dirty and playing with fire,” she remembers, “I found it fun and empowering.”

Escamilla decided to launch her own welding business when she identified a market for repairs in the restaurant industry.

Baileigh Industrial recently came on to Escamilla’s radar when Loose Cannon was shopping for a new bandsaw.

“It’s been really hard for us to buy brand new equipment because we’re such a small business,” she explains. However, Josyln suggested they look at Baileigh’s BS-350SA gear-driven, dual-mitre bandsaw.

“I kind of fell in love with the product,” says Escamilla, adding that she was particularly impressed by “how the saw rotates when you’re mitring, so you’re not constantly having to pull the material out, flip it, and turn it around”.

The new investment is already proving a wise one: “We use our Baileigh saw every single day,” says Escamilla. “That includes any of our last few projects that are on Instagram – tons of railing. The fact that it goes so wide means we can cut structural beams. It’s been used for every job since we got it.”
Loose Cannon will also be using the Baileigh saw for a project that is giving back to the local community. The company is teaming-up with Motorcycle Missions by delivering welding classes to veterans and first responders with PTSD.

For further information
www.baileigh.com