The aim is to further develop its worldwide business and strategic position in the targeted segments of automotive, medical and industrial as well as exploring other markets.
Prior to the improvement, Broadwater had two 5 axis CNC robot trimming centres, installed separately in 2003 & 2010. The new upgrade to the original cell will increase the flexibility (more cutting tool options) and improve the repeatability/accuracy.
Completed by Fanuc, who Broadwater has worked with for over 15 years, the system has one fixed spindle which has 6 chucks currently but more can be added to suit new work. The tool centre point is proven to be more accurate over long term tests compared to the spindle change system the older cell uses. With the new spindle now in place, both centres will offer customers a considerably less expensive part than manual trimming, particularly on complicated trim conditions.
Justin Cossey, production manager at Broadwater explained: “We installed the original robotic trimmer in 2003, which was cutting edge at the time. During the period after installation of the second CNC robot, we realised that in order to ensure the best possible trim levels for our customers we needed to upgrade and invest in new technology. This has been done in association with Fanuc who has assisted us through the entire process and has consistently gone the extra mile in order to meet our demanding requirements. We are really excited to be able to offer this key improvement to our customers.”
