'Synchronous sawing of steel and PVC profiles now possible through innovative automated production process'

The challenge in the profiles industry is still solving the personnel shortage. It is the headache of every entrepreneur in the trade: 'How can I - despite the fact that I can hardly find new well-qualified employees - still maintain or even increase my production?' Well, concretely finding new colleagues will probably remain a utopia. Fortunately, finding other practical and innovative solutions is today's reality.

For, the Baarn-based machine supplier Kruba has entered the market with a new automatic steel sawing center. Cees and Niels van Essen of Kruba on this, "Staff shortage - and therefore pressure on your production capacity - is no longer a discussion point as far as we are concerned. It's really that simple."

This sawing center - type SSA - offers the possibility to optimize the production flow in combination with all PVC sawing centers and to contribute to the complete efficiency and effectiveness of the production process. Moreover, the sawing center is compatible with all existing machines of all other manufacturers such as Thorwesten and all other brands. Kruba has already delivered eight of them to the market this year, and requests are regularly coming in for more information and to see the operation up close.

Increased productivity

Niels: "There are really only advantages to name. For example, I immediately think of the increased productivity when sawing steel profiles due to the automatic pusher system and the supply warehouse. The material flow functions through the FiFo principle (First In, First Out) and the sawing sequence goes according to the Rest API interface. The just-in-time cutting of the steel profiles allows direct insertion into the PVC profile. Tedious sawing lists, a separate workplace and the assignment of the correct steel reinforcement are definitely a thing of the past."

Niels further explains that the sawing center has the ability to process leftover pieces as well. This ensures efficient use of materials. "This sustainability component is something we should definitely not forget," he says.

"A child can further do the laundry," Cees continues. "Because, the changeover from working to positioning speed happens automatically. In short, with this steel sawing center, anyone can cut steel profiles one-on-one with the PVC profiles faster and more accurately on a PVC sawing center.

Furthermore, the machine, which we define as universal, is suitable for cutting all types of steel profiles of all brands. Therefore, I dare to say here that investing in this machine will also absolutely pay off."

Stand alone

Finally, Cees explains that the sawing center can also be used as a stand-alone. "Control is then done through the work preparation software. Then you have sawed steel in the order of the profile truck. You can then lay off sorted. Plenty of time savings there too!"    

Key facts and figures

- Profile feed from left or right;        
- Supply magazine by conveyor chain for 8+1 bar lengths;
- Stall lengths supply up to a maximum of 6,500 mm
- Automatic output standard up to 3,500 mm, optional up to 4,500 mm;
- Reverse cutting is possible up to 6 meters;
- Band saw with pneumatic tensioning system;
- The cutting speed is infinitely adjustable;
- The maximum profile height is approximately 80 mm;
- The maximum profile width is approximately 100 mm.

Controls:
- Very user-friendly due to 15' Touchscreen;
- Windows user software;
- Automated workflow via control including necessary safeguards;
- Communication via the REST API interface;
- Output of the cut steel profiles to final position after which they are sheared transversely on a shear table; option output by means of the belt conveyor table;
- Residual and waste pieces are sheared to other positions.