Automation
And the winner is…automation!
Aſter the success and growth of the past 12 months, automation machinery manufacturer MattressTek is riding on the crest of a wave, says technical director, Shaun Peel
W
ith our unit expansion, run of award wins and positions as shortlisted finalists, new machine developments, international
installations and trade shows, and the launch of their sub-brand AutomateTek, whilst some are struggling in the manufacturing sector, things see no sign of slowing down for them anytime soon. Our recent installations have remained across the mattress manufacturing and foam processing worlds, here in the UK and in the US, as well as conveyors and machines for other industries such as packaging for solar panels and run-off of excess waste from production lines.
New machines include the redevelopment of the Pocket Spring Unbaler, from vertical upright to horizontal, as well as additions to the Handle Maker with the incorporation of an encoder, to ensure better accuracy to within 0.5/1mm. Our Roll Slitter has also had additions to support its robustness and ensure accuracy, with the inclusion of a rule and blade guide, roll counter and sharpener, to process a multitude of materials, secure-release handle and pneumatic arm to support the rod which holds the roll of material being cut. We have received enquiries from beyond the bed and mattress manufacturing sectors, but for the cutting of foam, curtain and window-tinting film too! Our conveyor range includes a selection of straight-line and multi-directional belt and roller driven models, made to bespoke dimensions to cater to tailored specifications or height, width, length and incline slant. They can be used to guide, align, stack, stuff, layer, transport, manoeuvre, turn, flip and inspect product and components, rotating them by 90 and 180 degrees.
The instrumental aspect of programmable technology enables them to be automated and linked together as a production line, to follow on from one another, and sensors assist with that, as well as the prevention of health and safety risk, using light curtains and accuracy alignment lasers. Guarding also supports the safety and protection between machines and operators. The elements of automation also mean that lines can be made more productive and efficient,
reducing and saving time, better managing reduced workforce and overheads, offering better quality, accuracy and sped up processing and optimised utilisation of space.
Experts in the design of bespoke machines to fit into exact spaces, tight factory floorspace and existing production, we offer a range of guiding, measuring, stitching, sewing, cutting and preparation machines. and work with customers to deliver the best output and tailored offering, in anticipation of Industry 4.0 and the inevitable transition into digital transformative technology and AI.
Examples of our projects to enhance automation, streamline how products are made and processed and ensuring reduced risk to operators, working alongside and in place of them. With regard to health and safety, the design and installation of various full production lines has increased productivity by 95%, meaning that more products (one customer reported 450 mattresses) being made on each eight-hour shift. The well-respected brand, known for its preventative approach to innovative problem
solving, has also redeveloped our mattress border cutting and stamp labelling machine (BMCTek) which prints H and V symbols to represent handle and vent, or horizontal and vertical orientations respectively.
The Stacker had undergone redevelopment into a De-Stacker to help in their provision to logistics providers. We were also commissioned to conceptualise, design, build and test a new divan border cutting and notching machine (MMCTek), which cuts triangles in the edges of material at specific intervals for ease of folding, ready for sides to be stitched together once folded. With thoureir USP of being able to design, build, test and install bespoke machinery, install it, programme (on-site and remotely) and service from their single UK site in Lancashire, one customer reported that our “distinctive machines are robust, reliable, attractive and the service is good too”. In some cases customers hadn’t been able to find anything like what they needed elsewhere, despite months of searching, so it needed to be made bespoke.
44
September 2023
www.convertermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
