Major aluminium fabricator goes CNC after 20 years
23rd June 2015

Cardiff-based Dudleys Aluminium has gone over to CNC machining after nearly 20 years of using only semi-automatic copy routers. The commercial fabricator chose an EMMEGI Phantomatic X6 four-axis machine, and is already reporting benefits in increased output, more reliable precision manufacturing and more efficient deployment of staff.

The company previously relied largely on a small team of highly skilled fabricators to operate its copy routers, but has now trained some of its semi-skilled staff to use the Phantomatic machine as well, which has led to a marked increase in efficiency.

Dudleys Operations Director Bob Rice said the company carried out an extensive cost benefit analysis before choosing the Phantomatic X6 and calculated that the payback would be worthwhile if the machine was used for both windows and curtain walling products.

He added: “I had been sceptical about the benefits of a CNC machining centre for this business for a long time but when we did the cost benefit calculations it became clear that it was a really viable option for us.

Dudleys chose the Emmegi machine after many discussions with Emmegi (UK)’s sales manager Andrew Jones. Andrew said:  “Dudleys were using some of our copy routers and I had stayed in regular touch with them over the years in the hope of convincing them to switch to a CNC machine. When Bob told me that the decision had been made, I arranged for him to view another Phantomatic X6 machine in operation at a nearby Emmegi customer and invited him and his production team to talk to the customer direct about their experience of the machine’s versatility.”

Dudleys Aluminium has good reason to need greater efficiency. The company recently announced it was soon to complete a third landmark contract in Wales in a matter of months, bringing the total value to £5.2million.

www.dudleys.uk.com
www.emmegi.com