Vertical panel saw investment: Expert tips from TM Machinery

The Striebig Control brings automated cutting to new levels of efficiency

When you’re investing in a vertical panel saw, asking the right questions during the buying process is crucial and could result in you making the right or wrong decision for your business. But, with new products and technology continuing to enter the market, do you know the right questions to ask and the main factors to consider when making your choice? We talk to Matt Pearce, Managing Director of TM Machinery and the exclusive distributor of Striebig, to find out…

125-vert-pan-1

The Standard S adds a new dimension to the world of manually-operated vertical panel saws

“TM Machinery has been selling Striebig vertical panel saws for over 30 years and during this time, we’ve found solutions for some seriously challenging applications. After all, that’s what we’ve been trained to do. But for those who are looking to purchase a vertical panel saw for the very first time or those looking to reinvest in a modern saw, there are several things you should consider before you buy. “First and foremost, we recommend that you research the different manufacturers on the market,” says Matt. “We believe that, regardless of the type of machine you’re buying, the best are made by companies specialising in their craft. You need to find out how long the company has been a specialist, if they have a good reputation within the industry, and if they are leaders in their field. Answers to these questions will certainly point you in the right direction.”

125-vert-pan-3

TM Machinery’s OptiDivide software

The right solution for your business
With over 70 years’ experience, the Striebig brand is synonymous with longevity, pin-point accuracy and build quality. They don’t over-complicate their machines and don’t attempt to attract customers with a wealth of unnecessary high-tech gadgets. “It’s what’s underneath that’s important,” stresses Matt. “Take Striebig’s mechanical moving frame system as an example. It’s been in place for 52 years, but, requiring no compressed air, continues to be the most reliable on the market. For Striebig, the changes they make to their machines aren’t revolutionary, they are evolutionary, and as a result, their engineering and build quality sets them apart.” Once you’ve found the right manufacturer for you, finding the right model is your next step, but Matt warns against being ruled by only your budget – this approach could end up being a false economy, as he explains: “There’s a wealth of different models on the market but our approach is tailored to customer requirements. Don’t buy off a spec sheet; this won’t give you an opportunity to see and feel the difference for yourself. Come to us with a clear idea of what you want to achieve – including the space you have, the materials you want to cut, and the projects you want to work on – and we’ll help you find the right single, precision-engineered welded frame. Matt explains: “All models are made to the same tolerances and come with an automatic moving frame and fixed transport rollers as standard. As well as the same heavy-duty ergonomics, additional features like scoring saws and digital read-outs are also built exactly the same way on every model. As you go up the range, what you do get is more power, a bigger cut depth and more automation. Non-standard machine sizes can also be specified up to 800mm taller and 6m longer if required.”

125-vert-pan-4

TM Machinery’s approach is tailored to customer requirements, taking into account the level of automation required...

Improve your workflow
The level of automation you need should also be taken into account. “There’s a lot of advantages to automation, but not always ones you’d expect,” says Matt. “It’s a common misconception that automation will halve your production times. While there are definitely time savings to be made, it’s important to remember that the saw needs to carry out the same cutting process, regardless of whether this is done manually or automatically. On a Striebig, a fully-automated cut cycle with adjustable feed speed, automatic beam and saw head positioning, plus panel end detection, allows the saw to work continuously and with minimal operator intervention. This in turn reduces the chance of human error and protects the saw against operator misuse and costly breakdowns, but you need to weigh-up whether or not the extra investment will benefit your business model.”

125-vert-pan-5

... as well as additional features needed to streamline production

Matt continues: “Striebig’s OptiDivide, BaseCut and Expert Cut optimisation software options have the ability to improve your workflow and reduce the skill level needed to optimise production. The OptiDivide can also be retrofitted if required at a later date, or added to older saws.” The software can create cutting lists that direct both the machine and operator. It can also generate labels with barcodes, QR codes, or descriptions for effective processing and stock management. Additional stock and waste management software can also be integrated into this for extremely efficient production.

125-vert-pan-6

As well as the same heavy-duty ergonomics, additional features, such as scoring saws and digital read-outs, are built exactly the same way on every model

And finally, it’s important to consider the after-care service your supplier offers, as Matt says: “Don’t be put off talking to existing customers or asking to see their machines in use. Also, be sure to ask how many engineers they have that have been trained on this machine by the manufacturer, how quickly they can get to you if something happens and whether they have spare parts that are readily available. Your choice of vertical panel saw cannot be made solely on the machine itself.” At TM Machinery, the entire team has been trained by Striebig in order to offer you the very best service. Matt continues: “We also have an unrivalled service division, holding over £350,000-worth of spare parts in our Leicester-based premises, including spares suitable for machines up to 50-years-old. This investment in the brand allows our team to act quickly in order to solve problems on-site without the need for repeat visits. We also actively encourage our customers to share their experiences, which in turn offers our new customers a valuable insight into the way we operate. “To those looking to invest in a new vertical panel saw, my advice is don’t shy away from asking questions. If a supplier knows their stuff, they’ll always have the answer.”

For more information on the range of vertical panel saws available from TM Machinery, call 0116 271 7155 or visit www.tmmachinery.co.uk.

COMPANY INFO
TM Machinery Sales Limited
49 Iliffe Avenue
Oadby Industrial Estate
Leicester, LE2 5LH
0116 271 7155

X