Security Doors, a division of ASSA ABLOY, the door opening product company, reports significant investment in a new manufacturing process that will cut lead times for customers, have positive impact on the environment and improve product quality.
Using the auto-feed and seamless punching and folding capabilities of the Salvagnini CNC equipment, with a fast, heat cured bonding system, ensures improved precision and accuracy, reduces manual handling of products and improves the throughput time of products the company says.
The process is being used at the Lisburn facility for production of existing products, but the full impact of the investment will be seen through the launch of a new door design that has a full interlocking seam on all sides of the leaf. The new door platform reduces the manufacturing time and improves the aesthetic qualities of the door leaf; by removing unsightly spot-weld marks. The new design also eliminates processes such as welding and grinding, improving the environmental impact according to the firm.
Linking all parts of the CNC production process with the design software ensures consistent accuracy, speed of production and ease of replication should replacements be required the company says. With a unique serial number assigned to each door, customers can quote the number and an exact replica of the existing door can be produced through the line.
Doorframes are supplied as knock down structures, that are easier to pack and to move around site, reducing the possibility of the damage. The structures can be compacted for transportation; therefore less packaging is needed, lowering the environmental impact of products. The ready-to-assemble design, also takes up less space in pallets on lorries, further lowering of the carbon footprint of the product.
The knockdown frame format also enables better use of space on the automated powder coating line, reducing powder paint consumption and improving energy efficiency.
Neil Chambers, Production Manager at Security Doors, said: “Each stage of our new manufacturing process requires little or no manual handling compared to the old production line. As a result of this, we have greatly improved the speed that we can manufacture products such as our knock down frames and new glazing design, as well as the quality. ASSA ABLOY is running a Group Sustainability Program until 2015, aiming to reduce energy consumption intensity by 15 per cent and carbon emissions by 10pc. The introduction of our new manufacturing process is a great example of how sustainability is embedded in the manufacturing and logistic elements of our value chain.”
About the firm
Security Doors makes Powershield steel doors, and Safeguard timber doors. Visit www.ASSAABLOY.co.uk.
