Finish Architectural Ltd is a market leader in the manufacture of products that include window cills and pods, copings, rain-screen systems, facade steel supports, steel bracketry, flashings, perforated sheet, punched art, louvre systems, and bespoke pressings – essentially any construction-related fabricated item. The company has developed a highly acclaimed reputation for competence and manufacturing knowledge, making it the preferred supplier to many major players in the UK fenestration, unitised system, curtain wall and building envelope fabrication sectors.
The shift to automation began with the arrival of an AMADA EM-ZR B servo-electric turret punch press with 4,000mm x 1,525mm X-Y travel, which benefits from an ASLIII MP300/40 automated tower loading system and automatic part picker. This machine replaced an older EM model that was part-exchanged in the deal. Two years later, in 2017, an AMADA LCG-AJ 4kW fibre laser cutting machine was installed featuring an AS LUL automated load-unload system.
The impact of the automated AMADA machines on business at Finish Architectural cannot be overstated. In 2015, the company operated a single-shift pattern, but by 2018 had switched to 24-hour operations, with the machines running fully throughout at the weekends.
“All of our machines are networked and we now looking at the AMADA V-factory system, which is the next step for us,” says Mr Turner. “With V-factory we will be able to monitor machines in real time from any device with an internet connection. We also like the idea of being forewarned about potential breakdowns, whereby the AMADA service team can come in before a production stoppage to make the necessary rectifications, so continuity of supply is always there for our customers.”
