Biesse Rover A versatility in complex machining

Independent Doors in Christchurch has been supplying much of the South Island with its door requirements for nearly 30 years, last year we spoke to them about the purchase of a Biesse Rover A which they use for the more complex work in preparing doors for their builder and residential market. We took the opportunity of our Door Feature in this issue to visit again for an update.

Since we spoke to Independent Doors they have moved to new premises in Hornby and have used the opportunity to look at the work flows and processes through their factory in particular the use of their 5-axis pod and rail Biesse Rover A which they had purchased a year previously.

“The machine preformed well from the start,” says Business Development Manager, Chris Maguire. “It has made a huge difference to our machining capabilities. Much of our more complex work such as the preparation for mortise locks, special pivot gear and closers which previously had to be done by hand are now very simple and quick machining processes.

“The flexibility and versatility of machining with the 5-axis Biesse Rover A is unbelievable and as we have become more familiar with the machine we have looked at the way we use it and streamlined the process to become more efficient.

“We have re-set the machine for pendulum work, where we load one end while the other is machining, meaning we do what we do more efficiently. This has allowed us to take on more work that previously we may have turned down.

“Complex concealed hinges and handle lock sections that may have been an unattractive proposition when taking an hour to do by hand are now good business when run through this machine. We can do the same job with ease in around 3 minutes when set up for it, which is a pretty straight forward software exercise.

“We use the Biesse onboard software B-solid, which is easy to use, relatively uncomplicated in allowing us to sort most things out for ourselves and it can do everything we want.

“Throughout our relocation Biesse have been very helpful. They came in a couple of days prior to our shift, moved the machine, set it up and it was ready to go when we arrived at our new premises where one of their technicians was ready to assist us in the changeover to the pendulum system.

“Buying this machine really was a good way to go for what we do here. It does the more complex jobs easily which is what we purchased it for, as well as allowing us to offer clients extra services such as concealed hinge manufacturing and grooving designs on panels.

“We still use our 30 year old prehung door machine for the day to day volume work such as the doors we do for standard group housing work, while the Biesse Rover A allows us to machine what was time consuming to do by hand and take on more complex work that wasn’t previously viable.