Smarter plastic production

two machines at the same time but didn’t think it could be done. However, the data from FourJaw revealed which machines could be run together – improving efficiency, productivity and job profitability.

Tom Westley, Operations Director said: “The information that the FourJaw platform provides has resulted in some very positive changes for the business, including the introduction of new production processes, improvements to the factory layout, and improved cycle times by creating new jigs, reducing onjob operations of big jobs by 50%.

“We now have a clear and informed picture of the factory floor including accurate cycle times and utilisation by shift. The factory is now more efficient and productive with its resources which is evidenced by the increased utilisation of machines running 24 hours during the week, which has improved so much that fewer shifts need to run over the weekend, saving the business money on staffing, energy and other operating costs.”

Westley Plastics’ smart factory strategy will include installing FourJaw machine monitoring to every machine that it adds to its manufacturing operations as it grows.

Oliver Pogmore, Head of Business Development at FourJaw, said: “Our MachineLink IIoT device can be easily and quickly selfinstalled on any manufacturing machine, regardless of brand, type or age, which makes it perfect for small and medium-sized businesses who’d prefer a low-cost, no-fuss ‘plug-and-play’ solution. By monitoring and analysing machine data, FourJaw enables manufacturers to make machines run productively and profitably. This is certainly the case for Westley Plastics.” 8 plasticsuk.com fourjaw.com

Engineering supply chain provider CBE+ is installing the first 6+1 robotic Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP) line in the UK and Europe at its Chesterfield manufacturing facility.

Representing a £2 million investment, the automated plating line will allow the company to undertake a range of innovative projects, including the processing of small, precisionengineered components in high volumes and the ability to deliver high-quality parts at a consistently high standard.

The automated line from Sidasa Engineering will also facilitate a highly repeatable surface treatment process, reducing the time taken to complete and send large orders to customers and significantly increasing CBE+’s Electroless Nickel production capacity.

Chief Executive Officer, Marie Cooper (pictured), said, “This is a significant investment for CBE+ and one that will bring many benefits to the business and our customers. The new plating line reduces the scope for human error by automating dosing control and deposition monitoring and measuring. This results in a consistently high-quality finish on the products we process.

“Automating these tasks means we can redeploy skilled employees to projects that require higher levels of expertise. As well as freeing up time from the plating line, we are also automating parts of the jigging process in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology