Machine power

Ultracut 

Bigger, better and faster production is the recurring theme with the latest industrial machines released from Ultracut, the Australian born and bred manufacturer celebrating its 20th year providing home grown fabrication equipment solutions to the blinds and awnings industry.

Ultracut’s reputation for being a one stop blinds and awnings equipment provider to manufacturers large and small has been further enhanced by the recent upgrades of its two flagship offerings to the industry, the Vectrocut Sono and the Duoweld.

Following hot on the heels of the extra-large 8.0 metre Duoweld impulse heat fabric welder which has revolutionised the process of welding zips and kedars to exterior screen fabrics, Ultracut has now released an extra-large version of the Vectrocut Sono CNC fabric cutting table which will automatically cut screens up to 6.5 metres.

On the rationale behind the move to extra-large fabrication equipment, Ultracut Managing Director Garth Jacobs told WFA, “we are listening to our customers, not just here in Australia and New Zealand but also our newly established markets in the United States, Europe and Africa where the Vectrocut Sono and the Duoweld have been accepted with great enthusiasm”

The Vectrocut Sono which is now available in three sizes, is well known to the many loyal Ultracut customers who are happy to attest to the robust nature of this iconic Australian made cutting table which features Ultracut’s unique patented “all four sides” fabric clamping system. This makes obsolete the old and expensive to operate vacuum table technology which also requires wasteful and environmentally unfriendly sacrificial plastic film to create the vacuum when cutting open weave fabrics.

As the designer and creator of the successful Ultracut range of equipment, Jacobs continues to develop industry leading innovations to add to his already impressive portfolio of creative industrial designs which now also includes the all new heavy duty CNC X and Y cutting gantry on the new extra-large Vectrocut Sono. According to Jacobs, “as the demand grows for bigger screens and awnings, Ultracut will strive to meet the needs of its manufacturing customers”. 

Ultracut’s blinds and awnings fabrication equipment are in high demand by Australia and New Zealand’s leading wholesale manufacturers, according to Jacobs, who describes the company’s point of difference as “quality, reliability, on site equipment installations and most importantly, our quick response local service and technical support.” 

He adds that the availability of spare parts and consumables which are all now available from Ultracut’s recently launched online store.

Ultracut will be on display at SpecTex24 in Brisbane from 1-4 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

BM Blinds

BM Blinds Director Michael Shaw says the re-introduction of vertical sheers to the industry at a time when end consumers have been turning to softer, more curtain-like soft furnishings, coupled with the addition of new suppliers of fabrics in this segment, has heralded a wave of industry growth.

“Here at BM Blinds, we are in constant pursuit of improvements in both products and manufacturing processes. Attending R & T Stuttgart in February, together with R & T Shanghai this month, we have seen the vertical sheer market more focused on advancements and improving efficiencies.

“At these trade shows, we learnt about several machines that can assist in making a vertical sheer more quickly, with the need for fewer staff. At the same time, at BM Blinds, we never lose sight of the importance of fully trained staff that take the time to manufacture the very best bespoke vertical sheers.

“Having purchased a third vertical sheer cutting machine a couple of years ago, it has increased our capacity and efficiency in manufacturing vertical sheers. At BM Blinds, we pride ourselves on our quick lead times coupled with quality and exceptional customer service.

“It is our attention to detail that sets us apart. Automatically feeding fabric into a machine, the operator loses the ability to check each millimetre of fabric as is being cut, using our more labour-intensive machines. For us, it’s about the quality of the product, not just about spitting out a vertical sheer at top speed.”

“In the same way that quality curtains are made by qualified seamstresses that are passionate about each job, our staff feel the same with every vertical sheer they produce. They are efficient, yet methodical.”

“At BM Blinds we have been manufacturing vertical sheers for over four years and continue to offer a variety of options. With the unobtrusive Belle & Cube tracks, these are as sleek as customers’ décor requires. The tracks are available in four colours including White, White Birch, Grey and Black. The Dream track, introduced late last year, is a discrete slimline track and is perfect for ceiling installations where you want the track to have the illusion of disappearing into the ceiling.

“Our operating systems include wand control or standard cord and chain control. A specially designed white track is also available for clients wanting a motorised vertical sheer.  

“Our tracks are made with incremental spacing, so the billows sit evenly across the opening making uneven stacks a thing of the past. The links we use are stainless steel ensuring years of hassle-free use.  

“For the neatest and most ‘child safe’ blind it is worth considering either wand or motorised operation. This is a compliant system that eliminates messy chains and dangerous cords, perfect for any size window or door.”

“Integral to the vertical sheer systems that we have known for many years is the variety of fabrics that are now available. From the plain linen look elegance through to the self-patterned BM Blinds exclusive Symmetry range, clients’ homes will be enhanced by a vertical sheer in a style to suit any décor.”

Triple M Trading

Simon Meyer – Managing Director of Triple M Trading, confirms that the company’s offer of innovative Stand-By packaging machines from Holland means higher volume manufacturers in the blinds and awnings industry can streamline and enhance the packaging process. 

“These machines come in varying levels of sophistication and cost, with the most advanced models capable of automating the entire packaging process,” says Meyer.

“At the highest level of automation, these machines can scan barcodes from a worksheet, create custom-sized boxes to fit the product precisely and seal them securely with hotmelt glue, eliminating the need for tapes or staples. This not only ensures a secure package but also reduces wastage and promotes environmental sustainability by minimising the use of additional packaging materials like bubble wrap.

“Moreover, these machines offer additional features such as weighing the box, generating shipping labels, and even printing customer logos directly onto the box. Remarkably, they can package a three metre box in under 20 seconds, significantly boosting productivity with just one operator. 

“Triple M packaging machines effortlessly accommodate a diverse range of product sizes, from small blind parts to large roller blinds or awnings. Whether packaging a box measuring 35 cm or one spanning 9 metres, these machines excel in custom-fit packaging, reducing storage needs and minimising waste, thereby optimising logistics operations.

Engineered for versatility, durability, and prolonged uptime, they deliver consistent performance year after year. Additionally, these machines offer personalised labelling capabilities, including printing labels for preferred shipping carriers and applying the customer’s logo directly onto the box, enhancing branding and conveying professionalism.

“Triple M Trading’s packaging machinery is a worthwhile investment for manufacturers seeking efficiency and cost savings. Facilitating rapid payback periods, the machinery can optimise processes while reducing freight damage, ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

“The packaging produced by these machines is not only robust and transport-proof but also customer-friendly, allowing for easy opening, recycling, or reuse for return shipments. Each box is tailored to fit the product precisely, minimising the need for filler materials and ensuring that it withstands the rigours of shipping.

“By choosing Triple M Trading’s packaging machines, businesses can benefit from state-of-the-art technology that optimises packaging processes across industries, offering efficiency, sustainability, and versatility in packaging solutions. The ability to produce custom-fitted boxes on demand reduces inventory and waste, maximising storage efficiency.

Meyer notes that recently, there has been increased interest in their packaging solutions, driven by a growing emphasis on cost-effectiveness and automation among businesses. Triple M Trading stands ready to support businesses in achieving their packaging goals efficiently and effectively.

“Triple M Trading also offers a wide range of cardboard packaging solutions, not only fanfold cardboard to support the packaging machinery, but also a customisable pre-creased cardboard solution for those companies that are not quite at the stage where they require a packaging machine.” 

Luxsol

The demand for high quality shutters and window coverings remains strong, says a spokesperson for Luxsol. “As demand has grown, Luxsol has optimised their production processes, investing in technology, to maintain superior product quality whilst increasing output.”

“At the heart of any efficient shutter manufacturing operation lies the machinery and equipment used to fabricate these intricate window treatments. From cutting, drilling and shaping the raw materials to finishing and assembly, specialised machinery plays a crucial role in streamlining the production workflow and ensuring consistent results.”

“Critical pieces of equipment in a shutter factory are increasingly computerised and laser guided machinery. This high precision equipment is designed to accurately cut the various components, such as louvers, rails and stiles, from solid wood or synthetic materials like PVC. Advanced machinery boasts features such as receiving information directly from customer input orders, creating automated cut lists, automatic material handling, and dust collection systems. Not only does this enable faster throughput, it also creates a safer working environment.”

Computer numerical control (CNC) machines allow Luxsol to build products to precise specifications. The ability to program these machines for different shutter styles, designs and materials streamlines processes and minimises downtime whilst maximising productivity. This ensures consistent quality by minimising human error and variability.

“Finishing equipment plays a vital role in achieving the desired aesthetic appeal of shutters. Positively pressurised spray booths, ultraviolet (UV) curing systems including climatically controlled drying rooms, high tech spray guns with advanced painting systems contribute to a flawless finish, whilst reducing waste and environmental impacts.

“Beyond the machinery itself, modern shutter manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to optimize their operations. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software allow for seamless integration between design and production, enabling rapid prototyping and streamlined workflows.

“By leveraging these technologies, Luxsol has been able to identify bottlenecks, improve overall equipment effectiveness and continuously enhance their production processes.

“As the demand for shutters continues to grow, Luxsol has invested in state-of-the-art machinery and embraced advanced manufacturing technologies. By doing so, Luxsol has achieved higher levels of efficiency, quality, and consistency, while maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic market.

“Shutter manufacturing machinery is the backbone of an efficient and successful production process. By leveraging the latest advancements in equipment, software, and automation, Luxsol is able to meet the ever increasing demands of consumers by delivering superior quality products.”