Bringing cutting-edge automation to NZ manufacturers
CNC Design has been working with New Zealand machine builders since 1989, with one major goal: setting up their customers with the same knowledge and capability that they would get overseas. “Europe, particularly Germany, is at the forefront of machine building, and obviously, we are quite a long way away”, says Jon Marwick, Managing Director. “New Zealand machine builders suffer from a lack of access to that technology, and we’re here to provide them with the technology, expertise and support that will allow them to compete at an international level.” To do that, CNC Design has developed a close partnership with German firm Siemens and Swiss company Stäubli, world leaders in the field of automation and robotics. CNC specialises in service for the manufacturing, logistics and forestry industries, and has also recently developed into the food industry, where robotics are becoming increasingly important. One of CNC’s customers is a leader in the development of automation solutions for lamb processing floors, traditionally an area that relies on manual labour. “In the meat processing industry, the wash-down requirements are very high, and they use very strong caustic chemicals, so it was not an ideal environment for robots – they had to be covered during operation”, explains Jon. “But Stäubli has developed machines that have the capability to operate without covers, which means they are more hygienic, faster, and have more freedom to move.” According to Jon, robots can help decrease health and safety risks on the plant floor. “Automated machines can provide a safer working environment – simply because operators are not involved in machinery as much, so we decrease the risk of industrial accidents”. Introducing robots into a chain work environment also means more reliability, as they are able to repeat the exact same task with no variations. “Robots don’t get […]