Bevan Funnell, one of the leading British manufacturers and exporters of high quality reproduction furniture, says it has taken a major stride forward in production technology by purchasing a Busellato CNC machining centre.
Billed as one of the most powerful and sophisticated machines of its type and supplied by RW Woodmachines, the Jet 4 XXL combines size and flexibility, designed to machine both wood-based panels and solid wood components, in long or short runs, and even one-offs.
According to RW’s managing director David Thompson-Rowlands, it is the kind of machinery that hard-pressed UK furniture manufacturers are turning to in ever increasing numbers. “CNC machining centres mean flexibility, greater efficiency and cost savings,” he said. “They provide a real opportunity for companies to reinvigorate production operations.”
For Bevan Funnell the new plant is a logical progression in its CNC activity – an area of technology in which it has been active for years. But the company says it’s still a leap forward, with the Jet 4XXL replacing two of its older CNC machines.
The machine is longer (4700mm) and wider (1635mm) than most. It has a 10-position rotary tool changer, two-outlet horizontal router unit, boring head – incorporating 19 vertical spindles (11 X-axis, 8 Y-axis), twin horizontal spindles (3 X-axis, 1 Y-axis) – and an integrated saw unit (X-axis) for 120mm diameter blades. There is also a saw/router aggregate, mounted on an electro-spindle, that enables drilling, routing, sawing and grooving to be achieved in all directions, depending on the tool fitted.
The Busellato Jet’s Genesis Evolution NC fully manages the axes and boring and routing functions. Mirroring, rotation and repetition are among the functions simply achieved via the CAD integrated in the machine’s control.
There’s a graphical display of all six worktable faces, with two and three-dimensional display of any workpiece being machined.
Parametric programming, creation of sub-programs, on-line help, graphical displays, and use of bar codes are among a considerable range of facilities available on this Busellato machining centre.
Sophisticated worktable
Another advantage of the Jet 4 is an especially sophisticated worktable. It employs a versatile arrangement of controlled, easily-adjusted vacuum cups, swiftly able to handle virtually any size or shape of component.
Bevan Funnell managing director Ted Vermeer said: “We are flying the flag for British manufacturers and facing up to the challenge of furniture imports by working hard at being an efficient manufacturer. This includes investing in modern machinery.
“The Busellato is a major purchase us, but we are convinced it is right for us. The payback period is short and the machine is a proven performer. We have been operating an earlier model in our factory for a number of years and it has proved its worth time and time again, both in terms of versatility and reliability.”
Bevan Funnell started its search for a comprehensive new machining centre at last year’s Woodmex and investigated every major contender. “There’s no doubt that to respond to today’s customer demands manufacturers have to be more flexible than ever before,” said production director Martin Petry. “With any new equipment we are, among many other things, looking for quick setting and quick tool changeover, the quicker the better. Short runs are a fact of life and we have to be able to respond effectively.”
Skills shortage
An increasing shortage of skilled people has meant a greater reliance on automatic machinery, particularly CNC machining centres that offer a high degree of versatility. For Bevan Funnell, after an exhaustive investigation, the Jet 4 XXL came top of its list.
Martin Petry said that one factor that helped the machine make an impact was its ability to handle both solid and panel machining, if necessary together. Another was the easily adjustable worktable, with a greatly reduced requirement for jigs.
For Bevan Funnell, complex machining was another consideration. Its drawers alone incorporate 178 different machine strokes. The Jet 4, maintains the company, handles this with impressive ease. Its ability to achieve machining on both sides of a panel means reduced handling and swifter throughput.
“Companies in the reproduction sector once felt that CNC was not for them,” said Martin Petry. “In fact, they are eminently suited.”
David Thompson-Rowlands agreed: “Bevan Funnell, a manufacturer with highly experienced production personnel, thought long and hard about their choice of CNC machining centre. In reality, many more furniture manufacturers, large and small, should be looking to CNC technology to determine the benefits that it can provide.”
