Innovation
Metalcraft Structural has made a quantum leap forward in product range and manufacturing process with the commissioning and installation of its new purlin machine at the Metalcraft Structural manufacturing plant in East Tamaki. Metalcraft Structural now also has the capability to manufacture purlins from the Christchurch branch which equates to improved delivery times to South Island based customers.
There are many great features with the new purlin machine. The machine is completely automated which means that operator error is reduced as purlin quantities, lengths and punching requirements are handled at the order entry stage.
In comparison to raft based purlin rollformers which require lengthy change over times Metalcraft’s purlin machine make the necessary changes in a matter of minutes. The gain in production flexibility allows for improved service levels to the customer.
Quality is something that Metalcraft Structural prides itself on and the new purlin machine has improved production design that ensures that the end product is of the highest quality. Traditional Purlin machines cut the purlin after it has been formed. In order to ensure the purlin is cut and does not flare older machines will tend to overform the purlin. This means as it passes through guillotine at the front of the machine the galvanized coating can be shaved on the inner side of the purlin. The Metalcraft Structural purlin machine overcomes this by cutting the purlin to length before it is rollformed. Again this is all done by an automated system that means there is less room for error as information is not double handled. To further assist on site the individual purlin data is inkjet printed onto each purlin for ease of identification.
Product Innovation is crucial to the success of any industry. Metalcraft Structural has innovated by releasing four new purlin sizes, which are unique to the Metalcraft Structural range. 275/15 and 325/15 have spanning capabilities on par with 250/18 and 300/18 respectively. The benefit in using the 15’s over the 18’s is yield per tonne. This translates into a direct cost saving to the project without a decrease in material performance. The two other purlin sizes now available are a 275/18 and a 325/18.
For more information on Metalcraft Structural products contact your local Metalcraft Branch or download the Metalcraft Structural Technical Manual.