Maka will be exhibiting at Ligna in order to fully demonstrate its ability to provide complete solutions. As Iain Young, Maka’s UK MD, explains: “We have acquired considerable experience in the automotive and aerospace sectors, and we’re taking this opportunity at Ligna to demonstrate how we are applying best practice to improve productivity in timber, joinery and furniture manufacturing.
“The handling of parts, and fixtures will be demonstrated, offering a clear insight into how productivity can be squeezed,” says Iain.
“Handling fixtures and setting instantly are paramount for users now, as not only does this waste valuable time and reduce actual capacity, but many fixtures are heavy, bulky and usually manually handled. Maka will demonstrate how fixtures can be moved automatically via a Maka-Kuka robot: the fixtures will be fixed onto the machine table with perfect precision every time.”
Maka is a long-standing system partner of Kuka – one of the world’s leading suppliers of robotics plant – and has trained technicians who will assist programme and service Kuka robots. This ensures the robots are quickly installed and integrated, and in the rare event they need attention, Maka will be on hand to offer expert support.
Experience
Maka operates industry wide and is experienced in machining diverse materials and applications. The company will demonstrate how it can transfer its experience and technology, much of which has been gained in the automotive industry, to benefit furniture and joinery manufacturers directly.
Working also in conjunction with specialist cutting tool manufacturers, Maka will demonstrate various workpieces being made out of MDF, Ureol, composites and aluminium.
The principal techniques to be demonstrated can be applied to all the models across the Maka wide range of platforms, which now encompasses the new DC7 horizontal machine centres, the moving beam BC150 and BC170, and the popular PE90, along with the latest versions of the renowned twin-table MK7, MM7, CM and CR27 models.
All are available with either the BWO or Siemens 840D-SL controllers, which are comprehensively specified for high-speed 3D five-axis machining.
Maka also provides three and axis machines, along with through-feed, and twin and quad-channel solutions. One such installation is a multi-head twin table, five-axis machine, machining four high gloss finished parts simultaneously for one of the world’s leading brand names in consumer goods.
Productivity tools
Many other productivity tools will also be demonstrated to help illustrate and explain the possibilities to customers, and so help decide which tools will be most effective in which circumstances. These may include barcoding, automatic part sensors, integrated plug-in fixtures with ‘associativity’ to automatically call up the right program and so eliminate operator error and setting time. Maka’s expert construction engineers will also be available to answer all questions too.
Another focus of the fair this year will be Ligna’s spotlight on machining of plastics and composites. With the increasing diversity of materials being employed in the traditional wood sector, and with the increasing multi-disciplinary applications to which some woodworking machinery is now being applied, Maka will feature prominently in this special feature in hall 16.
Service first
In addition to specialised solutions, Maka will also be demonstrating its unique service capability, and demonstrate its capabilities directly on the stand.
The head of Maka Hotline, Patrick Fischer, will be available to take enquiries, as well as demonstrate how Maka’s unique service hotline and teleservice actually work.
Service is Maka’s number one priority, above all else. As Iain Young explains: “Having the designs and robust hardware are one thing, but having the ability to support the customer with this technology is another.
“The experience gained in other industries, particularly the automotive sector where the demand for rapid response at the highest level is essential, has helped us to develop and maintain a first-class level of support.”
Wolfgang Stadie, sales director of Maka Systems GmbH, further comments, saying: “By connecting this experience with our high-end service, we can offer our customers the complete package. We take care about the machining environment and users’ logistic issues to provide the complete solution.
“With this approach, Maka Systems will continue its growth course, by a steady and consistent expansion of the company’s special competence.”
Owners at Ligna
Maka’s owners, Dr Thomas Rubbe and Dr Paul Lerbinger, play an active part in the company and will be meeting customers during Ligna. The new structure since autumn 2013 also guarantees financial security, ensuring the high service level will be maintained long term.
“Growth requires a strong partner,” says Klaus Kern, Maka Systems’ managing director. “The financial commitment of its shareholders is an important part of the company’s positive development.
“The first full year resulted in a positive result, and 2015 has started extremely well with many large orders being taken in the UK, Taiwan, South Korea and China, along with a strong result in our home market.
“This is very encouraging, and demonstrates Maka’s high-end manufacturing solutions are greatly appreciated and competitive worldwide, enabling the company to succeed in highly competitive markets. With this, we can look forward with confidence, and are especially looking forward to meeting many new customers at Ligna.” says Klaus.
The clean lines of the Maka MM7t Quad-Channel machines 4 high gloss parts cleanly, easily and very quickly
