New convert on the scene

Matara UK, a specialist in automation, pneumatics and linear motion products, has completed a substantial project for the manufacture and supply of machine guard frames for T S Converting Equipment (Elite Cameron).

T S Converting provides solutions for slitting, coating and lamination of a wide range of substrates, tailored to suit customers’ requirements. To ensure people do not get too close to the machinery when in operation, and to comply with safety regulations, machines are supplied to customers with a protective guard frame.

Until recently, this frame was produced in-house, which was very time-consuming, costly and did not allow for key accessories, such as screw-in feet or castors, to be used.

Two decade’s experience

With T S Converting’s latest project – a substantial order of mixed machines – the company turned to Matara, which has over two decade’s experience in this field.

Working from T S Converting’s CAD drawings, Matara cut the aluminium to the correct size and assembled the guarding panels to T S Converting’s exact specifications. Aluminium profile was selected for this order, due to its adaptability and the speed in which it can be produced, and for its cost-effectiveness when compared to steel.

This latest order has required over 200m of 40x40mm aluminium profile, which has been powder coated safety yellow (RAL1003). All sections of this guarding have been supplied with UK stocked 25x25 black powder coated wire mesh or clear polycarbonate panels. A wide range of accessories has been included into the guard frames, including feet for mounting the sections to the floor for stability, connecting plates complete with fixings, door handles and hinges.

On-site adaptations

“With T-slots pre-formed into the aluminium profile, adding further accessories couldn’t be easier, as they simply slide into these slots without the need for welding or drilling holes,” states Matara UK. “This has enabled T S Converting to make further on-site adaptations, including adding switch panels to certain areas of the profile, as well as safety switches on the doors of the guard frame.

Commenting on its decision to outsource the machine guard frame production to Matara, James Self, director at TS Converting Equipment, says: “One of the main reasons we chose Matara is the time it has saved us in production. We now have the guarding cut, powder coated and fully assembled, saving our engineers valuable time in our busy production schedule. The guarding has been a huge success not just for saving money but also how smart it looks.”

T S Converting has also been impressed with the service Matara has delivered: “The service provided from Matara has always been helpful and professional. Every member of staff at Matara have always been welcoming and more than happy to help. Because of the success on the guarding, we are now discussing other areas of the business that we can work together on. The partnership between T S Converting and Matara has a very bright future.”