Steel Construction
Xblade: Ficep new line for CNC processing of steel beams ensures big gains in productivity and flexibility Beyond the technological fact, FICEP confirms its international vocation through its sales network and by providing direct support to the local industry. The occasion of the Steel Construction New Zealand Association gala, of which FICEP is a main sponsor, held on October 26 and 27, is perfect to celebrate not only the achievements in the steel industry but also the innovations that continue to shape the future of the industry. FICEP warmly congratulates all the participants and winners of the SCNZ gala, whose efforts and achievements reflect the excellence of a key sector of local industry. At the pre-Gala event, Francis Lee of Ficep Oceania presented an insight into the economics of the global machine landscape and New Zealand buildings' trend, concluding that the relevant consented jobs are at a slow reduction. In contrast, those jobs become more prominent in tonnage and higher in value. With New Zealand's hyper-aging nation, the local fabricator should prepare for more production efficiency to catch those reducing bigger jobs. Going forward, automation could be a solution. FICEP XBLADE is a compact solution with a small automation system that caters to fabricators of various capacity, an achievable step up to capture those jobs.
The competitive landscape of the steel construction industry is evolving very rapidly, and the numerically controlled technology with which structural elements are processed is redefining the production priorities to be managed for the success of one's company. Process automation is one of the levers available to production managers who, by pushing in this direction, can increase productivity and job safety levels. FICEP new XBLADE CNC line fits into this vision and represents an innovative solution that promises to revolutionize the industry. In fact, XBLADE represents a breakthrough in CNC machining, offering unprecedented machining flexibility and precision. This machine is capable of processing steel beams of various sizes,
handling sections of up to 305x305 mm on three sides and 450x450 mm on one side, performing complex drilling, tapping, milling and disc sawing operations. Adding a further degree of flexibility is the ability to process various types of light alloy profiles, used in a wide range of applications in the construction industry.
Through Ficep Steel Project software and CAM software for generating ISO programs, programming and work optimization become simple and intuitive processes.
A machine with a "universal" character whose automation drive contributes to an important increase in productivity in the working cycles in which it is used: in this sense, the introduction of the disc saw blade in addition to the tools makes it possible to complete the range of operations on the profile without having to employ any manpower to handle the workpiece. The innovative feature of XBLADE is the ability to perform three-axis processing even on inclined planes, in two different directions. The 5-axis head consisting of two rotating wrists allows the tool to be positioned at virtually any point in 30 | B&C
the working space. The working area is delimited with light barriers. It is a moving column machine in which the longitudinal X-axis can be configured on request with one-meter pitch. The machine tool changer has eight positions for standard tools, two positions for large tools and one position for the 560 mm disc blade. The machine is equipped with roller supports to support the material during processing and allow the vices to be repositioned. The vices can be positioned along the X-axis and are locked in a defined position by a pneumatic cylinder. The machine performs at speeds ranging from 12 to 25 mt per minute. XBLADE is equipped with Fanuc numerical control. The compact and modern design together with the on-board integrated electrical cabinet as well as the air conditioning system and spindle liquid cooling system optimize the footprint of the system. The control unit from which the operator manages the working cycle is equipped as standard with Polaris, the latest HMI developed by FICEP, which, through a new interface designed with the main objective of improving usability and displayed on a 21 ½ inches monitor, guides the operator by facilitating the management of working programs. In addition, through Ficep Steel Project software and CAM software for generating ISO programs, programming and work optimization become simple and intuitive processes. Ficep XBLADE is an example of how technology can support and nurture this excellence and raise production standards, offering efficient and versatile solutions to today's challenges.