New High Speed Automated Router Streamlines Production for Leading Aircraft Interior Specialist

Maldon, Essex, United Kingdom, March 14, 2015 --(PR.com)-- MGR Foamtex’s materials development manager Bill Jackson said, "We have developed new high-tech DAX foam materials, that not only meet higher safety specifications required in modern aircraft, but give designers and airlines many more options for aesthetic and acoustic enhancement. To machine these foams to the high tolerances required needs a router that operates accurately and at very high spindle speeds, so we needed to upgrade our machines to ensure the finished panels are of the highest quality expected by the world’s major airlines."

The Mastercut Versa-Tech machine, supplied by British manufacturer Blackman and White, has a 2.5 KW water cooled router which is capable of running at 60,000 rpm for prolonged periods. This ensures a very clean cut without causing material break up. This together with the high degree of accuracy means the new router produces a high quality product, but it can now also machine complex surface patterns. This is especially important in providing contours and recesses in the panels to ensure that they fit the seat structure exactly and the finished seats not only look good but also ensure the highest comfort levels.

The Versa-Tech has a multi-tool head so the same machine can incorporate a knife for accurate cutting of fabrics as well as a router for foam materials, which means a smaller shop floor footprint and eliminates the need for having a separate machine for each function.

The router/cutter comes with intuitive tailored software which has an added bonus as it can automatically nest patterns which not only saves set-up time, but ensures optimum material utilisation and reduces material wastage.

Jackson said that “as the Versa-Tech can also be used as a CNC high speed cutter MGRFoamtex plan to incorporate this machine in the manufacture of seat covers as well as Softwall® which will dramatically speed up the whole production process.”

Editor’s Notes
High resolution image available on request

More about Blackman & White
Blackman and White (blackmanandwhite.com) is a world class leader in the field of industrial flatbed cutting machines. Blackman and White cutting machines are used across a wide range of industries including marine, automotive, aeronautical, printing, construction and upholstery sectors, Their cutters and plotters range from the Orion, designed for light to medium duty, to the Mastercut heavy duty platform. Blackman & White’s innovative Mastercut Versa-Tech series provides laser, knife and routing capabilities cuts thin metal including aluminium, rigid board, Foamex, acrylic and wood up to one inch thick with accuracy greater than 0.1mm. Available with blade, laser cutters or routers, BW Cutters are exported to Europe, the Middle and Far East and throughout the USA.

With over 45 years’ successful business in the design and manufacture of cutting machines under its belt, Blackman and White is uniquely placed to offer world-wide service and expertise.