A list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Frame Machine.

What is the delivery time of a Frame Machine once an order is placed?

8 - 12 weeks depending on the amount of unique customization required for the customer.

What spare parts are provided with each machine?

We provide the most commonly replaced parts e.g. Seals, Springs and Punches etc.
All other parts are available quickly via air freight.

What warranty is supplied with the Frame Machine?

12 Months - Parts replacement.

How many staff are needed to operate the Frame Machine?

Usually a minimum of three, one to operate the machie controls while two others are assembling the framing. However running at full speed two assemblers struggle to keep up with the machine speed.

What other machinery is needed?

The only other equipment needed to use the machine is a decoiler to feed the steel coil and lifting gear e.g. hoist or forklift to be able to load the decoiler.

What maintenance does the machine require?

Oil the punches and empty the scrap bins daily.
Clean the residue off the rollers and top up the lubrication unit daily.
Grease the machine once a month.
Due to the use of sealed beaings and high quality parts there is very minor maintenance required.

How many metres per day can the machine produce? (simple studs or complex frames)

H300
Line Speed                                 1435 m/hr               (4710 ft/hr)
Finished Product Speed               350 - 700 m/hr               (1150 - 2300 ft/hr)

H500
Line Speed                                 1400 m/hr               (4595 ft/hr)
Finished Product Speed               300 - 700 m/hr                 (990 - 2300 ft/hr)

H700
Line Speed                                 1400 m/hr               (4595 ft/hr)
Finished Product Speed               300 - 700 m/hr                 (990 - 2300 ft/hr)

The true output speed of fully processed framing is entirely dependent on the complexity of the frame design. Some customers who run large quantities of simple studs attain production speeds of up to 800m/hour.

What Software can be used with the machine?

 Argos, ESS Steelbuilder, HSB Cad, Vertex, Keymark or any framing design software that can output to CSV file.

Do you provide training?

Yes, we send a technician to install and commission each machine and provide in-depth operator training.

Can I put thinner thickness steel through my Frame machine?

Yes but there are some compromises that must be observed when running thinner materials than the machine is setup for.

For example if you run 1.0mm  ( 20 gauge ) material though a machine setup for 1.6mm ( 16 gauge ) material there is a 62.5% difference in the material thickness. This will effect the forming of the profile (generally the profile will be flared when running thinner materials) it will also affect the punch clearances reducing the life of the punches and blades.

This is why we set our machines up to do two gauges (e.g. 1.2 ( 18 gauge ) & 1.6 (16 gauge )

The punching and roller clearances will be setup for the thickest material to be run.

Why doesn’t Howick make a multi change machine?

The reason we don’t make a multi change machine is to make our machine easy to use and reliable.

Every time you change a setting on the machine it requires resetting to ensure a consistent product.

Something as simple as changing the width of a section means that for each size the rollers, punching tools and cut-off need to be changed. Then if you change the material thickness they all need to be recalibrated. The more changes that are required the more complicated the machinery becomes to operate and the more skilled the operator will need to be. A lot of time and material can be wasted each time the profile is changed.

Can I have specialised tools added to the machine?

The 1.6 mm ( 16 gauge ) H500 machines have two extra positions where  additional punching tools can be added.  It is easiest to fit the extra tooling to the machine at the time of manufacture however in some cases the tools can be added at a later time.

For situations where more than two extra tools, or larger tools are required, the H700 machine will be used and "Howick" will design and manufacture the tooling to suit your application.

Do I have to use screws to assemble my frames?

No. There are other fastening systems that have been used in the past including rivets, self piercing rivets (Henrob) and welding. We are also able to tool the machine to other forms of fastening if the requirements and specifications are supplied to us.

Why do you recommend I only use one steel supplier?

To get the best accuracy out of your machine you want to keep things as constant as possible. Each coil will behave differently from batch to batch. In some cases the machine will need to be recalibrated to ensure accuracy. By using only one coil supplier you will reduce the chances of the coil spec changing.