Efficiency Gains with Heliner CNC Routers for New Zealand Manufacturers
Updated: Oct 8
RTL is a leading supplier of road signs, along with safety and traffic management solutions. Their products are very visible as we drive around and park our vehicles. Clinton Carter-Johnson, Factory Manager, tells us about the efficiency gains from their Heliner CNC router.
The Challenge of Complexity and Cost
We already had an Australian flatbed router, but we needed more capacity. So, we looked for a second machine from the same supplier plus three alternatives, including Heliner. Several routers were overly complex and expensive for our simple applications. With the European suppliers, it seemed pretty much like “see you later” after they delivered the product. We wanted real, ongoing support.
Discovering Affordable Quality
We visited Heliner and saw one of their machines in action. It seemed pretty easy to learn and set up, as it was demonstrated by the office clerk. We sent one of our products to James, and he sent back a prototype that impressed us with its quality finish. There was a lot of back-and-forth communication with him to clarify our needs and expectations. James’ engagement was surprisingly enthusiastic, which impressed us. He even came up with a few ideas that were new to us.
After considering our options, it became clear that the Heliner machine offered the best value for our investment, so we decided to go for it.
Process Improvements with Heliner
We find that light aluminium sheets tend to slide around a lot on machine beds. The Heliner vacuum bed setup works wonders for us, allowing us to select which areas to turn on or off. This feature is particularly useful when we’re producing up to 1.5 m wide signs for motorway gantries.
Previously, swarf was getting into the flatbed carriage bearings, which was a costly problem. James tried three different methods to prevent this tricky issue before we finally cracked it—at his own expense.
Continuous Proactive Improvement
Our new machine provides nice clean edges, eliminating the need for manual finishing, which involves a lot of man-handling, punching, and tool maintenance. It’s 100% accurate, as long as it’s programmed correctly, helping us to conform to strict NZTA specifications.
James often checks in to see if we need anything. He asks, “What about this idea?” or “What about that idea to optimise output and quality?” This proactive approach has significantly enhanced our operations.
We now achieve an extra 10 to 15% more productivity than with our old machine, and rework is down around 30%, which helps us avoid much waste.
Significant Savings on Tools and Consumables
“We buy tools through James at significant cost savings, and lubricant at one-third of the normal price. With consumables, we’re saving about $15,000 a year.”
Exceptional Service and Support
“We’ve had a lot of support from James, who is very easy to work with. We can call him any time, and he’ll send a tech around to address any issues we have. Being local is a big advantage for us.”
Conclusion: A Partnership for Success
In conclusion, our experience with Heliner has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of affordable quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional support has made a significant impact on our operations. As we continue to grow, we look forward to maintaining our partnership with Heliner, ensuring we remain at the forefront of efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing sector.
For more information on Heliner's products, check out their Sign Cutting CNC Router.
