Special Machines: Special Purpose Machines and Custom Built Systems from TQC

The first question to ask yourself when trying to source assembly, test and automation equipment is, "Can I buy it 'off-the-shelf?".

If the answer is, "Yes", then generally this is a more cost effective solution and can be up and running quickly. If the answer is, "No", or "It is, but..." then you need bespoke machine that is of a special purpose design and that is manufactured to your specification.

Special machine - hydraulic burst test machine - by TQC
Hydraulic Burst Test Machine by TQC

The starting point for any bespoke equipment or special purpose machine is in developing the specification or project brief, the customer generally considers two questions,

1. "This is what we want to be able to do but how?"

Once a specification has been written, machine concepts are proposed. These generally start from a blank sheet of paper or can incorporate mechanisms and solutions previously supplied for similar applications for integration.

The overall outcome is that the requirements of the customer are met in the form of a newly built special purpose or custom built machine or system.

2. "This is what we already have, we need something better, but what?"

At TQC, we undertake all design work in-house from concept to completion. In-house engineering facilities allow us to provide the complete package for all special purpose machine requirements. In the case of improving existing processes and installations, TQC evaluate what is in place on-site already and assesses whether integration work or replacement machinery will offer the best solution to help the Client arrive at the best solution for their production environment.

 

Important things to include in the project brief that allow special purpose machines to be specified are:

  • Assembly drawings of the units to be assembled or tested
  • Detailed tolerance drawings of the parts
  • Variant information and requirments for chanover and checking correct variant
  • Samples of the parts
  • Quality requirements (eg test specifications)
  • Throughputs or cycle time requirements
  • Production basis ie single shift or 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Project qualification basis, ie running time before delivery

TQC's areas of specialism include:

To find out more about how we can help you with your special machine requirements:

We build all machines in-house, applying our 25+ years experience in specialised test and automated handling machines to the engineering projects we undertake. We offer customer support, backup and service call-out for all projects, whatever the size.

Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and we will be happy to offer our professional advice and visit you at your site.

TQC Ltd, Hooton Street, Carlton Road, Nottingham, NG3 2NJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)115 9503561   |   Fax: +44 (0)115 9484642   |   E-mail: sales@tqc.co.ukSGS