No matter whether your or its own machines: Fecken-Kirfel systematically retrofits electrical components
At our site in Aachen it has been shown: A retrofit is a real alternative to a cost-intensive new acquisition. With the newest technology and reliable main components, existing machines can directly become an integral part of the production again at reasonable expense. Learn how we made use of the advantages of a retrofit and why a retrofit may also be an interesting option for you.
Machines should always be in use at the highest possible technical level – that is extremely important to us. Thus, we exactly analyzed and checked our own machine park, how this can be continuously realized with proven machines.
Toshiba machine convinces with new electrical system
An impressive example is our horizontal CNC drilling machine made by Toshiba that is in use at our factory in Aachen since 1986. It soon became apparent that something has to be done after so many years of use. After such a long time, one option was of course to invest in a completely new machine and to take the Toshiba machine out of production. However, we decided to replace the electrical components – including control, switch cabinet and the connection to ERP systems. The reason: The main components of this machine still serve the purpose with flying colors. With this specific retrofit, we now have a proven machine with new electrics that is state-of-the-art.
Improved machine operation thanks to new control technology
We always make sure that our machines are equipped with the latest generation of control technology. Thus, our employees work with a machine park with control modules that are as uniform as possible. The advantage: The employees only need very little training to operate different machines. In addition, the latest control technology allows installing current software programs on several machines. For example, we updated the control of our first SHW machine and adapted it to our significantly newer SHW machine. Now, both machines are on the same level and our employees can quickly change between them.
Retrofit: The economic alternative to a new acquisition
Whether a retrofit for a machine is the best solution, depends on different factors. This applies for machines we have in use and also for Fecken-Kirfel machines that are in use at your factory. The first important point is that the mechanical components are in a condition that makes a retrofit of the electrical components worthwhile. If so, it is time to find out whether a retrofit compared to a new acquisition makes sense from an economic point of view. Please consider that an exchange of a completely new machine may cause longer production downtime than a retrofit.
Our tip: Schedule a retrofit with foresight
From our point of view, a retrofit is a preventive measure you can reasonably plan into your production processes together with us. By a timely retrofit and a properly scheduled downtime, for example during holiday season, you can manage the downtime of your production in the best possible way. It is important to keep in mind that not every spare part is always available at all times – even though we always keep an eye on the delivery times. “For electrical spare parts for cutting machines we ensure our customers the longest possible availability periods. We are able to supply control components made by Beckhoff Automation at least ten years after the last acquisition,” says CEO Mr. Norbert Leyens. “By the continuous exchange with our suppliers, we are permanently informed about the end-of-life notifications of products in the industry.” In addition, we also store many components for reasons of precaution to avoid bottlenecks or even failures. Of course, we inform you about important end-of-life notifications and advise you if the availability of spare parts is limited – and whether a retrofit makes sense.
Would you like a consultation on the topic of retrofit? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We would be very pleased to be of further service to you.
