When Marlin and Fusion needed to develop equipment for automating pipe fitting component production, they turned to festo, which Fusion has long specified as its preferred automation product supplierAutomation specialist Marlin (Ringwood) is at the hub of a productive three-way partnership. In a setup that perfectly illustrates the effectiveness of strategic modern business thinking, Marlin partners with preferred supplier Festo and major customer Fusion Group Manufacturing to deliver unique products. Marlin have recently completed their latest fully automated production system used in the manufacture of high-integrity plastic pipe fittings for their customer, Fusion.
Based in Chesterfield, Fusion designs, manufactures and supplies fittings to the utilities responsible for distributing mains gas and water through underground pipes to domestic and industrial premises.
The Fusion range of polyethylene fittings comprises equal tees, elbows, couplers, reducers, tapping tees and many other variants of products.
Made from polyethylene, a highly durable material offering significant improvements over traditional metal couplings, Fusion's fittings are more resistant to yielding under pressure of ground movement.
Conventional plastic pipework is joined on-site by a variety of mechanical means and this manual process is inconsistent and can be slow.
The Fusamatic range of Electrofusion fittings and ancillary equipment deliver improved on-site performance for polyethylene pipeline installations.
At the heart of Fusion's Fusamatic system is Fusamatic pin.
An inbuilt resistor, inside one of the terminals, identifies the fitting power requirements thus reducing operator error and ensuring a quality joint.
Fusion's production innovations are directly facilitated by the advanced automated manufacturing techniques designed and developed in association with Marlin.
However, manufacturing these advanced joint products to ensure consistent performance in the field demands high levels of consistency and precision during the production process.
Marlin and Fusion needed to develop equipment that completely automates the process.
The company turned to Festo for support, citing Festo's products as more robust, reliable and easier to use and install than its competitors.
Moreover, Festo delivered superior technical support deemed to be more accurate and responsive.
Festo is a world leader in automation and already had strong links with Fusion - to the degree that Fusion has long specified Festo as its preferred automation product supplier.
The new system fully automates all the precision handling and positioning sections of the process - and interfaces with high-force hydraulics used at the end of the manufacturing cycle.
The partnership has proved exceptionally productive for all three parties.
Aaron Houston, Sales Director at Marlin declares: "Our service, quality and now our strong relationship with Festo means we're confident of satisfying or exceeding our customers' expectations every time."
Martin Jarvis, Fusion Group Manufacturing, adds: "The reliability and availability of Festo's product range helps to maintain our valuable production gains and ensure that the return on our investment won't be interrupted."