Ahmarra Door Solutions is continually advancing its capabilities in fire door manufacturing by investing in state-of-the-art technology. The latest additions to the facility include a double mitre saw and the Hoffmann MU3-PD Pneumatic Router, two powerful machines that are revolutionising the way the company produces glazing cassettes for fire doors. By combining these cutting-edge tools, Ahmarra is not only achieving unmatched precision in its work but also streamlining its production process, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.
When it comes to fire doors, the glazing cassette is a critical element. These frames house the vision panels – the fire-resistant glass panels that allow light to pass through without compromising the door’s fire rating. For a fire door to perform as intended, it must be made with utmost precision, and the glazing cassette is no exception.
The mitre joints that connect the frame components of these cassettes are not the only critical aspect. Obviously, a tight, precise mitre joint ensures the structural integrity of the frame, which is crucial for fire resistance. As a vision panel is generally at eye level, visual appearance is also paramount. The cassette itself must be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as a person’s line of view is often subconsciously drawn to errors in angles, balance and construction. Accurate mitres also minimise the need for additional finishing work, such as filling or sanding, which not only saves time but also reduces the risk of defects.
Ahmarra understands that achieving this level of precision requires the right combination of tools and skilled craftsmanship. That’s why it has invested in the Hoffmann MU3-PD Pneumatic Router and other advanced machinery to perfect every aspect of the glazing cassette production process.
The double mitre saw – cutting with accuracy
Jack, one of Ahmarra’s skilled operators, uses the double mitre saw to cut the timber glazing beads that secure the vision panels in the fire doors. This saw is designed for precision cutting, ensuring that the angles and lengths of each piece are flawless before they move on to the next stage of production.
The saw produces 45° cuts on every workpiece, which is essential for producing high-quality mitre joints. Once the timber pieces are cut, they are ready to be transferred to the Hoffmann MU3-PD for further processing.
The Hoffmann MU3-PD – the heart of precision joinery
Once the mitre cuts are completed, the workpieces are moved to the Hoffmann MU3-PD Pneumatic Router. Here, Becca skillfully operates the machine to router dovetail slots at the corners of each frame. These dovetail joints are vital because they provide added strength and stability, ensuring that the frame can withstand the stress of fire conditions. The frames are assembled by applying some glue and inserting Hoffmann Dovetail Keys. These Keys draw the parts together to form a tight, secure and permanent joint. No large clamping tables or bar clamps are required, and the frames can be finished immediately upon assembly.
The Hoffmann MU3-PD is designed specifically for high-throughput, series production. Its pneumatic clamping and controlled router feed allow for consistent, precise routing on each workpiece, ensuring that all dovetail slots are machined to the exact specifications needed for a secure fit. The machine is controlled via foot pedal, making it both user-friendly and highly efficient.
One of the standout features of the Hoffmann MU3-PD is its ability to handle high volumes of production without sacrificing precision. This is crucial for Ahmarra, as it often needs to produce large batches of glazing cassettes while maintaining the quality standards which its customers rely on.
Dovetail joints are particularly effective in fire door production because they create a strong, durable connection between the frame components. The Hoffmann dovetail keys that are inserted into the mitre joints provide an additional layer of reinforcement. These keys have been tested and are compliant with BS 476: Part 22: 1987, certified for fire resistance, meaning they help to maintain the structural integrity of the glazing cassette in the event of a fire. This compliance with fire safety standards ensures that the doors meet the highest levels of protection, providing peace of mind for end users.
Why choose the Hoffmann MU3-PD for glazing cassettes?
The Hoffmann MU3-PD Pneumatic Router offers several advantages for manufacturers of fire doors and glazing cassettes:
High precision: The machine’s automated controls ensure that each dovetail slot is routed to the exact depth and location with a digital two-axis display. Creating tight, accurate joints that are essential for the durability and fire resistance of the cassette.
Speed and efficiency: The pneumatic clamping system and foot-pedal operation allow for fast, efficient processing, making the MU3-PD ideal for high-throughput production environments like Ahmarra’s.
Versatility: While the MU3-PD is perfect for glazing cassette production, it is also versatile enough to handle a variety of joinery applications. This flexibility makes it a valuable tool in any woodworking facility.
Cost-effective: By automating key parts of the production process and improving the speed and accuracy of the work, the MU3-PD helps reduce labour costs, material waste, and the need for additional finishing. This translates to a more cost-effective solution for high-quality glazing cassettes.
Compliance and safety: Hoffmann dovetail keys are fully compliant with fire resistance standards, making the MU3-PD an essential tool for producing fire-rated doors that meet the strictest regulations.
Ahmarra believes in continually evolving to meet the needs of its customers. By investing in advanced machinery like the Hoffmann MU3-PD Pneumatic Router, the company can produce high-quality fire doors with precision, speed, and cost-efficiency. The combination of the double mitre saw for accurate cutting, and the Hoffmann MU3-PD for perfect dovetail key mitre joints, ensures that every glazing cassette Ahmarra produces meets the highest standards of performance and safety.
As fire safety regulations continue to tighten, the need for precise, reliable glazing cassettes will only grow. With the Hoffmann MU3-PD, Ahmarra is well-positioned to lead the way in producing fire doors that protect lives while maintaining a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
All the machines and the full range of products and methods are detailed on the Hoffmann website.
01524 841500
www.hoffmann-uk.com
