CNC Processing Centre
The Department of Furniture Design & Technology, School of Design & Creative Arts at The Atlantic Technology University in Connemara is regarded both nationally and internationally as a leading provider of third-level courses in furniture, wood products and teacher education (Design Graphics and Construction).
The campus educates over 240 students a year, studying different degree courses and apprenticeships in its state-of-the-art workshop facilities featuring the most advanced machinery and computer technology.
With links to major furniture design and manufacturing companies around the globe, this allows students to avail of work placement opportunities with leaders in furniture design and manufacture and interior fitout sectors.
Graduates are recognised for their innovative, creative and responsive approach to projects. They frequently win, and are shortlisted for, national and international awards that influence and develop the industry.
“In recent years, along with our undergraduate degree programmes, we have expanded our offering to include teaching apprentices in Wood Manufacturing and Finishing,” explains Paul Leamy, Head of Department of Furniture Design & Technology. He continues, “It is vital that we train all our students on the most advanced technologies available so that when they leave, they have been exposed to the most up-to-date equipment, giving them the best opportunity to gain employment and providing industry with much needed talent.”
The process to acquire a new CNC machine
“As part of our commitment to have the latest machinery, we recognised the need to replace one of our aging CNC processing centres. When looking to acquire new capital equipment, ATU has a fair and transparent European-wide tendering process in place which must be strictly adhered to.
“We drew up our required specification for the new CNC processing centre – size, 5-axis head, table types, software, cost, etc. – and then we uploaded the invitation to tender on www.etenders.gov.ie so all interested parties were free to apply.
“Each company that tendered had exactly the same information; they had to demonstrate their machine was compliant with our clearly defined requirements. At the end of the process, it was Electro-Tech (HOMAG UK’s partner in Ireland) that won the tender, with the HOMAG CENTATEQ P-110 CNC.”
CENTATEQ P-110 CNC purchase and installation
“Following Electro-Tech’s successful tender, our procurement department issued them with contracts. The delivery and installation process were handled superbly by Electro-Tech and HOMAG. To minimise disruption, we specified that the installation had to take place in the first two weeks of January when the least number of students would be on campus.
“This was adhered to and the whole process went very smoothly, including the online and onsite training of our staff by the installation engineers. For the first time we can train students on a 5-axis CNC which opens up new and exciting possibilities for the students, apprentices and lecturers alike”
“This means that when students graduate from our programmes, they have the very best qualifications and a good level of experience to enable them to pursue a career in the woodworking industry. That is so important to us; it is the fundamental reason we exist.” concludes Leamy.
The CENTATEQ P-110 model is used by kitchen, office and solid wood furniture manufacturers, as well as by joinery workshops for the construction of stairs, windows and doors.
If you would like more information or a demonstration of any of the HOMAG machinery and software, please contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424.
T: 01332 856500
