IRTI (Brescia, Italy) owes its success to its commitment toward the development of advanced machinery, allowing it to operate in highly competitive market niches. In order to achieve this, a key element was the use of Fagor’s numerical control, which simplified and streamlined the machining of highly complex parts.
Complexity made simple
Founded in 1989, by Alfonso Facchini, as a mechanical repair shop for machine tools, presses and other machinery, the Italian company, IRTI immediately earned its customer’s trust by becoming a valid and reliable reference point. Over the years, market needs have increasingly focused on the quality of parts and the reduction in lead times.
This progressively drove the company to renew its productive resources and to refocus its efforts on the machining of large-sized and complex-structured mechanical parts.
IRTI has a broad and diversified background in the manufacturing of mechanical parts and in machinery maintenance.
For the most part, IRTI’s core business is focused on the hydraulic, shipbuilding, machine tools, automotive, agricultural, mining, oil and energy production sectors.
This versatility is made possible because it has the technology at hand to carry out the machining of any shape, size and weight made from semi-finished steel, weighing up to 60 metric tons and measuring up to 19 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter.
The main machining processes are milling, turning, truing and specialized welding, using numerical control machines and/or conventional machines.
Investment in advanced technologies
Arriving at this business scenario was the result of a bold investment policy that projected into the future.
Since the beginning, the Facchini family has always been adept at investing in advanced hardware and software solutions, even during times of market crises, as explained by Mauro Facchini: “We realized that in order to survive, we had to meet the challenges of all the markets seeking quality over price, by focusing on a management system that allowed us to create high added value in terms of quality and lead times. By doing so, we have found that we operate in niche markets where, in some cases, our European competitors can be counted on one hand.”
Examples of this philosophy are the recent installation of two lathes made by the Italian manufacturer, Giuseppe Giana; the multitasking GGTronic 3000, as well as the GGH 110 CNC, whose productive output has been enhanced due to the use of Fagor numerical controls.
Simple and reliable
The Fagor numerical control, referred to by Mr. Facchini, is the CNC 8065T, which has been a breakthrough for the management of high-complexity turning and milling machines installed at IRTI.
“We wanted our new machines to be equipped with Fagor Automation products,” explained Mauro Facchini, “since, of the various numerical controls we use, it quickly turned out to be the best in all facets: programming, graphical simulation and setup. The most noteworthy aspect is the simplicity of programming. Moreover, in the case of Fagor, it has allowed for the migration of machining cycles from previous models in a very simple manner – something only a few CNCs can do. Furthermore, one of the characteristics of the highly valued CNC 8065T is the simulation tool, which is very convenient for making the proper tooling decisions and, along with solid 3D graphics, it allows us to visualize the final result of the machining process in three dimensions, so as apply any corrections that may be required for the program or the tools.”
Facchini’s backing of Fagor is not just based on the product itself, but also due to the relationship that has been developed with the after sales service: “We are totally satisfied, because we are appreciative of the quality and promptness of the service provided by the qualified staff at the Italian branch office. When we have needed them, a telephone call has been sufficient enough to resolve or address the issue. And even when an onsite intervention had been required, the day following the request, there was a team of technicians already here – we have always resolved any situation in a matter of hours, with only brief or no machine stops at all.”
Because of this, it is not difficult to envisage that the new investments in advanced technologies ahead of IRTI will be centered on Fagor Automation solutions.
“The benefits are in irrefutable. We will strive for the unification of all our numerical controls, to provide uniformity of service and a common operational structure for our operators,” says Mauro Facchini.
Source: TECNOLOGIE MECCANICHE – No.5 May 2017 – pag.142
