A new machine collaboration between Haffner and Graf Synergy has delivered a machine that fundamentally reshapes the way fabrication is carried out, and gives fabricators the ability to increase efficiency, reduce costs and deliver products with a premium finish.
The new SL8-FF-TR 8 Head CNC Welding Machine is the only machine in the world capable of seamlessly welding all four corners of a PVC-U frame, along with two timber-effect transoms, in a single automated cycle and all without any manual cleaning or retouching.
Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, said: “Traditional welding and cleaning lines have served the industry well for years, but they come with inherent inefficiencies. They’re large, require significant factory space, involve multiple operators and extra time to manually clean and touch up finished corner and transom welds. The SL8-FF-TR changes all of that.”
By condensing what was previously a complex, multi-step operation into a single, compact machine, the SL8-FF-TR streamlines production dramatically, delivering huge time and labour savings. A fully welded and finished frame is ready in under 150 seconds, with just one operator required. Furthermore, because it’s a single machine, it frees up valuable factory space, allowing fabricators to increase output without the need for costly expansions or additional equipment.
Quality of finish is also dramatically enhanced. The seamless welds and mechanical-jointing effect give frames a clean, refined appearance that closely replicates the aesthetics of traditional timber joints. For fabricators competing in the growing flush sash and heritage-style markets, this premium aesthetic provides a clear competitive advantage. Plus, by removing the need for sprue removal and other post-weld finishing processes, the machine reduces consumable use and lowers ongoing operating costs too.
The SL8-FF-TR is already delivering for Haffner customers. Early adopters of the machine have reported throughput increases of at least 50%, reductions in labour requirements of
up to 75% and operating expense savings of around 30%. In one installation, a single SL8-FF-TR replaced a traditional line that occupied 120m² of space, freeing up 95m² for other high-value operations.
Matt concluded: “What excites me most about this machine is the new opportunities it creates. It allows fabricators to scale up production, move into high-margin product lines and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. It’s not just a step forward in welding technology, but a reinvention of the entire process.”
