Fire destroys Sil-Die factory; Datron to the rescue

"It was a horrific fire that destroyed everything in the factory. Fortunately no one was injured, but we knew that we had to get things up and running as quickly as possible," explains director, Chris Cook. "Even though we hadn't actually been a Datron customer, we were seriously considering buying their milling machines," Mr Cook adds." They agreed to lend us a machine so that we could get back to fulfilling our own customers' orders. True to their word, they installed the machine a week after the fire, in our new factory in nearby Witham that we had only agreed to rent two days before." The delivery and installation of the Datron M8 was effected quickly, and Sil-Die staff were easily able to pick up its CNC programming protocols and operation methods fast. Such was the efficiency and operating performance of the M8 that orders for three other machines quickly followed – two M7HPs and a state-of-the-art M10Pro – with another M10Pro in the offing. "Investing in our future by purchasing the M10Pro [video and product data here] – Datron's flagship product - has continued to emphasise our strong commitment to our staff and our customers. It also shows that we have recovered quickly from the effects of the devastating events earlier this year. "The M10Pro gives us even greater accuracy and improved surface finish – it runs fast, without breaking the cutters, which can be less than 10 micron radius (about a tenth of a human hair)," adds fellow director James Cook. "Our reject rates have also fallen appreciably and it allows us to run 24/7 or overnight with confidence." Sil-Die manufacture hot foil and embossing dies, jigs and fixtures, mainly used in the print finishing process – for greetings cards, packaging, wrapping paper, book covers etc. The high quality of the metal, silicone or plastic dies produced takes into account flat or shaped parts and the Datron machines are all capable of achieving the tolerances required. "This is especially important on medical packaging where even the finest print must be reproduced accurately to meet the mandatory European standards," Mr Cook highlights. One vital requirement on all European medical box packaging is the inclusion of the contents embossed in braille. The accurate reproduceability on the brass dies produced on the Datron machines of these 0.2 mm high dots sets Sil-Die apart as one of the few suppliers that can achieve this level of quality. Concludes Mr Cook: "It is not just the quality of the machines that is important, but also the calibre of the people at Datron who are highly responsive and supportive in ensuring that we operate as smoothly as possible. The excellent service from their UK-based engineers, telephone support and the quick availability of spare parts is vital. "We are now geared up for a positive future with a highly competitive set-up and, with the support of suppliers like Datron, will undoubtedly go from strength the strength."