Our Objectives
T. Butler Engineering Ltd has three principal objectives as a company:
- Working closely with our customers to achieve common objectives
- Continuous Innovation and technological advances
- Ongoing improvements in efficiency and competitiveness
Together; these objectives are central to our primary goal of delivering market leading technology to all global markets and demonstrating consistent competitiveness through innovation.
Our Company History
TBE has delivered almost 250 machines to the global market. Dedication to performance and quality has brought T. Butler Engineering, Ltd. (TBE) a long way since Thomas and Joan Butler set up the company in 1988. Machine number 100 was delivered to a company in the United States, while in January 2015, TBE announced the sale of Machine # 200 to a company in Poland; marking another significant milestone for the company.
Although TBE has grown, the same dedication is apparent today among all members of the TBE organisation, located just outside Waterford in southern Ireland. TBE machines are now used worldwide to produce complicated wire forms, springs, assemblies & specialised components for industries such as automotive, appliance, agricultural, construction; medical and more.
The First Machines
Starting slowly, TBE delivered its first machine to an Irish company in 1990, for production of wire forms for the construction industry. Over the next several years, machines were supplied to England to automotive suppliers for production of components such as lock rods and torque rods. Use of hydraulics to power-form tooling eliminated the need for cams and provided improved tolerance capability for TBE users. Rapidly gaining recognition for its effective use of hydraulics for wire forming, in 1993 TBE developed software utilising a standard PLC for open-loop proportional control of servo hydraulic valves. The TBE Multiform’s ability to achieve improved process capability quickly opened doors throughout Europe and then North America.
Today’s Machines
Along the way, TBE also perfected simple, fast and accurate transfer systems allowing total automation of complicated parts such as double body brake springs, rake tines, seating wires or 3-D wire forms. Parts normally requiring three or more secondary operations, are now completed in one operation on TBE machines. Secondary operations such as trimming, looping, coining, threading, upsetting, chamfering and welding are now commonplace on TBE machines. High-speed feed rates, accurate transfer systems and most importantly the vision required to integrate the process, enables TBE to consistently satisfy its customers.
Research and development is continuous at TBE. Since the introduction of touch screen programming in 1998, TBE have developed their machines with the addition of digital AC servo drives, high-speed feed systems, coiling heads and rotating wire. Today, there are many TBE Multiform models all with CNC feeding, multiple axes, servo winding, servo forming, press attachments, rotating wire, integrated welding, a roll thread attachment, chamfer heads, dual feeds and multipart capability.
New Generation TBE Machines Developments
During 2007 and 2008, TBE introduced the advanced Multibend product. This product facilitates exceptional flexibility and production speeds, allowing for a rapid return on investment for the prospective customer. At present, TBE has delivered in excess of 50 Multibend Machines to the market.
During 2009 and 2010, a further series of enhancements were made to the Multibend series, in the areas of programming, flexibility and wire straightening – with a revolutionary optional combined straightening system now available across the Multibend series. The beginning of 2011 witnessed the introduction of the ‘HS’ High Speed Multibend series.
During 2012 – the company launched the TBE Sinubend Series – an industry leading development for the production of complex Sinuous Wire Forms and related components. During – 2014; TBE launched the TBE Multibend ‘E Series’; which represents a significant enhancement to the existing Multibend Series of Machines. During 2015; TBE officially launched the TBE Rapidform Series; for the cost efficient and exceptionally rapid production of high volume component products.
Summary
To compete in today’s marketplace, cost must be removed from the product without sacrificing quality or service to the customer. In many cases, automation is the answer. For companies choosing to compete by investing in technology, TBE offers a solution with the opportunity to improve the product. For TBE, 100 machines marked the beginning of a new phase of innovation and the company continues to deliver highly advanced equipment around the globe.
Our Team and Our Facilities
TBE is headquartered on a 10,000 square foot site located in Fiddown, Piltown, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland. All of our equipment is subject to final assembly; testing and approval and this location. TBE also has a large network of Global Supply Partners located in Ireland; United Kingdom; Portugal and beyond.
Some of the key members of our team include:
- Mr. Thomas Butler — Managing Director
- Mrs. Joan Butler — Financial Director
- Mr. Leo Butler — Electronics Manager
- Mr. Jason Grant — Manufacturing Manager
- Mr. Raymond Coffey — Design Manager