Bluffhill-based Construction Matrix, a new player in Zimbabwe’s construction sector, has acquired a cutting-edge, steel drilling and sawing machine that is set to revolutionize the steel fabrication sector. The strategic investment will make the company competitive while also helping to enhance efficiency, precision, and capacity.
Machine features and technical prowess:
The Germany technology-based, DMS700 CNC Drilling and Sawing Machine for beams boasts seven CNC axes, three servo spindles, and the capacity for simultaneous drilling on three sides of H-beams. Its advanced CNC system and German technology represent a substantial leap forward in steel processing technology. Designed for high efficiency, the machine handles a variety of steel profiles, including H-beams, I-beams, and U-channels, accommodating beam sizes from 150mm to 700mm and thicknesses up to 60mm. Safety is paramount, with integrated covers protecting operators during operation.
The machine’s technical prowess is evident in its precise specifications. Three servo-motor-controlled slipways, guided by precision linear roller guides and driven by AC servo motors and ball screws, ensure accurate workpiece positioning. The precision spindles, characterized by high rotary accuracy and rigidity, are driven by servo motors, offering a wide and steplessly adjustable rotation speed range. Three inline tool changers, each capable of holding four tools, enable automatic tool changes during drilling operations, accommodating varying diameter requirements.
Furthermore, integrated flange width and web height detection devices compensate for workpiece deformation, guaranteeing processing accuracy. The carriage feeding system, driven by a servo motor and rack-and-pinion mechanism with encoder feedback, further contributes to precise positioning. The sophisticated cooling system offers both spray cooling modes, with internal and external cooling capacities, adaptable to specific drilling needs.
Operational efficiency:
This acquisition marks a significant upgrade from the local steel industry’s previous reliance on manual drilling and cutting processes. These traditional methods presented several limitations, including labour-intensive operations, higher manpower requirements, process inefficiencies, and a greater potential for inaccuracies.
“As a new company on the market, our new machine is expected to improve efficiency and turnaround time for projects. It will reduce turnaround time by over 50%. Steel processing that used to take 7 days is will now be done in just one day,” explained Mr Chengetai Mawoyo, founder of the company.
Beyond increased speed and capacity, the machine dramatically improves the quality and precision of cutting and drilling. When they start operation soon, Construction Matrix anticipates achieving 99.99% precision, virtually eliminating human error. This enhanced accuracy will empower the company to immediately undertake larger and more complex projects.
The future:
These advancements will directly benefit the company’s clients. Faster project completion, reduced costs, and improved quality will now be tangible advantages. Looking ahead, the company plans to offer steel materials alongside drilling and cutting services, creating a convenient, one-stop shop for clients.
“In the long run, we will be able to offer machined materials ready for projects; clients will benefit from reduced transport costs, have quicker turnaround times for projects, and quality and accuracy beams,” noted Mawoyo. Note that the pricing strategy for these services, both with and without supplied steel, will be based on a per-kilogram processed model, factoring in the number of drilling and cutting operations required per length.
Though it’s still starting, Construction Matrix has ambitious plans for the future. The company intends to acquire additional machinery and further expand its metal fabrication services. “Our future in steel processing is infinite. We see the business acquiring future technologies and machines, including AI that improve efficiency in the steel construction industry of Zimbabwe,” Mawoyo explained. This acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term business strategy. “We want this service to be used across the country, creating ability for growth, innovation and adaptability,” he emphasized.
Located on a 10,000-square-meter industrial site in Bluffhill, Construction Matrix employs specialized, skilled staff. The facility is powered by a 500 kVA transformer and a 200 kVA backup generator, ensuring uninterrupted operations. With this significant investment in advanced technology, the new company is poised to make an impact in Zimbabwe’s steel fabrication and construction sector.
