Hotwire Direct CNC Success Story: QB Building Solutions’ Journey to Excellence

Customer Profile: QB Building Solutions

Precision Custom Insulated Structural Panel Production

Industry: Insulated Building Systems

QB Building Solutions (QB), is a Calgary, Alberta company specializing in custom insulated panel solutions. We spoke with Jim Beddome, Owner, and Kelly Hunik, Production Manager, to delve into QB's journey, highlighting their experiences, challenges in the business, and their successes with Hotwire Direct CNC technology.

Business Background:

Established in 2021, QB has grown rapidly to 20 full-time employees. The company was founded by Jim Beddome with a vision to provide sheeting-ready, steel framed, insulated walls, ﬂoors, roofs and ceiling panels that are cost-effective, and engineered-to-order for environmentally friendly and time-sensitive building construction. QB serves private, public and First Nations customers.

Hotwire Direct setting multiple wires on CNC expanded polystyrene cutting machines

Unique Customization Challenges:

Jim and Kelly describe the unique challenges they face in their business. Many manufacturers have historically opted to build standardized panels and have the contractor modify them on-site, resulting in time-consuming rework to accommodate the corners, and window and door placements. QB recognized the need to address these challenges with a more efﬁcient solution. Kelly explains that every project they undertake involves unique speciﬁcations: "Stud spacing is always unique... It's great to build 4-foot wall panels, but if the wall is 11' 2", I need to cut (2) 4' panels and (1) 3'2" panel, and I still have to maintain studs on a 16" center, so it cuts off where it's necessary." He emphasizes that building standardized panels and modifying them on-site just doesn’t work effectively.

Experience with a Budget Hotwire CNC Machine:

After owning their ﬁrst Hotwire Direct Machine, QB decided to see if they could make due with a second machine from a budget CNC machine supplier, which they quickly found did not meet their requirements. Kelly recalls the experience: "It worked ﬁne, it just wasn't optimized for an actual shop ﬂoor... there's no pendant. So our guys are walking around with a cordless keyboard, and then accidentally, you hit the spacebar, and it'll start cutting while you're in the middle of a block... Whereas the Hotwire Direct pendant set up is absolutely the way to go." The learning curve was also steep. “Basically, after two or three days of learning how to use it, I washed my hands of it, and said that this is not going to work for our purpose. And we've since sold that machine.” Emphasizing that his primary goal was to create high-quality panels, not become an expert at operating that machine.

Hotwire Direct Hand held CNC control pendant

The Transition back to Hotwire Direct Machines:

Following their experience with their previous machine, QB turned back to Hotwire Direct for good to increase their production efﬁciency by investing in a second machine. Jim and his team found that these machines were better suited for their needs, providing clear and convenient controls, and delivering the reliability and precision needed for their custom panel production.

Exceptional Customer Support:

QB’s experience with Hotwire Direct was starkly different. Kelly recalls: "Our experience has been very good dealing with both John and Chris. They are very, very supportive... The machine commissioning went well, and I learned a lot by hanging out with John. He's very knowledgeable." He also praises the reliability of Hotwire Direct machines, even in their unique production conditions.

Production Capacity and Reliability:

QB operates on eight-hour shifts and often runs their Hotwire Direct machines continuously for extended periods. Their custom production process, which involves lengthy wire usage, puts the machines through rigorous demands. The machines have proven reliable, maintaining precision and performance even during extended use.

Exciting Future Prospects:

Jim sees tremendous opportunities for QB Building Solutions, particularly in response to changing building codes that require higher R-values: "I know in Canada, we're rewriting all the building codes for higher R values... I think that's probably our greatest advantage at this point." He also highlights the speed and precision of their construction system, which has impressed builders and enabled them to complete projects within tight timelines, even in harsh conditions.

In conclusion, QB Building Solutions has overcome signiﬁcant challenges by partnering with Hotwire Direct and using their CNC machines. Their unique ability to provide highly customized, efﬁcient, and environmentally friendly building solutions positions them for continued success in a rapidly changing construction industry.

The Impact on Business Success:

Jim emphasizes that their business relies heavily on Hotwire Direct's machines, stating, "We would not be successful without it. It's not possible for a business like ours to have the success we have had without these machines working properly." Their success and reputation in the industry are closely tied to the performance of these machines.

The speed and precision of QB’s manufacturing processes is critical. Jim shared a remarkable success story, where QB completed a 1,600 sq. ft. house in just six days in the shop, and seven days for the install, from the panels' production to lock-up. This efﬁciency is crucial, especially in harsh weather conditions, allowing builders to get a headstart before winter arrives. “The builder thought it was just the most amazing product and everything was so precise, thanks to qualiﬁed people using the CNC machine along with a solid machine itself.

He could assemble all the walls in one day and our ﬂoor system, 40' by 40' with insulated ﬂoor joists, in just 1.6 hours with three men. He just had nothing but praise and amazement with this system. So we feel strong about what we're doing.”

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