Precision sheet metal firm KMF has invested in two new laser profiling machines that will increase cutting speeds, reduce operating costs and allow a greater range of materials to be processed. KMF, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has ordered two Trumpf TruLaser 3030 (L95) new-generation machines. The fibre lasers join a full array of high-end Trumpf sheet metal processing equipment on site. Potentially, the new lasers, which are due for installation in the New Year, could improve average run times by up to 50% and result in reductions of over 60% in average running costs.

The £1.2m assets are replacing two existing older machines that comprised of an early-technology fibre model and a traditional CO2 laser, both of which have been operational in a 24/7 capacity since early 2012.

KMF’s commercial director Keith Nicholl says: “Faster machines means that we can continue offering a competitive solution to our customers at a time when resource costs are rising. As well as being faster, the machines are more comprehensive and more accurate, which allows us to build on our reputation for producing consistent quality products in high volumes. We’ve had a very positive first half of the year and we’re continuing to grow, so we need to invest in newer, better machinery to accommodate our customers and their ambitions.”

The new lasers also have more capacity to cut through heavier gauge and a larger range of sheet-based materials.

One of the existing lasers is a TruLaser 3030 (L41), which has a maximum cutting thickness of 20 mm in mild steel, 15 mm in stainless steel and 10 mm in aluminium. Both new lasers add 5 mm more scope on the steels and an additional 10 mm in aluminium. The new machines will also cut through 8 mm copper and brass.

For further information
www.kmf.co.uk

A UK supplier of specialist metal components has taken delivery of a new laser cutting machine that could deliver up to £1m of new sales. HV Wooding, which employs 90 staff at its manufacturing facility in Hythe, Kent, has invested more than £500,000 in a Trumpf TruLaser 3030 as it looks to take advantage of significant ‘electrification’ opportunities.

The company has doubled its laser capacity with this addition and the machine will immediately begin producing thin-gauge laminations and busbars for use in electric cars, lorries, buses and commercial vehicles, not to mention offering customers the ability to cut below 0.5 mm thick and to <50 µm tolerance. Installed last month, the machine provides 3 kW laser power, 170 m/min simultaneous axis speeds, axis acceleration of 14 m/s2 and a pallet change time of just 18.5 seconds. “Our existing laser was working 24 hours per day, so we needed an additional option to help us satisfy current demand and provide capacity to target new opportunities,” explains Paul Allen, sales director at HV Wooding. “Customers are changing their designs of rotors and stators to increase performance, and this investment gives us the ideal solution to offer quick turnaround prototypes without the cost of wire cutting. “The maximum sheet thicknesses we can cut on the new machine is 20 mm for mild steel, 15 mm for stainless steel/aluminium and 6 mm for copper and brass,” he continues. “Over £200,000 of orders have already been placed, with the potential to add another £800,000 between now and the end of 2022.” HV Wooding has enjoyed a strong 10 months, with turnover up £600,000 since the UK emerged from lockdown. The company has created 16 new jobs to help cope with demand. For further information www.hvwooding.co.uk