Sustainable solutions for waterjet operations

At the EuroBLECH show in Germany late last year, ConSus ANT presented the ConSus abrasive mixing unit, which now also enables continuous Water Abrasive Suspension (WAS) processes. In addition, the specialist for stationary waterjet cutting presented its new Abrasive Recycling Unit ARU (pictured) for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly recycling of abrasive.

The emergence of ever-new, challenging materials places high demands on users in the machining industry. ConSus ANT says that its abrasive mixing unit enables fast, precise and powerful cutting of all common materials in the continuous WAS process without any effects on the material or structure. Compared with the conventional Water Abrasive Injection System (WAIS) process, ConSus works up to three times faster and at less than half the pressure. These capabilities reduce time, energy and CO2 emissions. The WAS cutting jet consists only of water and abrasive, which ensures a significantly higher efficiency without turbulent mixing conditions, and leaves the cutting nozzle at almost twice the speed of sound.

Procuring, storing and disposing of cutting material is an important cost factor in industrial waterjet cutting. The Abrasive Recycling Unit (ARU) from ConSus ANT enables the processing and reuse of more than 100 kg of abrasive per hour with extremely low energy requirements. This capability enables users to increase the economic efficiency and sustainability of their processes significantly. The ARU is suitable for use with both WAIS and WAS processes. While WAIS requires the use of the ARU with a drying system for the recyclate, WAS allows the moist abrasive to be fed directly back into the cutting process. In conjunction with the ConSus abrasive mixing unit, a reuse rate of at least 80% of the abrasive is possible.
For further information www.consus-gmbh.com

Messner takes off with Messer MetalMaster 2.0

In 2020, right in the middle of the Covid-19pandemic, Michael Messner, entrepreneur and creative metalworker, dared to start over by founding MTM MetallTechnik Messner in Ragnitz near Graz. Messnerattributes part of his still-young success story to his CNC flame-cutting machine from Messer Cutting Systems.

Hehas a Messer MetalMaster 2.0, an economical CNC flame cutter that deliver full power from a compact footprint. Quick and easy to install and operate, the space-saving plasma cutter is an economical entry-level machine for plasma or oxy-fuel cutting, or both.

“The MetalMaster is very dynamic thanks to its lightweight construction,” says Messner.“In my opinion, it’s one of the fastest machines in the plasma product segment: its speed, accuracy, quality and versatility make it a solution that fits our needs perfectly.”

The purchase of the machine has increased both his overall market and his sales potential. With the support of the machine, Messner has significantly expanded his portfolio of services and components, which has led to greater customer satisfaction and numerous new clients.

“From planning to the finished product, we’re now much faster thanks to the CADCAM software OmniWin from Messer,” he says.“It is user-friendly, has suitable interfaces for importing from planning programs, enables error-tolerant operation and runs perfectly. I would definitely choose the complete package again.”

He adds: “If growth continues, I will consider investing in an additional laser machine from Messer Cutting Systems.”In doing so, he will continue to take quality and costs into account, and continue paying attention to service, advice and the availability of suppliers.
For further information https://uk.messer-cutting.com

Nukon fibre laser proves clear choice

Dunstable-based Steel & Glass Solutions, a specialist in architectural metalwork, has taken delivery of a new Nukon Rex 315 6 kW 2D fibre laser cutting machine from Nukon Lasers UK. The machine was ordered at the MACH 2022 machine tool exhibition in Birmingham, with installation postponed until Steel & Glass Solutions moved into new purpose-built premises.

“Traditionally we relied on outsourcing the laser cutting of high-end polished steel fabrications and steel cladding panels,” says production director Warren Few. “However, these would sometimes arrive with imperfections, meaning they would have to be sent back. Additionally, outsourcing our laser cutting meant we couldn’t always react quite as quickly as we would like to customer needs. We were also aware that having our own fibre laser cutting capability on site would help us to remain as competitive as possible in these times of high energy prices.”

He continues: “Before going to MACH, we had only given a cursory glance to Nukon’s fibre laser machines as, although built in Europe, the brand wasn’t on our radar. However, at the show, we couldn’t ignore the quality, speed and value they offered, or the exceptionally low running costs.”

Steel & Glass Solutions chose the Nukon Rex 2D fibre laser machine for its ability to cut intricate shapes and pieces with speed and precision, supported by fast, easy programming, which is essential for a business dealing with short product runs and complex projects. A Nukon 315 Series machine, the Rex is equipped with a 6 kW nLIGHT fibre laser, with advanced ‘cutline’ beam-shaping technology for high edge quality. The machine also features the innovative Nukon NLCH cutting head that is fully field serviceable, further reducing running costs and downtime.
For further information www.nukonlasers.co.uk

Open house declared phenomenal success

Trumpf reports that its recent open house exceeded expectations. In total, the company welcomed around 200 subcontractors and OEMs to its Technology Centre in Luton, an unprecedented figure in recent years. Trumpf says it secured four orders across several technologies. Among areas of high interest was the company’s new Oseon software, which allows users to automate the flow of factory materials without linking it to a large-scale storage system. Visitors were also keen to learn about new features, such as EdgeLine Bevel, which allows flat-bed laser users to produce chamfers and countersinks in sheet metal.
For further information www.trumpf.com

Material aids nuclear fusion breakthrough

A Cambridge-based manufacturer of specialist metals and materials is playing a key role in the nuclear fusion breakthrough that could change the way the world gets its power.Goodfellow Ltd, which supplies over 6000 customers across the world, provided materials to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California for the eagerly awaited experiment.On 13 December 2022, researchers confirmed that they have overcome one of the major barriers to producing clean energy from fusion: producing more energy from the experiment than was put in.

“We know there’s a long way to go before nuclear fusion powers our homes,” says Goodfellow’s CEO Simon Kenney.“However, we’re excited to have been able to partner with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to supply some of the crucial materials used in this fascinating and successful experiment.”
For further information www.goodfellow.com