Paul King is a man who knows what he wants and, when it came to specifying a new fibre laser, he knew he wanted automation. “I’ve always been a believer in automation, pushing to run machines lights-out wherever possible,” he says. “I don’t understand why more laser users aren’t using it.”

Founded in 1978 and inspired by its motto, ‘From Concept to Creation,’ CSM specialises in the manufacture and supply of sheet metal parts into a wide range of commercial and retail products on a subcontract basis.
Like many, King was a CO2 laser user, but, after 18 years, was keen to investigate fibre-laser technology. However, any new solution also had to take into account the logistics of the company’s Swansey Mill layout.
“We operate from a former cotton mill, so it is hard to accommodate a large laser machine because of the type of building, with all of the columns that are in the way,” says King. “Laser machines lend themselves to big, sprawling factories, so while the easy option is often to buy another machine, the footprint doesn’t always suit the space you’re trying to exploit. So, my first thought was – what fits the space?”
Requiring a solution that would meet CSM’s footprint, technology and capacity demands, King contacted Yamazaki Mazak to see what could be offered. Mazak suggested an Optiplex Nexus 3015 Fiber 4 kW laser machine with bespoke 10-shelf automation towers.
“What really won me over was that Mazak’s technical team was very accommodating, providing constant dialogue and feedback whilst configuring the system’s layout,” says King. “They were able to make it fit my space and, more than anything, they didn’t compromise the efficiencies I was getting with existing machines.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk/laser