FEATURE ON PROFILING

Kerf expands range of fibre laser cutters

Since its UK premiere at MACH last year, the new Lincoln Electric LINC-CUT Fiber laser range of machines from Kerf Developments has been expanded with the addition of new table dimensions.

Introduced to the UK in 2024, Kerf Developments initially presented the LINC-CUT Fiber 1530A, a 3 x 1.5 m bed machine complemented by the 2040A model (a larger 2 x 4 m variant). Now, the LINC-CUT Fiber Series has been expanded at both ends of the size spectrum. A smaller 1020 drawer model with a 1 x 2 m bed has been added for compact work areas, while a 2 x 6 m 2060A model is also introduced for manufacturers processing larger sheets or multiple parts in a single set-up.

Available as a 3, 6k or 12 kW machine, Kerf Developments says the LINC-CUT Fiber synchronises the laser cutting and axis movements to deliver precision, repeatability and cutting speed. These outcomes are assured by an auto-focus laser head with automatic gas and cutting height calibration for optimal repeatability, while a compact laser source with a fibre core diameter of 75 μm provides the cutting quality.

In addition, the series incorporates a state-of-the-art CNC system that integrates with two surveillance cameras to control and monitor all machine operations. With drawing software and automated nesting, the control system includes a database of parameters for all material types and thicknesses.

Advanced technology also permits the contouring of fine parts and the ability to hold and process small parts securely. Rapid axis movements are 110 m/min, while positional accuracy is 0.03 mm.

More information www.kerfdevelopments.com

Hypertherm and BLM Group begin partnership

Hypertherm Associates and BLM Group are commencing a strategic partnership agreement aimed at expanding the market reach of their respective solutions. The two industry specialists will collaborate to offer solutions to customers through BLM Group’s laser cutting and tube bending systems and Hypertherm Associates’ plasma and waterjet cutting products and software.

The partnership includes a minority stake investment in BLM Group by Hypertherm Associates and a commercial agreement to expand the demand generation for BLM Group’s tube cutting and bending systems, pipe and plate cutting systems, and 3D robotics systems, in North America and Europe. The combination of BLM Group’s expertise in laser cutting technology and Hypertherm Associates’ experience in integrated solutions presents a significant opportunity for both companies to strengthen customer relationships and respond to evolving market needs.

This new strategic partnership permits each company to maintain its current leadership structure, operations and other strategic priorities, allowing for continuous innovation and consistent operational management.

BLM Group has a legacy as a global family-owned company, with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Cantù and Levico Terme, Italy. Hypertherm Associates is a 100% employee-owned company based in the US, with plasma manufacturing facilities in New Hampshire, waterjet production in Minnesota and Washington, and laser consumables manufacturing in Sasso Marconi, Italy.

This strategic agreement marks the beginning of a promising collaboration that aims to elevate industry standards and create sustainable value for both companies and their customers.

Lincoln International and Advant Ntcm advised Hypertherm Associates, while BLM Group was advised by Studio Grimani & Pesce e Studio Gianni & Origoni during the agreement’s development.

More information www.hypertherm.com

Into the future with precision and innovation

In May 2024, Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt GmbH took a significant step towards technological innovation and increased productivity by investing in an Element cutting machine from Messer Cutting Systems. Building on this success, the company decided to further modernise its machinery park. This time, the choice fell on the OmniMat from Messer Cutting Systems, a particularly robust cutting machine for complex applications.

“Our existing system has become outdated,” explains Christian Aufreiter, operations and project manager at Alfred Wagner Stahl-Technik & Zuschnitt. “Moreover, for the first time, we wanted to integrate a drilling unit into the cutting machine to enhance our productivity.”

After careful evaluation of market offerings, the company selected the OmniMat from Messer Cutting Systems for CNC oxy-fuel or plasma cutting. The machine is equipped with a drilling unit, a three-fold tool changer and four Alfa torches, enabling cuts up to 300 mm. The company selected this model for its modern technology, intuitive operation and

high precision.

“The OmniMat was the logical choice for us,” states explains Christine Wagner, the company’s managing director. “We already had an excellent experience with the first machine from Messer Cutting Systems, the Element. Its quality and Messer’s service convinced us.”

The OmniMat is a robust CNC cutting machine designed for demanding applications in metalworking. It offers working widths of up to 13 m and supports various cutting processes such as oxy-fuel, underwater or dry plasma cutting, as well as marking and drilling. The open OPC UA interface on the Global Control system allows easy integration into Industry 4.0 environments, enabling the efficient monitoring and control of machine processes.

More information https://uk.messer-cutting.com/

Bodor reports top sales position by volume

Bodor Laser, a specialist in laser equipment manufacturing, is celebrating its sixth consecutive year as the ‘Global No.1 Laser Cutting Machine Provider by Sales Volume’ as recognised by the Jinan International Machine Tool Show in China last month. Confirmed by independent data from Qianzhan Industry Research Institute, Bodor Laser says the achievement solidifies its position as the first Chinese laser equipment manufacturer to attain six years of consecutive global sales leadership.

This six-year reign at the top is not merely a numerical feat, but a reflection of 2190 days of dedication, meticulous craftsmanship and disruptive innovation that, according to Bodor Laser, have become synonymous with its brand. Rising from a market challenger to a major industry player, Bodor Laser has leveraged its “advanced intelligent manufacturing” capabilities to deliver “revolutionary value enhancement” to customers worldwide. Bodor reports that this strategic approach has effectively disrupted the long-standing dominance of international brands in the high-end laser cutting market.

Zhou Shanhua, SVP of China marketing at Bodor Laser, articulated the core pillars of the company’s sustained success during his address as “high-quality products, exceptional service and a global brand strategy”.

This integrated approach, he explained, allows Bodor Laser to address the diverse and evolving needs of customers across over 180 countries and regions.

A distinguished cohort of representatives from government, industry, academia and research convened to celebrate Bodor Laser’s achievement. Esteemed attendees included Sun Xitian (chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Advanced Manufacturing Industry Alliance), Li Jijun (first-level researcher of Jinan Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Yue Shuangrong (party secretary of robotics and the High-End Equipment Industry Chain), Ren Yanling, (secretary general of the Shandong Machinery Industry Association), and Dr Xu Wenqiang (president of the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute). 

More information www.bodor.com

Lantek partners Euromac in punching systems

Lantek has partnered with Euromac, an Italy-based specialist in combined punching and shearing machines, to deliver an integrated solution that the companies suggest will redefine sheet metal processing. The collaboration merges Euromac’s punching and shearing machines with Lantek’s automation and synchronisation software, offering customers a leap in productivity, cost savings and operational efficiency.

Euromac’s combined punching and shearing machine is capable of executing long cuts in a single stroke, reducing processing time and material consumption. Unlike traditional methods that require multiple impacts or high energy consumption, the company says this technology – based on Euromac’s XT model – delivers faster, more precise cuts with optimal material utilisation.

Beyond cutting performance, Lantek’s software integration takes automation to the next level, enabling fully autonomous production. Lantek’s palletisation system automatically organises and sorts cut pieces, ensuring seamless machine operation without manual intervention. This automation streamlines part stacking and classification based on specific orders, reducing manual handling and improving production flow.

Uninterrupted operation is another key advantage of this solution. Automated unloading ensures continuous machine operation, even during unattended shifts or overnight production, increasing overall productivity. The system’s flexibility allows it to adapt to different production needs with options such as the Gantry Stacker, which uses suction cups for handling and organising parts, or robotic solutions for more complex palletisation requirements.

This development has already been successfully implemented in manufacturing facilities in Italy, Germany and Spain, delivering notable gains in productivity and cost savings. The solution is also designed for seamless integration into fully autonomous production lines, combining punching, shearing and, optionally, automatic bending capabilities.

“Together, we’re shaping the future of digital manufacturing in the sheet metal industry,” states Francisco Pérez, OEM channel director at Lantek.

More information www.lantek.com