FEATURE ON PROFILING

Laser cutter boosts output at Expanded Metal

When The Expanded Metal Co recognised that its costs for external subcontract laser cutting services were escalating in line with output, the Hartlepool-based manufacturer investigated the market for a fibre laser cutter to help manage costs and enhance process control. The solution arrived in the shape of a Lincoln Electric Linc-Cut 1530A 6 kW fibre laser cutting machine from Kerf Developments.

Recalling the situation, Ryan Pinder, operations manager and head of continuous improvement at ExMesh, says: “Our laser cutting costs were climbing, and production schedules worked on min-max order levels with our supplier. It had to change. We looked at 8 to 10 laser manufacturers and did our due diligence. Part of this included visiting the MACH 2024 exhibition, where we talked to a contact at Lincoln Electric, which was sharing a stand with UK agent Kerf Developments.”

He continues: “This was our first laser purchase, so we needed support and reassurance as we leapt into the unknown. The Kerf team put us at ease and emphasised their level of support, and they couldn’t have been more supportive during demonstrations. We switched our original requirement from a 3 kW to a 6 kW   laser cutter to future-proof our business, and Kerf introduced us to the Lincoln Electric Linc-Cut 1530A.

“While we have to build labour and consumable costs into our ROI projections, we’re already using the machine for much more than originally intended – meaning it will pay for itself in the very near future.”

Concludes Pinder: “With the Linc-Cut 1530A, we’re now in charge of our destiny, and we’re already receiving more bespoke subcontract jobs from existing customers.”

More information www.kerfdevelopments.com

TLM Lasers renews MAA membership

TLM Lasers has renewedits membership with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA). The company has been a member of the MAA for several years,throughout whichtime it has witnessed substantial benefits. TLM Lasers’ participation in MAA events, seminars and workshops has not only expanded its network, but also deepened its understanding of the latest trends and technologies shaping the aerospace industry. 

Renewing its membership reaffirms the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the aerospace sector. TLM Laser is eager to continue leveraging the vast array of resources and support provided by the MAA, which have been instrumental in the company’s growth and success as a provider of laser solutions for aerospace manufacturing across the UK.

As TLM Laser looks towards the future, the company is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The aerospace industry is poised for rapid expansion, and with the continued support of the MAA, TLM Laser says it is well-positioned to contribute to this progress while maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation.

The company extends its gratitude to the MAA for its support and looks forward to many more years of successful collaboration. Together, the two organisations will continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace manufacturing.

The MAA provides its members with a wealth of resources and opportunities that are crucial for business development and innovation. For instance, the MAA organises over 20 events annually, including seminars, workshops and networking sessions. These events have allowed TLM Laser to connect with potential customers, suppliers and partners, fostering valuable business relationships.

More information www.tlm-laser.com

Fiber Blade GU: easy way into laser cutting

At the EuroBlech 2024 exhibition towards the end of last year, Messer Cutting Systems presented its new FiberBlade GU as theoptimal entry-level machine for laser cutting.

“The FiberBlade GU is an economical but powerful solution for the precise 2D cutting of standard sheet metal,” says Abraham Balendran, product management at Messer Cutting Systems. “With three selectable laser powers [12, 20 and 30 kW] and four available sizes (3015, 4020, 6025, 8025), the machine adapts to different production requirements.”

Whether cutting mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium – the FiberBlade GU delivers impressive results in every discipline. Depending on laser power and material, the cutting system cuts material thicknesses up to 60 mm. Proven components such as the Precitec ProCutter 2.0 cutting head ensure precise and reliable performance, reports Messer Cutting Systems.

The machine achieves good cutting results, not least due to the low-vibration sub-structure, whilethe solid table construction ensures stability for all material thicknesses. One-piece aluminium bridge construction gives the FiberBlade GU high rigidity combined with low weight. This design not only enables dynamic processing, but also significantly increases cutting performance. The machine works with high acceleration and positioning speed, whilethe parallel shuttle table ensures a smooth material changeover, reducing production time.

The FiberBlade GU combines the latest laser technology with a user-friendly user interface, where a large touchscreen ensures intuitive operation and simple system control. The 21.5-inch screen for the four process and room monitoring cameras provides an optimum view of the work area and therefore a perfect overview of the cutting process. Occupational safety during laser cutting is guaranteed by a tested laser enclosure.

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

Automated laserproduction line off to Japan

Last month, many large trucks lined up in the Wenzhou, China factory of Pentium Laser. A high-power, high-speedautomated laser cutting production line – developed and manufactured by Pentium Laser – was inspected and accepted by the Japanese customer, prior to loading and shipping.

The automated production line consists of three BOLTVII12kW laser cutting machines, a 10-layer intelligent 3D plate material library, and a fully automatic loading and unloading system. Its core intelligence arrives courtesy of the production line’s central control operating system. Independently developed by Pentium Laser, the control can realise operations such as the automatic entry and exit of plates, management of the plate material library, plate loading and unloading, automatic nozzle change, automatic edge inspection,and rapid cutting.The whole process requires no manual intervention. At the same time, the production line offers enhanced safety production measures.

The commissioning of this production line is an indicator that the traditional model for sheet metal production is accelerating towards all-round intelligent manufacturing of components via automated laser cutting technology.

With the rapid development and upgrading of the global manufacturing industry, the demand for high-end manufacturing equipment in various countries is increasing. As a major enterprise in China’s high-power laser intelligent equipment, Pentium Laser has continuously increased its investment in scientific and technological innovation over recent years. The company today focuses on the cross-application research of laser and intelligent manufacturing technology, providing smart and bespoke industry solutions for global customers.

More information www.pentalaser.com

WJS introduces automatic calibration tool

Maintaining consistently high precision in waterjet cutting requires meticulous calibration, particularly after a tool change. Traditionally, this process has demanded both expertise and time, as accurate calibration is essential to upholding cutting precision. Water Jet Sweden says its new Auto TCP Calibration Tool transform’s this critical step, automating the process for improved efficiency and reliability. With the new tool, calibration is completed in a fraction of the time, eliminating the need for specialised skills while consistently delivering precise results.

The Auto TCP Calibration Tool comprises three key components: special softwarefor seamless integration with the machine’s control system; ameasuring probe with robustbase plateforconsistent measurement accuracy; and a calibration ball thatprovides a fixed reference point for tool alignment.According to Water Jet Sweden, this combination ensures precision in all types of angled cutting. It is suitable for use on machines equipped with Alphajet, Beveljet or FiveX cutting heads.

“For an experienced operator, manual calibration typically takes 15-30 minutes, and even longer for less experienced users,” explains Stefan Johansson, system developer at Water Jet Sweden. “With the Auto TCP Calibration Tool, operators can complete the calibration process in just 3-5 minutes, with no risk of human error. The process is fully documented, with all changes verified and logged for future reference.”

Whether working with small batches or large-scale projects, the Auto TCP Calibration Tool helps optimise productivity without compromising quality. Its ease of use eliminates the need for advanced expertise, making it accessible for operators at all skill levels.

Ultimately, the Auto TCP Calibration Tool improves operational performance for perpendicular cutting, bevel cutting and freeform 3D cutting.

More information www.waterjetsweden.co.uk