FEATURE ON PROFILING

Robot assists large-scalelaser cutting cell

A suite of automation solutions from FANUC has proved integral to the delivery of an industrial-scale laser cutting cell commissioned by the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Constructed bysystem integrator Cyan Tec Systems, the demonstration cell comprises a 12 x 4m cutting table and, from FANUC, a six-axis robot, a CNC system for the flatbed, and the laser, all contained within a laser-secure enclosure.

FANUC was the clear choice for automation partner on this project, as Cyan Tec’s project co-ordinator Grant Copson confirms: “The main reason for working with FANUC was the fact that they could offer a seamless automation solution incorporating not just the robot but also the laser and motion system.”

The system sits at the upper end of industry expectations in terms of scale to show those visiting the MTC what is possible within automated laser cutting. There is real scope for using the cell within the aerospace and automotive industries, or any sector that requires large-scale pre-cut profiles. The construction sector could also benefit from cells of this size, in particular for precision cutting of profile sections used in prefabricated buildings.

The cutting table and robot sit inside a large enclosure measuring 15.5 x 9m, but the space requirements go even further. The cutting table slides out an additional 13m, ensuring that if an operator wants to load a 12 x 4m product, he or she has adequate access to do so, even if this requires the use of a crane or forklift truck.

The laser cutting bed handles flat plate, while the FANUC M-20iB robot cuts tubular sections. Notably, the robot’s six axes siton a floor track and drive synchronously with a FANUC seventh axis, allowing it to move up and down the tube in cut.
For further information laser@the-mtc.org

Bystronic provides retail therapy for Crown

Founded in the late 1990s, Crown Manufacturing has evolved into a true manufacturing success story, overcoming adversity and growing to become a business with a presence at two locations in Somersetand a team of over 60 staff. Bystronic has travelled this journey with Crown Manufacturing almost since its inception.

Disaster struck the business in 2018 when a fire caught hold of the paint department, creating catastrophic damage. However, one thing that the fire did provide, was an opportunity to review processes, workflow and production equipment.

“The fire also gave us the realisation that we could work smarter with the people and suppliers that we have,” says Paul Read, works manager at Crown Manufacturing.

Since the fire, Crown Manufacturing has invested in three machines from Bystronic, the latest of which is a ByTube 130. This machine features a fully automatic set-up, bundle loading, six-axis control and high-speed and precision cutting that allows Crown Manufacturing to take on and efficiently complete high-quantity orders to a high standard.

“The tube laser takes away our dependency on a third-party supplier that we ended up struggling with,” states Read. “Integrating the ByTube 130 into our arsenal of machinery has been revolutionary, as it removes bottlenecks in the manufacturing process by allowing us to schedule and prioritise tube laser work in-line with due dates and urgency.”

In conclusion, Read says: “As much as the fire was a disaster, we bounced out of that to create far more productivity from being better organised. Having a new factory layout will help us to move onto the next level.”
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Laser cutters help Redhill reach new heights

Redditch-based access equipment maker, Redhill Manufacturing, has purchased two fibre laser cutting machines from Nukon Lasers UK, helping to meet increased demand for the company’s products.

The first of the new fibre lasers, a Nukon ECO 315 4kW flat sheet model, was installed at Redhill’s newly acquired facility in December 2022. The second laser, a Nukon NKT-125 2kW 3D tube cutting model will arrive later in 2023 complete with a fully automatic Nukon 8 m loading and unloading system.

Following a fire at the company’s previous manufacturing site, Redhill wasn’t simply faced with finding new premises. The business also needed quality CNC machine tools to maintain its standing as the only UK manufacturer of ‘kitemarked’ British Standard mobile safety steps.

“As I didn’t really know the Nukon brand, the companytook me to a customer in Sheffield that had been using a Nukon flat sheet metal laser for around a year; all so I could see the machine in action and chat to the operators about their experience of using it,” says Redhill Manufacturing’s managing director Andy Colley.

Hearing glowing reports of how the Nukon flat sheet metal laser had streamlined the process of cutting complex precision components at the Sheffield business, Colley then travelled to Nukon’s European manufacturing facility to see a Nukon tube laser machine in action.

“The tube laser machine was just as impressive as the machine I’d seen in Sheffield,” he says. “The build quality was very good. Both machines were competitively priced, and the features include nLIGHT fibre lasers with adaptive beam optimisation and Lantek Expert nesting software.”
For further information www.nukonlasers.co.uk

Like a brand new machine after 21 years

“Quality never goes out of style,” they say. Well for Water Jet Sweden cutting machines quality never goes out of performance either! The recent refurbishment of a 21-year-old waterjet cutting machine to almost-new condition by the in-house team recently demonstrated this perfectly, making it ready for many more years of quality cutting.

In 2001, Water Jet Sweden sold the machine to a Norwegian waterjet contract cutter. After 21 years of cutting, the customer decided to upgrade its workshop by investing in a new machine. Like many other well-maintained machines from Water Jet Sweden, the performance was still good, and a general ‘facelift’ could be worth the investment. The customer service team at Water Jet Sweden seized the opportunity and bought the old machine.

“We’ve supported the customer since the machine was delivered in 2001, and have good knowledge of both operating hours and service history,” says Ronny Martinsson, customer service manager at Water Jet Sweden.

Looking at the refurbished machine, it is difficult to imagine that it has been in production for 21 years. Although it looked a little more run-down than when purchased, after a thorough clean, the potential was clearly visible. Every renovation project is different: this time the frame was repainted, new table grids installed, hoses replaced and, most importantly, the electrical system replaced with a new Fanuc CNC system. The system change included everything from cables, motors and electrical cabinets to a modern PanelOne operator panel.

The refurbished machine is now ready for delivery to a new customer in Germany, a forging company that will use the machine as a workstation in its workshop. It cost about 60% of what an equivalent new machine would cost.
For further information www.waterjetsweden.co.uk

DNE Global range extended with LC4 model

TheEngineering Technology Group (ETG) says that the success of DNE Global fibre laser cutting technology has been phenomenal since its introduction to the UK last year. Now, ETG is extending the line-up with the arrival of the LC4. The latest high-quality cost-effective fibre laser cutting machine has a larger capacity and a host of features that reach beyond the smaller LC3 variant.

The new LC4 machine is suitable for a wide range of applications, from thin to thick sheets of steel, stainless steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals. Delivering greater profit per part with its low investment level, comparatively low operating costs and low maintenance requirements, the LC4 is available in four variants: the LC4 2000, 3000, 4000 and 6000 with each of the four models signifying the respective laser power from 2 to 6 kW.

The LC4 can accommodate sheets up to 4 x 2 m with a cutting area of 4120 x 2110 x 100mm, and a maximum workpiece weight up to 1300kg. Depending upon the selected model and material in-cut, the LC4 can cut sheets from 5 to 20 mm thick at high speed and with a changeover time of just 27 seconds. The maximum positional speed in parallel axis X/Y is 100m/min with a maximum positional speed of 140m/min.

When it comes to precision, the new LC4 has a bilateral repeatability positioning of one axis (R) of 0.5mm,offering an average bilateral deviation of one axis (M) of 0.1mm with an edge detection precision level of ±0.5mm. Regarding footprint, the compact machine has a floor area of 13.1 x 6.4m with a height of 2.74m.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com