In 2023, ParkerSteel invested over £4m in significantly upgrading its processing capabilities. This total included the acquisition of two BLM tube laser cutting machines for its Dudley facility and an additional four machines for its Canterbury headquarters. The latter comprised a similar tube laser, a combined drill-and-saw, a mitre saw and a flat-bed fibre laser profiling centre from BLM Group.

The new 12 kW BLM LS7 4020 fibre laser cutting machine offers not just operational efficiency and flexibility but also much-needed redundancy for uninterrupted production. Factors influencing the purchase decision included its European build quality, CE marking, cost-effectiveness and the supportive approach of BLM’s UK team. In addition, the modular design facilitated rapid on-site assembly, significantly enhancing productivity at a crucial time for ParkerSteel.

A visit to the BLM Group’s manufacturing facility in Levico, Italy, by managing director Dylan Alexander provided reassurance of the equipment’s reliability and the manufacturer’s support. Since its commissioning in mid-October 2023, the LS7 4020 has demonstrated exceptional productivity, attributed to its 2 g table acceleration and an automatic pallet shuttle system, which together streamline operations and minimise changeover times to just nine seconds.

Ease of use is another commendable feature, with program handling, nesting and cutting cycles managed offline through SigmaNEST CADCAM software. The machine’s features include active piercing, nozzle centring and real-time control of cutting accuracy.

As ParkerSteel moves forward, its investment in the BLM LS7 4020 represents not just a commitment to technological advancement but also a strategic positioning for growth and innovation in the steel industry.

For further information www.blmgroup.com