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LASERSHAPE ADDS TRUMPF CO2 LASERS TO FIBER MACHINES
Nottingham-based subcontractor Lasershape Ltd., has added to the two TRUMPF TruLaser 5030 Fiber laser profiling centres it purchased in early 2011, by installing a further two TRUMPF machines to provide extra capacity for thicker sheet – a TruLaser 3030 with 5 kW resonator and a TruLaser 3040.
Lasershape was established in 1988 as one of the very first laser cutting subcontractors in the UK, and while it has since added services such as waterjet cutting and forming to its portfolio, laser cutting still commands core business at this progressive and ambitious company.
“The fiber machines were a new avenue for us in terms of more efficient and productive cutting of thinner sheet materials, typically below 6 mm,” says Director, Tim Leam. “For processing stainless steels between 6 and 15 mm, and mild steels between 6 and 20 mm, we’ve been at capacity for nearly two years, hence the need to invest in additional CO2 laser cutters.”
The investment has coincided with a move to new premises in Nottingham as both space and electricity supply at the company’s previous facility had reached their limit. The new building is some three times larger and features its own power sub-station.
“We’re seeing growth across the whole spectrum of industries we serve,” explains Mr Leam, “and we attribute this to factors such as our rapid delivery strategy, our people, and of course, our technology.”
Mr Leam says the 100-employee company has focused on short lead-times for the past 10 years, a move that has given it the edge over the competition.
“We’re a 24-7 facility and if, for example, a shop-fitting firm in London wants 10,000 brackets for next-day delivery, we can typically service this demand,” he says.
In terms of the technology, following the success of the TruLaser 5030 Fiber machines for thin sheet materials, there was little question about who would supply the CO2 laser cutters.
“We looked around at the market but in my own mind I’d already made the decision,” says Mr Leam. “There are several features on the TruLaser 3030/3040 models that suit our business. The single-head lens technology I like very much as it means there is no chance of getting dust inside during changeover – there are maintenance benefits here too. The automatic nozzle centring is also very appealing as this can be a skilled operation.
Together with its TRUMPF Fiber machines and new premises, there aren’t many UK competitors who can boast the same investment levels as Lasershape over the past 12 months.
New River Industrial Communications Ltd