Sheet metal, laser cutting and fabrication specialist SMF UK has added to its capabilities by investing in a 3D laser cutting and welding cell.
Its new Trumpf TruLaser Cell 7040 is now in-situ at SMF’s 30,000 ft2 facility in Leicester. The system provides an ideal subcontract solution for any company that requires high-precision five-axis cutting and/or welding.
With decades of experience in sheet metal fabrication, SMF UK’s specialist engineers have a particular expertise in designing solutions for a wide range of industries, including architecture, automotive, electrical and medical. The company says it loves a challenge and prides itself on transparent pricing, on-time deliveries and partnership working.
Despite plenty of success and strong growth since the company’s formation in 1990, SMF UK appreciates the need to evolve in line with industry demands.
“At one point in time we did a lot of straightforward laser cutting and folding, but it didn’t provide much market differentiation and, with the emergence of competitors in low-cost economies, we felt the need to diversify into making actual products for customers,” explained Steve Morrison, Managing Director at SMF UK. “By way of example, today we make chassis that form part of access lifting platforms fitted to the back of pick-up trucks.”
While family-run SMF UK has all the usual sheet metal cutting, forming and fabrication capabilities on site, it is the company’s more diverse investments that set the company apart from others. Adding high-end machines like a CNC panel bender and an automated Trumpf tube laser has led to a raft of new contracts, prompting the company to think about how else to embellish its machine repertoire.
“One capability missing from our portfolio was 3D work, hence our investment in the Trumpf TruLaser Cell 7040, which can cut and weld in five axes,” said Mr Morrison.
The modular TruLaser Cell 7040 is a truly flexible machine for large 3D jobs.
“Speculative investments have worked out well for us previously and we’re convinced the TruLaser Cell 7040 will be the same; essentially we are introducing five-axis work into the subcontract market,” said Mr Morrison. “Any companies with requirements in 3D cutting and/or welding can benefit, and we’ll happily meet enquiries with a highly competitive quote. Our team here at SMF UK specialises in high-precision small-to-medium batch work, including 1-offs – our new TruLaser Cell 7040 is the ideal solution for needs of this type.”
BACK TO ENGINEERING CAPACITY NEWS PAGE