TPT May 2024

TECHNOLOGY

Boosting capabilities with tube laser cutting technology

equipped with twin 8kW lasers in 2016. Despite its success, this upgrade posed new challenges, prompting production manager Michael Seager to seek a more flexible and reliable solution. The new 12kW BLM LS7 4020 fibre laser cutting machine emerged as the ideal choice, offering not just operational efficiency and flexibility but also much-needed redundancy for uninterrupted production. The choice of the BLM LS7 4020 was influenced by its European build quality, CE marking ensuring safe operation, cost-effectiveness and the supportive approach of BLM’s UK team. Its modular design facilitated rapid on-site assembly, significantly enhancing productivity at a crucial time for ParkerSteel. A visit to the BLM Group’s facility in Levico, Northern Italy, by Mr Alexander and Mr Seager reassured them 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 2g table acceleration and an automatic pallet shuttle system, which together streamline operations and minimise changeover times to an impressive nine seconds. Ease of use has been another commendable feature, with program handling and nesting and cutting cycles

IN an era where steel supply chains face significant pressures and demand from end users has been cautious, the trend among stockholders has been to shy away from investing in new processing machinery. ParkerSteel is an exception. Throughout 2023, ParkerSteel committed more than £4mn to significantly upgrade its processing capabilities. The investment included the acquisition of two BLM tube laser cutting machines for its Dudley, UK facility and an additional four machines for its Canterbury, UK headquarters. The latter comprised a similar tube laser, a combined drill-and saw, a mitre saw and notably a cutting edge flatbed fibre laser profiling centre from the BLM Group, sourced through the manufacturer’s UK subsidiary based in Ampthill, UK. The strategic investment has been led by managing director Dylan Alexander. The company’s diverse customer base, spanning construction, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, marine, utilities, highways and mining, is set to benefit from an expanded portfolio of steel and aluminium products, including precision-cut billets for machining by OEMs and subcontractors. With ten CO 2 machines in the early 2000s, the company transitioned to an automated fibre laser cutting centre

The BLM LS7 4020 fibre laser cutting machine on the shop floor at ParkerSteel

A sheet being processed in the LS7 4020

efficiently managed offline through SigmaNEST CAD/CAM software. The machine’s advanced features, including active piercing and real-time control of cutting accuracy, ensure precision in processing a wide range of materials. 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.

BLM Group UK www.blmgroup.com

Portable bevelling machine for welded sanitary pipe and tube

and tubing for fusion or orbital welding, the Esco Wart MILLHOG ® portable pipe and tube beveller is robust and easy to operate. Available with electric or pneumatic motors, it requires no cutting fluids and is ideal for onsite applications. Featuring a three-blade holder, a wide range of TiN and AlCrN coated cutting blades are offered. The Esco Wart MILLHOG ® portable pipe and tube beveller is available for sale and rent. Numerous machines are available within the MILLHOG ® product line covering a wide range of uses.

A LIGHTWEIGHT, portable pipe bevelling tool that can bevel and flat-face sanitary tube and pipe simultaneously to help assure high-integrity weld joints has been introduced by US-based Esco Tool. The Esco Wart MILLHOG ® portable pipe and tube beveller is a right angle ID clamping tool performing any angle of end prep on 0.75" ID to 4" OD sanitary pipe of different schedules. Allowing operators to bevel and flat face simultaneously; it produces square and bevelled ends with accuracy, which helps assure high-integrity weld joints. Suitable for end-prepping sanitary pipe

The Esco Wart MILLHOG portable pipe beveller

Esco Tool

www.escotool.com

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MAY 2024