TPT November 2017

T E CHNOLOG Y

Diversification via investment in flat-bed laser with integrated tube cutting module

“We had known about BLM and their reputation for tube processing, but when we saw that it was possible to combine tube cutting with flat sheet processing in a seamless package it was almost an instant decision to place an order,” said Mr Waldron-Stevens. “The combination of flat bed and tube gave us peace of mind as the machine could still be used as a flat-bed machine if the tube business didn’t develop.”

FOURTEEN years ago, Matthew Levett and his wife Maria founded ML Fabcuts to provide a sub-contract service for waterjet and flat sheet laser profiling. When the need to relocate to its current premises arose in 2015, Mr Levett saw this as an opportunity to review the company’s output, with greater emphasis being placed on laser profiling, while retaining some waterjet capability. Two years on from that move, the company is tapping into new potential business with the addition of laser tube processing, following a major investment in a BLM LC5 flat-bed laser with integrated tube cutting module. ML Fabcuts built its success and reputation on its rapid response to customers’ needs, which it achieved through its willingness to stock sheet in various materials from 0.7 to 50mm thick. The diverse customer base ranges from motorsport through the construction industry and sign- making sector to processing one-off commissions for artists. The arrival of the BLM LC5 will further enhance the level of customer service. While Mr Levett identified the potential opportunities presented by tube laser cutting, he remained cautious and did not want to commit to a dedicated tube laser machine. However, during a visit to the EuroBLECH exhibition, Mr Levett and ML Fabcuts production manager James Waldron-Stevens saw the 5 kW fibre laser BLM LC5 with integrated tube cutting module.

The integrated tube and flat-bed processing system allowed ML Fabcuts to introduce tube laser processing while also expanding its flat-bed laser profiling capacity

The machine was installed in May and is already running at 50/50 tube/sheet capacity, with the aim to increase its use on tube processing to 75 per cent. The efficiency of the BLM LC5 is enhanced by its use of a single laser source and cutting head for both sheet and tube processing. This makes switching from one process to another very quick, and ML Fabcuts is already making use of this feature to meet customer demands. “We simply push a couple of buttons and we can stop processing sheet, cut some tube, then return to where we left off with the sheet once we have finished the tube work,” commented Mr Waldron- Stevens. “It is a feature that I’m sure we will make very good use of to meet urgent deliveries.” The LC5 features automated tube bundle loading capable of handling tube

up to 6.5m in length and up to 120mm diameter. Sheet loading is handled by the BLM electric sheet pallet changer, which can be specified as 3,000 x 1,500mm, 4,000 x 2,000mm, or 6,000 x 2,000mm in size, with transverse or in- line configuration. ML Fabcuts also took the option of automatic nozzle change: as well as changing the nozzle, with up to 18 nozzle positions available, it automatically adjusts for material and thickness changes, with a vision system monitoring nozzle wear and providing verification that the change has been completed.

BLM Group UK Ltd – UK Email: sales@blmgroup.uk.com Website: www.blmgroup.com

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