REDDITCH LASER CUTTING INVEST IN L3050

TRUMATIC L3050

Laser cutting has been a real boon in this regard, providing the flexibility, speed and edge quality needed to drive unit costs down. One of the first subcontractors to espouse this technology in the UK was Redditch Laser Cutting RLC, in Worcestershire.

The company has been a laser user since the mid-80s but has only just chosen to add a TRUMPF flat-bed to its inventory.

RLC is now part of the Advanced Engineering Group that through growth and acquisition, has become a one-stop-shop for the manufacture of parts for wide spectrum industries. The Group also includes an engineering sales consultancy and a marketing office in Paris.

“We are currently targeting hi-tech industries such as aerospace and architecture,” explained Group MD Declan Byrne. “So we need to be faster in terms of cutting and to reduce downtime enabling us to maintain and improve our competitive edge.”

Due for installation this summer, the L3050 has already proved its worth in trials. Jobs previously produced on existing lasers were run on the TRUMPF flatbed with significant results. One 15mm part that was in production for 1¼ hours, took just 15 minutes on the L3050 and the 2½ hours it used to take to produce a 16mm part was cut to just 30 minutes.

“We chose the L3050 as it is in our opinion the most technologically advanced machine in the world with good service back-up,” Mr. Byrne continued. The flatbed will be used to produce a wide variety of nested parts up to 3m x 2m in a range of materials typically stainless steel, mild steel, titanium, nickel-based alloy and aluminium. RLC also plans to transfer production of some parts from its waterjet cutting facility to boost productivity.

“Even before the L3050 is installed it is generating a lot of interest,” concluded Mr. Byrne. “I am sure our turnover will at least double as a result of this investment.”