Sheffield-based Outokumpu Stainless Ltd has significantly increased its output and freed up valuable floor space after replacing two of its three CO₂ lasers with one bespoke fully automated Kimla fibre laser cutting machine — a ProCut 20 60 LF — supplied by Leeds-based MBA Engineering (www.mba-eng.co.uk), the exclusive distributor of Kimla equipment in the UK.

This decision was taken after a visit to the Kimla factory in Poland.

Rob Swift, Outokumpu project and technical sales manager (www.outokumpu.com), said: “When we decided to update our laser cutting processes, we had clear objectives in mind; MBA Engineering surpassed our expectations with a machine that can cut in 10min a part that previously took an hour on our old machines.

"In an industry where time is money, it is great to have this kind of technology at the heart of our business, and we are very much looking forward to seeing the potential that we have unlocked with this investment.

"We have also been involved with the design of the automation system, which was a huge benefit for us, as this could be tailored to our exact needs.”

Bradley McBain, managing director of MBA Engineering, said: “Finland-based Outokumpu is one of the biggest names in the stainless-steel industry, so we are immensely proud to provide the company with a bespoke cost-effective fibre laser.

"The feedback we have received from Outokumpu’s operators has been great, with claims that the machine cuts 5mm stainless as quickly as 1mm on a high power.”