Rugby-based Precision Laser Processing (PLP) has installed its second five-axis TruLaser Cell from Luton-based Trumpf Ltd (
www.uk.trumpf.com). This machine, which complements an existing 7020 model installed in 2011, has been introduced to double PLP’s five-axis capacity.
In fact, it has already attracted new work from one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft engines.
Bob Ghavami — managing director of the 22-employee company that specialises in laser cutting, laser welding and laser drilling, as well as water-jet cutting, forming, inspection and engineering support — says: “Although we already have a single-bed TruLaser 7020, we were looking to grow our five-axis laser capability.
“The new 7040 has a dual-station mode; and since it was installed in January 2014, we have used it mainly for high-volume automotive production in typical batch sizes of 1,000. The 7020 is used for more-complicated aerospace work in batches of around 10.
“Automotive components are generally made from mild steel, zinc-coated steel and aluminium, whereas aerospace components are often made from nickel alloys, stainless steel and titanium alloys. Thicknesses vary up to a maximum of 5mm.”
The TruLaser Cell ensures uniform processing thanks to the laser’s ‘automatic raw beam adjustment’ across its entire operating range; and because Trumpf’s laser expertise is stored in the control’s technology tables, operators can quickly adjust the parameters to suit different materials and sheet thicknesses for cutting and welding.
Furthermore, all mirrors are water-cooled to guarantee stable processes and constant optical conditions.
Mr Ghavami adds: “At PLP, we always sell on quality then price. We have long a list of accreditations including AS9100 Rev C, ISO 9001 and Nadcap for laser cutting and welding, as well as customer approvals from Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and GKN Aerospace — plus Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“We are committed to maintaining the highest standard expected by our customers. Although it is our quality and ability to develop the laser process that sets us apart in this industry, our investment in new technology such as the Trumpf TruLaser Cell 7040 is clearly helping to attract a new generation of customers.”