Essex-based ASE Design & Development Ltd, a prototyping and low-volume production specialist that works for a
number of automotive OEMs and Tier One manufacturers (
www.asedesign.com), has invested in a new TruLaser 1030 Fiber from Trumpf — the first of its type to be installed in the UK (
www.trumpf.com).
The new machine has enabled the company to bring in-house its previously outsourced requirements for 2-D aluminium and stainless-steel components, which it was unable to cut cost-effectively on its ageing CO
2 laser cutter.
When ASE decided to look for a machine to replace this CO
2 cutter, it already had a TruLaser Cell 3000 3D laser cutter, which had been producing a host of five-axis components since its installation in 2017, so Trumpf was a leading contender.
ASE director Andrew Easter said: “We did look at a new flat-bed laser from our previous supplier, but the Trumpf TruLaser 1030 Fiber was clearly the better machine.”
Installed in early 2019, the 1030 Fiber offers 3kW of power output, a working area of 3,000 x 1,500mm and a maximum cutting capacity of 20mm-thick mild steel, 15mm stainless steel, 15mm aluminium, 6mm copper and 6mm brass.
Mr Easter said: “We have made real gains with the TruLaser 1030 Fiber. In fact, what we are saving each month on sub-contracting and running costs is probably equivalent to what we are paying for the machine, essentially making it a cost-neutral investment.
"Moreover, our cut quality is better, and we have far more control over our lead times, as the process is in-house.”