The return of MACH proved to be perfect timing for Rochdale-based Kerf Developments — the technological leap and the steps forward that the company has taken since the last show in 2018 were evident for all to see.

An industry leader in waterjet, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting technology, the company presented a variety of cost-effective high-technology cutting solutions that proved popular and resulted in record enquiry levels and two machine orders at the show.

Sales director Craig Walsh said: “Visitor numbers were consistently high throughout the week which culminated in two machine sales with many more manufacturers planning to place orders in the coming weeks.”

At MACH, the market-leading RUR2500P high-definition plasma cutting machine drew in the visitors with its UltraSharp cutting technology that has been enhanced with new advanced technologies. Additionally, Kerf introduced the new Fineline 300 Plasma unit from Lincoln Electric that incorporates advanced piercing technology and a new Watermist system.

Mr Walsh added: “Laser users showed considerable interest in the latest stainless steel and aluminium water mist process. They were also very impressed with the cut quality that UltraSharp could achieve on mild steel and live demos of this created a very high level of enquiries. This was particularly so on thicker applications from 10mm through to 50mm where some laser processes appear to start to lose edge quality.”

From a technology viewpoint, the FineLine 300HD has the smallest diameter 300A torch in the industry at 38mm and it works in synergy with the UltraSharp 2.0 plasma current controls that are all synchronised to precisely control motion, gas flow, cut speeds and height control.

Visitors acknowledged the merits of this system and there was also a lot of interest in the ‘MACH special’ Linc-Cut machine package that demonstrated its flexibility and capability. Packed into a compact footprint, the machine is ideal for smaller workshops where space is of a premium.

Meanwhile, the show debut of the latest Optima 216 waterjet cutting machine allowed Kerf to use MACH to perform live cutting demonstrations. Mr Walsh continued: “Waterjet cutting live at the show generated a lot of interest. Visitors were impressed by the wide range of materials that the process can cut and the excellent cut quality that we can achieve with the Optima machine.”

As the most flexible machine available from Kerf, the new Optima can cut a broad range of materials from granite and stone through to titanium, Inconel, duplex, super duplex, tool steel, composites, acrylic and polycarbonate and is suitable for one-offs, general jobbing work or batch production.