NK-T160 pipe cutting machine

European laser manufacturer Nukon is one of Lantek’s OEM collaborative partners, combining the 2-D and 3-D technology of Nukon’s lasers with the expertise Lantek brings to the industry with its Lantek Expert software for programming 2-D lasers, as well as its Flex3D software for tube-cutting lasers.

Cheshire-based Nukon Lasers UK, the company’s UK and Ireland distributor has been working with Lantek Systems Ltd in Malvern for two years, and has already collaborated in the installation of multiple machines. Steve Haddrell, sales director at Nukon Lasers UK, said: “We are part of the Unison family of companies, which has been manufacturing and selling high-end tube bending machinery to the aerospace, oil and gas and automotive industries for over 50 years. After thoroughly investigating the fibre-laser market we partnered with Nukon. With its technology we can offer a technically advanced machine to our customers and, by partnering with Lantek our customers are productive within days of the machine installation.”

According to Mr Haddrell, 2-D laser technology is very mature and the quality of the Lantek software is a factor in separating Nukon from its competitors. He continued: “Lantek has all the essentials such as heat dissipation, job estimates, film burning for plastic coated sheet, common line cutting and powerful nesting, ensuring optimum yield from the material processed.”

Advanced technology
The Nukon lasers offer advanced technology using US-made, high-quality nLIGHT resonators which offer CutLine adaptive beam control ‘on the fly’ during cutting. One of the benefits of the CutLine system is a much smoother finish on thicker materials via the tuneable beam profile. Nukon machines also feature Beckhoff controls and drives, piercing and cut sensors, automatic nozzle changing as well as multiple options for load/unload automation.

Its range of tube machines includes the NK-T160 which has up to 4kW power and can process 226mm-diameter tube and U L H and I sections up to 160mm² with minimal scrap. These machines can be coupled with auto load/unload systems or conveyer or roller systems to cut the whole or part length of the section being processed.

Mr Haddrell continued: “Lantek Expert and Flex3D products are head and shoulders above others in the market. Lantek software is fully featured and the quality of the support staff and their depth of knowledge gives us complete confidence.”

Adam Ball, Lantek UK software solutions manager, said: “Nukon is a valuable partner and fits with our multi-vendor stance. We work with hundreds of OEMs making sure that the special features of each machine work perfectly, backed by 35 years of research and development. As well as providing software for cutting machines, we can integrate with existing business systems within a company and extend administrative capabilities through Lantek MES, quoting and CRM systems. These specialist sheet metal systems work transparently together to help companies revolutionise work processes, productivity and profitability.”