Grenville Engineering (Stoke-on-Trent) Ltd, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, has installed a new 12kW Trumpf TruLaser 3030 fibre laser to significantly boost its manufacturing throughput. Delivered on 7 November, the new machine is now the most powerful laser in the company’s portfolio, doubling the output of its previous 6kW Trumpf fibre laser. This upgrade enables Grenville to achieve much faster cutting speeds and process considerably thicker materials, allowing it to better meet the evolving needs of its customers.
The new TruLaser 3030 fibre has a generous 3,000 x 1,500mm bed and is powered by Trumpf’s TruDisk 12001 solid-state laser with BrightLine fibre technology, ensuring it consistently delivers excellent edge quality and reliable processing, even at high power levels. Furthermore, the new fibre laser includes an automatic nozzle changer for effortless switching between cutting options, as well as Trumpf’s high-speed Eco package, which helps it reduce gas consumption while increasing feed rates. With additional features such as compressed air cutting and an integrated gas mixer, Grenville now has greater flexibility when working across a range of materials and thicknesses.
Thanks to the cutting-edge TruDisk solid-state laser, the fabrication company has up to 12kW of laser power at its disposal which means it can now cut mild steel up to 30mm thick, stainless steel up to 40mm thick, aluminium up to 30mm thick, and copper and brass up to 12.7mm thick. For customers, this translates into faster turnround times, improved edge quality and the ability to produce a broader range of parts in-house.
Smooth installation processThroughout the installation, Trumpf specialists have been working closely with its on-site electrical team to ensure the machine is fully optimised for production. Simultaneously, Grenville’s technical engineers Mike Fielding and Tom Bennet have spent a week at Trumpf’s Luton headquarters for training, with further machine-specific instruction taking place on the shopfloor during commissioning.
This investment is a key part of Grenville’s ongoing development programme. Earlier this year, the company brought machining fully in-house with the acquisition of two Hurco milling machines, expanded its robotic welding capabilities, and enhanced training and qualifications for its skilled and apprentice welder teams.
The new laser further strengthens the company‘s wide range of cutting machinery, which already includes Bystronic, Trumpf, and Bison flatbed and tube-cutting systems.
Grenville’s director Grant Barratt explained: “Investing in the new Trumpf fibre laser ensures our customers remain at the heart of everything we do. The advanced technology and throughput of this machine allows us to deliver outstanding service, meeting the current and growing demands of customers across multiple manufacturing sectors.
“We are committed to remaining competitive, which means investing in increasingly advanced machines. The improvements delivered by this Trumpf system will help us to consistently produce components to the highest possible standards and maintain our competitive edge. This investment is viewed as a strategic move to expand our capacity and strengthen our presence in the marketplace. It also creates new opportunities for our team and opens up future employment prospects in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Grenville’s sales director Stuart Rawlinson added: “The new TruLaser 3030 marks a major advancement in both speed and capability for us. Doubling our power output means we can respond even faster to customer requirements and take on more challenging projects, knowing we can achieve the precision and consistency that Trumpf machines are renowned for. This strengthens our offering across all the sectors we support and demonstrates our commitment to investing in our future.”
Operating across both day and night shifts, Grenville provides a comprehensive fabrication solution, including design, laser cutting, punching, forming, welding and machining. The company says it remains dedicated to investing in technology and its people to support the ever-growing needs of the UK manufacturing industry.