Feature Tools & tooling Punch-laser machine boosts profits
Amada UK has delivered a new LC2012 C1 punch-laser combination machine to the Plymouth headquarters of subcontract fabrication solutions specialist, Aldermans which is implementing a new strategy that includes provision of ongoing investment in the latest manufacturing technologies
W
hile Aldermans supplies to all industries, the company identifies four sectors that are key to revenue growth: transport/automotive, specialist furni- ture, industrial, and retail. This diverse manufacturing company sup- plies components and assemblies ranging from airport terminal furniture and car parts, through to electrical enclosure components and point-of- sale shop fittings, to name a few. “After a tough recession the order book is now looking good and we are profitable once more, hence the deci- sion to invest,” says the company’s operations manager, Rob Johns. “We have ambitions to become a national rather than regional player. At present, many of our customers are located within a 40 mile radius of Plymouth, but our investment programme will help address this issue.”
Aldermans was previously running two punch presses and a laser cutter, and while all had given first class ser- vice they had become a little “tired”. “To outperform the competition and make our strategy become a reality we realised investment was the only way forward. As part of a lean manufactur- ing project we changed our entire fac- tory layout, clearing out redundant equipment and reducing our inventory to improve efficiency. Replacing two machines with one made sense so we part-exchanged a punch press and laser cutter for an Amada LC2012 C1 punch-laser combination.”
The LC-C1 punch/laser combination
reductions in cycle times and set-up times, and the improvement in accu- racy, it’s the automation that provides us with the biggest benefits. In our business, quality and delivery are assumed – it is price that wins orders and the best way to drive prices down is through automation.”
machine is said to provide ultimate flexibility without compromise. An energy saving single AC servo drive motor provides 20 tonnes of variable punching stroke, while both the nozzle and lens offer quick-change laser technology. A 49-station punch- ing turret is provided to accommodate even the most demanding of jobs. It’s no secret punching is faster than laser cutting when it comes to the use of standard tooling to produce repeat features. For this reason, most manu- facturers with combination machines punch as many features as possible to achieve better cost per part, while the laser is used for aesthetic profiling, or on apertures for which there is no tool. “We’re a single shift operation but the flexibility of the automated Amada combination machine effectively makes us a three-shift, 24-hour facility because we can run unmanned, lights- out,” explains Johns. “Despite the
Fabricaton solutions specialist Aldermans has installed a LC2012 C1 punch-laser combination from Amada UK
Tooling range introduced for small turned parts F
ollowing the launch of its dedicated range of J-Series toolholders and turning inserts for high precision turning operations, the Tungaloy Corporation has now further extended the popular series to incorporate additional inserts. The new additions is said to make the Tungaloy J-Series one of the most comprehensive ranges available for sliding head lathe users and manufacturers of small and intricate components. The productive range of J-Series toolholders and JS Type
inserts were predominantly available for external turning processes, however the R&D team at Tungaloy has now created a number of new designs for internal turning on small lathes. Further information on the new internal turning inserts, external turning and profiling toolholder designations and how the new developments can benefit your business can be obtained by contacting Tungaloy UK. Tungaloy UK
T: 0121 309 0163 18
www.tungaloyuk.co.uk Enter 313
The unmanned capability of the Amada LC2012 C1 is delivered thanks to an integrated part remover (PR-C1) for automatic picking and stacking of finished components. Additionally, Aldermans took an automatic load/unload system (MP-C1) to pro- vide lights-out operation for sheet sizes up to 2,500 x 1,250 x 6mm (up to 3.3 tonnes of material can be accom- modated). Labour allocated to the pre- vious non-automated machines was redeployed – no jobs were lost. Even greater levels of automation are provided by Amada’s Dr Abe Blank CAM software. This gives Aldermans automatic assignment of laser path/punch tooling, as well as auto- matic dissimilar part nesting and NC code generation. All programs are pre- pared offline and transferred to the machine via the Amada barcode reader and existing PC network. “The Amada combination machine will make the supply of prototypes much more cost effective than before thanks to its flexibility,” says Johns. “As a company we openly seek quick- turnaround prototype work. In our experience, the supplier that makes the best job of prototypes is often rewarded with the contract.” “The workforce was very buoyant when the investment was announced, and having now seen it first hand, everyone is convinced the company is looking forward to a prosperous future. It’s been a real confidence booster and the machine has already started earning its corn. One new job we picked up last year has now been transferred to the LC2012 C1. Previously we broke even on this job, now we make a profit.” To underpin company growth, Johns says the plan for the future is further investment – possibly in 6-12 months’ time. “While we have plenty of direct competitors, few have punch-laser combination technology, and fewer still have a combination machine that is so well specified in terms of automa- tion,” says Johns. “We see it as a real differentiator and hopefully, so will our customers.”
Amada UK T: 01562 749500
www.amada.co.uk Enter 312
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Factory Equipment
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