ings. They had to maintain required tolerances and make sure parts were straight and smooth, with few customer rejects. In response to customer demand for more precise cut-
ting than could be obtained with their older plasma system, GT Metal Products replaced it with two new CO2
lasers a few years ago. Unfortunately, while the new CO2 lasers were
indeed able to deliver on their high-precision claims, their slower cut speeds seriously disrupted production flow and limited business growth. Operating and maintenance costs for the lasers were higher, and the thickness range able to be cut was adversely affected. The CO2
lasers reached
their limit of effectiveness at thicknesses up to ¾" (19 mm) with the result that the company was faced with turning away customer requests for cutting of over ¾" (19-mm) mild steel. In addition, GT Metals had found that the laser tables, which measured 5 × 10' (1.5 × 3 m), imposed plate size limitations when demand was increasing for cutting 6 x 24' (1.8 × 7.3 m) plate.
Plasma cutting removes the limitation of ¾" (19-mm) thickness in mild steel plate of GT Metals’ lasers.
With increased cutting time critical to its continued growth and success, GT Metals owner Dennis Berreth went looking for a cutting solution that would offer the fast cutting speeds and low maintenance costs typically associated with plasma, combined with a cut quality comparable to laser. His goal was to find a tool that could handle the backlog that had been building up on the lasers, ensure parts flow to the company’s seven full-time welders, and provide more quoting and busi- ness growth opportunities.
Preserve Your Project Before It’s Even Built. Galvanizing is Thinking Big Picture.
Hot-dip galvanizing with AZZ Galvanizing Services is the best way to ensure that your project will stand the test of time, saving money in costly maintenance repairs later. And since using eco-friendly zinc is less expensive than other corrosion barriers, the cost savings begin before the construction does — and will extend the life of the structure. Save money now and in the big picture.