The ProNest2010 software helps the programmers monitor material usage and minimize scrap, giving GT Metal Products greater fl exibility with quoting projects because they can offer both laser and plasma pricing. “With quotes 30% less than laser quotes for the same job, plasma offers a cost-saving option,” says Berreth. GT Metals is able to give its customers a choice of the two processes and a way to save money. Reduced maintenance costs have proven to be a benefi t as well. “The plasma system is much easier to maintain and requires less than half the time,” says Berreth. The material range of the HPR130XD has also ex- panded the services GT Metal Products offers, by allowing them to cut A516 (PVQ 516-70) steel plate, abrasion resistant (AR) steel, and quenched and tempered (QT) steel plate. Any material with scale or rust now automatically goes to the plasma. “We don’t cut a lot of it, but to keep our customers happy, we can cut it when we need to, and that is important,” Berreth states. GT Metal Products now uses both technologies (laser and plasma) to give customers the full range of processing metal
thickness with the level of detail needed for the particular project or application. They offer laser cutting for fi ne features and extra detail on thinner materials used for precision parts with tight tolerances, very thin (less than 10 gage) stainless, or for parts with lots of holes that are very close together. For the larger, thicker, or longer pieces, like those for drilling rigs, construction, or agricultural installations, the plasma -cutting tool is ideal. Since the high-defi nition plasma offers excel- lent cut accuracy at about 30% less cost, some customers who originally requested laser cutting may opt for plasma when they see the results. Having both cutting tools in house removes all the variables and allows GT Metal Products to turn around work more quickly and avoid being at the mercy of a subcontractor’s schedule. ME
For more information on Hypertherm Inc. go to
www.hypertherm.com, or phone 800-643-0030. Shop Solutions is edited by Senior Editor James Lorincz. He can be reached at jlorincz@sme.org.