CASE STUDY


MANUFACTURING FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: LASIT LASER'S MARKING OPTIMISATION


Doughty Engineering Ltd, based in Ringwood, Hampshire, specialies in the manufacture of lifting, suspending and rigging equipment for the entertainment industry. The company serves theatres, film studios and event venues, maintaining high standards of quality and precision.


The company wanted to improve its laser marking production throughput; the complete cycle for marking 140 components was taking nearly 4 hours, creating a bottleneck in the production line that impacted overall lead times.


After conducting a detailed analysis of the production process and related productivity calculations, LASIT Laser UK proposed the implementation of the Helios X-Y-Z system with dual-table configuration.


The project was developed following an engineering approach structured in three consecutive phases. The initial analysis phase involved an in-depth study of the existing production process through time- motion analysis and mapping of operational flows, allowing precise identification of bottlenecks and quantification of the expected ROI.


Subsequently, the design phase defined the technical specifications of the system, including customisation of the control software for integration with existing operational protocols and detailed planning of integration methods to minimise the impact on current production.


The final implementation phase included mechanical and electrical installation activities, complete commissioning of the system with verification of operating parameters, technical training of operating personnel, and final validation of


performance through production testing under real-world conditions.


The implementation of the Helios system generated the following quantifiable improvements:


Time Parameters


• Cycle time: Reduced from 240 minutes to 40 minutes for 140 pieces


• Throughput: 500% increase over previous system


• Machine utilisation: Continuous production without downtime


Qualitative Parameters


• Improving the consistency of marking


• Reducing process variability


• Increased repeatability of operations


The Doughty Engineering case demonstrates how in-depth technical analysis and selection of the appropriate laser solution can generate significant improvements in production efficiency. The results obtained represent an industry standard benchmark for this type of application.


Experience confirms the importance of a methodical engineering approach in the evaluation and implementation of laser marking systems for industrial applications.


Contact: Barrie Rice barrie.rice@lasitlaser.uk lasitlaser.com


LASER USER 118 DECEMBER 2025 | 33


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