Sheet metal working subcontractor has replaced a CNC punching machine with a flat bed laser, resulting in in 24h of minimally supervised work against a former 8h of manned production.

A UK subcontract manufacturer, Saint Ann's Sheet Metal Company, is replacing an existing punching machine with a new Trumpf Trumatic L2510 flatbed laser and in so doing swapping 8h of manned production for 24h of minimally supervised and 'lights out' production. 'The growth potential this machine offers us is huge,' explained managing director Dave Bloomer as he confirmed the company's order at MACH 2006. 'But it is not just productivity of the machine that is important to us, it is also the superb quality of its output.' Saint Ann's is taking delivery of the L2510 that appeared on the Trumpf stand at the show, a machine that attracted considerable interest thanks to its built-in automation.

'Nothing compares with the L2510 for its small footprint,' Bloomer added.

'Our factory is in a residential area and space is limited.

Being able to get significantly greater productivity from such a compact machine is great for us.

Our location also requires us to keep close control of our noise levels and the laser will certainly help to create better neighbour relations.' The L2510 is Saint Ann's first Trumpf machine and an important reason for its choice is to eliminate the need for deburring.

The majority of work produced on its existing punching machines needs secondary finishing, a time-consuming and costly addition.

With customers seeking significantly shorter lead times and competitive costs, methods need to be continually improving these days.

An existing job for 20,000 parts per annum for the electronics industry will immediately benefit from the new acquisition.

'We will make substantial productivity gains as the L2510 will take cycle times down by 10 seconds per part,' Bloomer continued.

'And of course there will be no need to deburr.' The company also cites Trumpf's Telepresence as an important feature in minimising potential downtime through on-line problem diagnosis.

As well as being able to provide a better service to its established automotive, shop fitting, H and V and marine engineering markets Saint Ann's is confident that the L2510 will greatly extend its scope.

'This is a highly flexible machine that will also allow us to include working with tube as part of our services,' Bloomer concluded.

'Installation started on 24th May and we are expecting great things from this machine.

We have an excellent team of men at Saint Ann's and I am positive that they will make very good use of this super laser to take the company to its next phase.'