Cutting out second ops
The Koike system will save customers time and money by eliminating the need for second operation machining and additional handling
St Helens based subcontract profiler PP Profiles has invested in a £350,000 Koike plasma system that can cut complex shapes and bevels up to 45 degrees on plate up to 10m by 3m by 40mm thick.
The machine will save customers time and money by eliminating the need for second operation machining and additional handling.
The first of its kind in the country, the Koike Versagraph 4500 facility with 3D-Link, is set to drive the company’s growth, create local job opportunities and open up new market sectors.
Managing director Mark Derbyshire says “With the installation of the new facility, our clients ultimately save time and money as subcontract processes have been condensed into the initial cutting stage.”
The investment will increase PP Profiles’ manufacturing capacity and allow it to bid for new business in the aerospace, production machinery, precision engineering, pressure vessel and storage tank sectors.
Radius edge and weld preps were traditionally applied after the initial cutting process using a nibbler or manual type prepping machine. Internal bevel cuts and contours required further machining, increasing lead times considerably due to the subcontract processes involved.
PP found that it could offer a more attractive service if contour cutting could be performed at the cutting stage. In addition, new target markets would benefit substantially from bevel and weld prepping services.
The decision was made to purchase the Japanese manufactured Koike Versagraph 4500 with 3D-Link; within just 3 months the machine was built, shipped and installed.
Complex contour cuts that traditionally required additional CNC machining can now be profiled easily, utilising the Fanuc Alpha series high resolution and high response AC brushless servo / motors. The system produces improved geometries and tolerances that are required to offer clients precision cut steel suited to their engineering requirements.
P P Profiles now aims to offer more in house processes with further investments and move further towards providing a single source of supply for its clients.
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