Fast turnaround projects require rapid solutions

CutLaserCut is a design manufacturer that specialises in fast turnaround production services in a number of sectors such as creative (art, fashion, jewellery, architecture), engineering, retail and signmaking.

Initially set up as a laser cutting business in 2010, the company invested in a CNC routing machine in 2017 to expand its service offering. It is here that Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) stepped in to support the company as it widened its diversification strategy.

CutLaserCut operates out of two facilities with a single Trotec Speedy 400 laser at its Camberwell site and a larger production studio with six CO₂ lasers and a host of additional equipment at its south coast facility. The largest laser machine offers a working area of 3 by 2m whilst the Biesse Rover Plast J FT 1530 CNC routing machine that arrived in 2017 offers a work envelope of 3m by 1.6m. 

Combining laser technology with the router, CutLaserCut can process everything from cast acrylic sheets to plywood, 'organic' materials, plastics, wood and wooden boards, card, paper, leather, foam and more. It was the arrival of the router that opened opportunities to machine new materials with a technology that was new to the London and South Coast manufacturer. A visit to the Sign UK exhibition led to a timely meeting with Sally Hunt from ITC.

As Russ Mellor from CutLaserCut recalls: “We were originally a laser cutting business, but we purchased the Biesse CNC router to expand the range of materials that we could work with. Biesse is not a specialist in cutting tools, so we visited the Sign UK exhibition where we met Sally Hunt from ITC. We were immediately impressed with her depth of knowledge and helpful attitude. Since 2017, Sally and the ITC team have been an excellent resource that we've been happy to rely on. A trusted partner in all aspects of CNC tooling.”

As a company that specialises in delivering a fast response to demanding sectors, CutLaserCut can rapidly turn around anything from simple B2C parts, one-offs and specialist projects to more involved B2B product development and production runs.

To satisfy client demands with rapid lead-times, CutLaserCut relies on high-quality cutting tools from ITC for machining a vast array of materials. In a fast-paced environment it needs maximum machine uptime and optimal productivity levels. To enable this, ITC supports CutLaserCut with a diverse range of standard and bespoke tooling solutions that provide quality, performance, reliability and longevity. The performance and tool life are optimised by expert advice from ITC that identifies the correct tool, geometry and coating for any given material.

As Mr Mellor continues: “ITC has provided us with too many tools to remember over the last six years. The lengthy list of standard products is also complemented by an entire range of specials that we have requested over the duration. We tend to specify ITC’s 6mm straight and compression cutters for general work, but we've had many larger, smaller and specialist tools depending on the application.

“Whenever a new project arrives or if there is a machining technique that is required, we can call or email ITC and ask for the best advice about tooling. This includes the feed rates, number of passes and other technical details.”

“Most recently, the company provided us with a 12mm radius point round cutter for a new technique that an established client wanted to try,” he continues. “Sally was able to propose the tool based on a photo of the effect the client was trying to achieve. She got it spot on and the tool did exactly what was needed. The total time from the client request to quote to the delivery of the final parts was just seven days including the selection, manufacture and delivery of the ITC point round cutter. Standard tooling is available on a next day basis, even if ordered late in the day. I have not found anything like this level of service from any other tool manufacturer.

“Because we are a subcontract manufacturer, we rarely make the same thing twice, unless it's a production run. Therefore, it’s of critical importance that our tooling works right the first time and keeps working with high levels of productivity and reliability until the job is done. This is where ITC come in. I can't recall any instances where their tooling has let us down.”

Industrial Tooling Corporation
www.itc-ltd.co.uk