First past the post

The order also contains an Amada HG-1003ATC automated press brake, taking the total order value to around £2 million.

Recol is currently enjoying a period of sustained growth. Moreover, the company’s continuous programme of ongoing investment in the latest manufacturing technologies has never been healthier, as evidenced by Recol’s commitment to automated manufacturing solutions.

“We already own a selection of automated Amada CO₂ laser-cutting machines, including the first Acies CO₂ bought when it was released in 2013, and an Amada LC-F1,” explains director Ben Guntrip. “However, we mostly process stainless steel and, for the thinner gauges, we knew there would be gains in both speed and energy reduction by investing in our first fibre laser.”

Mr Guntrip says that Recol is a company accustomed to ‘industry firsts’ and wanted nothing less for its investment in a new fibre laser. A team from Recol consequently visited Amada in Japan to assess the new Acies machine. Duly impressed, the company placed the order, making it the first machine of its type in Europe and only the second in the world outside of Japan.

The machine is capable of cutting materials up to 6mm thick, including copper, brass and titanium. Featured is a 300-tool, 600-die automatic tool changer with ID tooling system for complete tool management.

“We will use the machine predominantly for processing stainless steel from 2.5 to 3mm in thickness, as this is where we will achieve the most gains, both for ourselves and our customers,” says Mr Guntrip.

To support the new machine, Recol has also ordered an Amada AS-ULS-NTK double tower system with 30 tonne capacity. The system provides 10 raw material shelves and five finished component shelves. Some 72 hours of unmanned production give true lights-out weekend production.

“We want to leverage the full effect of the available automation so that we have no reliance on labour,” says Mr Guntrip. “The buffer of the store makes for a very lean operating concept, which in turn means we can control material diversity across our machines.”

Due to be delivered early next year, the automated fibre laser will be preceded by an Amada HG-1003ATC automated press brake in November.

“In total we are investing close to £2 million to ensure that Recol retains its market-leading position,” concludes Mr Guntrip. “However, the new Amada fibre laser and press brake are not just about gaining extra capacity, they are about process efficiency, reducing lead-time and ensuring we are not reliant on certain machines. Pure and simple, we are futureproofing our business.”

Amada www.amada.co.uk

Recol Engineering www.recolltd.com