The chosen one

The success of its quick turnaround, small batch manufacturing facility in the West Midlands has led to a replication of the proven business model in Leeds. Growth is clearly anticipated and the investment in a Trumpf TruLaser 3030 is testament to this development.

The new company will initially employ six people in the first year, expected to increase by a further ten in year two. Accurate Laser's Mike Briggs will head the operation and key to his commercial optimism is the competitive edge that the TruLaser 3030 will provide. Mr Briggs claims he is better able than most to make this judgement having worked for a Trumpf competitor for some years.

“This is the company's first Trumpf machine,” announces commercial director, Jon Till. “I have purchased six laser machines in the past ten years and all have served the business well, however I couldn't ignore the innovative piercing technology and edge quality of the TruLaser 3030 in comparison with its competition.”

According to Accurate Laser, the piercing time on the TruLaser machine is up to four times faster during pulse piercing, which translates to three seconds instead of twelve seconds on some materials. “Small hole quality is better with the Trumpf too,” Mr Till adds. “We tested out a 6mm mild steel part with 3mm holes. This job would have been almost impossible with existing equipment but with the 5kW RF Trumpf laser, the results were spot on.”

Another advantage cited by Accurate Laser is the expected life span of the TruLaser consumables. “Many Trumpf users are reporting a significant increase in life expectancy of consumables specifically lenses and ceramics when compared to what we are currently experiencing on our West Midlands lasers,” Mr Till affirms. “We therefore have greatly reduced running costs.”

Accurate Laser claims it has made its name on a high degree of customer service. It has in the region of 600 customers at present, most of whom are seeking quick turnaround, a factor that Accurate Laser counts as a key selling point. The company aims to respond to a quotation request within four hours, commence manufacturing the same day and deliver anywhere within the UK within three days. This service will be available from both Tividale in the West Midlands and from Leeds.

Although Accurate Laser's customers do include large companies and it has invested in the necessary production machinery to service bigger contracts, most are small batch manufacturers. “They are attracted by our quick, ‘make it happen' approach and the single universal head on the TruLaser 3030 is ideal for this type of work,” Mr Till confirms. “It provides a significant advantage for small batch production. Swapping heads means downtime and that could make the difference between profit and loss.”

The company hopes its recent ISO9001 accreditation will open doors to new business however third tier suppliers to the automotive industry continue to provide a good work source. Accurate Laser has its sights set on round the clock production on the TruLaser 3030.

“For a small start up business it's a real opportunity not to be missed,” Mr Till continues. “The single head technology means we can operate lights out on more than one type of component and difference thicknesses. Trumpf's modular approach to automation will also allow the company to further enhance the TruLaser 3030 to best suit its future development needs.”

Trumpf
www.uk.trumpf.com