UK cutting firsts

The patented Ensis variable beam control unit allows users to move between fibre and CO₂ style beams for cutting both thin and thick materials. This is in marked contrast to conventional fibre laser cutting systems that require higher power to cut thick mild steel.

A significant advantage which attracted YSS to the Ensis is that profiling of both thin and thick materials is achieved using just 2kW of laser output from the integrated Amada-built Ensis2000 oscillator. Needless to say, the resulting savings in energy and running costs are little short of dramatic. In trial cuts at last year's EuroBLECH exhibition in Germany, power monitoring equipment showed that a 20mm thick mild steel part produced on a 4kW CO₂ laser cutter drew 63kWh of electricity, whereas the 2kW Ensis required just 15kWh.

YSS was established seven years ago by current managing director Darren Brown and through the acquisition of other established metalwork businesses and continual investment in new technologies, has placed itself in a strong position to offer competitive solutions to diverse market sectors. Indeed, the company is currently in the process of extending its current manufacturing facility in Halifax. The company also operates a powder coating and finishing plant in Dewsbury.
The 4020 AJ complements two existing Amada flatbed 4kW lasers including an LC3015 F1 4kW with ASLUL tower.

Together, the machines allow the company to offer an efficient and precise engineering service at speed. Improved productivity means YSS can usually offer better leadtimes than its competitors – 24-hour capacity for the production of everything from one-offs and prototypes through to large batch quantities, is available. With regard to laser cutting capacity, up to 25mm mild steel, 15mm stainless steel and 12mm aluminium can be provided.

Complete with high torque motors and helical rack drives in the X/Y axes, and a carriage with a low centre of gravity, the Ensis offers processing feed rates of up to 100m/minute. Furthermore, Amada's integrated AMNC-3i control facilitates reduced set-up time via its automated nozzle change capability. Ultimately, Ensis allows for set-up free processing, regardless of what type of metal and thickness needs to be cut.

Following YSS's order, Generic Punching Systems (GPS) in Netherton, West Midlands has also installed the first Ensis 3015. GPS is a rapidly expanding family business specialises in laser cutting, CNC turret punching and CNC bending.
The main industries supplied are, construction (rain screen cladding, flashings, architectural features, bracketry and steel work),commercial vehicle supplies (bulkheads, shelf and cupboard systems) medical suppliers (vibrating cleaning machines, camera trolleys), commercial catering and food preparation companies(cooker hoods, preparation tables, refrigeration units, conveyor and separating systems), and shop fitting services (from signs to shop interiors, including hanging rails and bracket systems). AMADA
www.amada.co.uk
YSS
www.yssltd.com