Laser cut steel

Dec 082011

Laser cut steel

Are you looking for a supplier of laser cut steel? If you are then contact gf laser who offer a competitive, quick turnaround, laser cutting service. You can contact a member of their sales team today on 0121 557 2294, alternatively email pdf files, DXF files or sketches to sales@gflaser.co.uk for a prompt reply.

The team at gf laser have experience in cutting all types of steel and are happy to advise on your project prior to submitting a quotation. Operating from modern premises gf laser are able to process regular high volume work as well as one-off pieces.

Furthermore, the company has systems which are accredited to ISO 9001:2008 including a company wide software system that tracks job progress from quotation through to delivery.

If you are looking for laser cutting combined with folding or machinng then gf laser can also help you with a press brake facility and cnc machining.

Located in the Midlands at the heart of the UK’s motorway network the company has it’s own delivery vehicles as well as a retained haulier for larger loads.

To find out more about gf laser visit our web site www.gflaser.co.uk or simply call our sales team on 0121 557 2294.

Laser Cutting Services

Dec 082011

Laser Cutting Services

If you are looking for laser cutting services then contact GF Laser today with your requirements, enquiries can be emailed to sales@gflaser.co.uk or faxed to 0121 557 5301. Alternatively simply call 0121 557 2294 to discuss your laser cutting project.

Six reasons to use GF Laser:

1. We aim to turn around quotations on the same day of enquiry.

2. We operate competitive pricing structures even for quick turnaround laser cutting.

3. GF Laser offer additional services such as press break and machining.

4. You can make use of our collection and delivery service.

5. We currently have capacity for one-offs and high volume production.

6. The systems at our company are ISO 9001:2008 accredited.

GF Laser are based in the midlands close to all the major motorway networks so are able to offer next day shipping to the majority of the UK and Ireland.

gf laser - Operating from modern premises in the UK

What is “Lights Out” Laser Cutting?

Dec 082011

“Lights out” laser cutting – What is it?

Many customers of laser cutting companies may have heard of lights out laser cutting. To the uninitiated this means cutting on an unattended basis, usually overnight, in order to reduce costs.

The benefits to laser cutting companies and their customers is that companies working on a lights out basis are able to offer a more competitive service as they do not have the overheads of personnel running the machine.

However, running on a lights out basis is not always that straightforward, some laser cutting work is not suitable for this type of production because cut quality may need to be monitored on a regular basis. Furthermore, there is a danger that if the laser is not programmed correctly it will result in a collision which could damage the laser head and scrap the parts.

Perhaps one of the most impressive laser cutting systems that are capable of lights out production are those that have automated sheet feeders. These systems can effectively run for days as they are able to select the different material for jobs, load the right programme and cut the parts, this is ideal for high volume work. The only drawback to these systems is the high capital cost investment required with some systems costing around one million pounds.

Laser cutting in an uncertain economy

Dec 072011

Laser cutting in an uncertain economy

The current economic backdrop throughout the world is having a large impact on manufacturing in the UK. However, this does bring opportunities to look at cost savings in manufacturing processes.

Many organisations have replaced existing tooling or milling processes with laser cutting in order to reduce manufacturing costs by as much as 30%. Some of the reasons to consider laser cutting are:

1. The laser cutting process is far quicker than traditional tooled, wired or machined parts. This means the parts can be produced at low cost even when volumes are high.

2. Many laser cutting subcontractors such as gf laser enjoy improved purchasing power of raw materials. This means that the cost savings can be passed on to customers and the customer also benefits from receiving a fully outsourced solution.

3. Most laser cutting companies utilise cnc laser machines where all programming is undertaken off line. The software optimises the cutting sequence and material usage so that the component is produced in the most economical way, again these cost savings of laser cutting are passed on to the customer.

4. Laser cutting is a non-contact process which means that it is suitable for cutting parts where surface finish is critical. Often, tooling or milling can lead to part degradation which can result in additional cleaning processes being required, these additional processes cost time and money.

5. Most laser cutting companies work on a 3-4 day lead time, this means that customers do not need to hold high levels of stock as parts can be sourced very quickly. Therefore, manufacturers can improve their own cash flow as they do not have to carry large amounts of stock.

Many companies have saved large amounts of money by switching to a laser cutting process. If you would like to obtain a free laser cutting quotation from one of the UK’s leading laser cutting companies call 0121 557 2294 or submit your requirements via the gf laser website www.gflaser.co.uk

If you have an existing laser cutting supplier but are looking to change why not take a look at our laser cutting supplier checklist.

Laser Cut and Folding

Dec 072011

Laser Cut and Folding

Laser cut and folding using a press break is one of the most popular forms of manufacturing in the UK for a range of sectors from automotive to retail display components. The service has become more popular over the past few years as it alleviates the need to incur bespoke tooling costs as the majority of work is carried out using standard tools.

GF Laser are able to provide a press break service using precision Amada machinery:

100 ton x 3000mm capacity

30 years experience in press braking

Special tooling available as requested

Small and large quantities supplied

Quick turnaround

Free samples ( Subject to Terms & Conditions)

For a free laser and fold quotation please call 0121 557 2294 or email your requirements to sales@gflaser.co.uk

Birmingham Laser Cutting

Dec 062011

Looking for a laser cutting company in Birmingham?

There are many laser cutting companies located in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, this has led to prices in the areas being among the most competitive in the United Kingdom.

However, finding a reliable yet competitive laser company in Birmingham can be difficult. Some laser sub-contractors will submit rock bottom prices when they are quiet only to increase prices or lead times when more lucreative work arrives. This can be very frustrating for customers espescially when laser cutting is part of an overall process and can result in jobs suddenly becoming unprofitable as the cost of laser cutting becomes too expensive.

Birmingham laser cutting company GF Laser are one of the few laser cutting companies in the UK to nest parts using dedicated software prior to providing a quotation. This means that customers are given a price based on an established pricing model rather than capacity. Also, because the optimum sheet usage is calculated prior to quotation the material usage is accurate and competitive ensuring that the customer gets the best deal.

To obtain a competitive quotation from GF Laser today please call 0121 557 2294 or visit their website at www.gflaser.co.uk

Metal Laser Cutting

Nov 302011

Are you looking for a metal laser cutting supplier? If you are here are some points to consider:

Value for money:

Getting the best value for money from your metal laser cutting supplier is vital. This might not necessarily be the cheapest but may be the supplier that can turn around parts quickly and get them right first time. Always ensure you clarify the lead times and cut condition before you enter into an agreement.

Location:

If your part will need development or perhaps the cost of transport is a key component of the metal laser cutting project you are working on then location of your supplier will be important. If you don’t have a local supplier then focus on companies that are close to the main motorways and offer a next day service irrespective of the geographical location. Metal laser cutting suppliers such as gf laser are located in the midlands close to all the major networks, this means that they can use their own delivery vehicles or couriers to provide a next day service.

Quick quotations

Many customers of laser cutting require quick turnaround of quotations, this is espescially true in the current economic conditions when customers are reducing stock levels. Check to see if your supplier can povide quotes for standard items within 24 hours, this will ensure that you in turn can get your quotes to customers in a timely fashion.

Workflow / Quality Systems

Your metal laser cutting supplier should be ISO approved and be able to demonstrate a sound workflow system from order to delivery. This will ensure that all of your requirements, that are specified at the sales phase, are then passed through to the Production planning phase.

Ancillary Operations

If you currently use two suppliers then you may be able to save money by placing the work with a single supplier. For example, if you require laser cut and folded parts then try to find a supplier that can offer a press braking service. Furthermore, some laser cutting suppliers are able to offer machining and traditional press production services which can again save you time and money when outsourcing.

For a competitive metal laser cutting quotation call gf laser today on 0121 557 2294

Laser cutting machine supplier publishes record results

Nov 292011

Despite the uncertain economic conditions in the Eurozone Trumpf has recorded record breaking results for the year ending June 30th 2011.

The laser cutting company, which is still family owned, increased revenues by 51% equating to an additional turnover of 683 million euros. Much of Trumpf’s impressive growth has been down to its success in markets such as China where the company intends to double its production capacity.

The head of the company Dr. Nicola Leibinger-Kammuller is very much aware of the problems faced by the uncertain situation in Europe. Her message to the politicians is very simple, sort the problems out so that the markets feel secure. These sentiments are sure to be echoed by leaders of all manufacturing companies and not just those in the Eurozone.

The jump in revenues for Trumpf illustrates the popularity of laser cutting as a highly efficient cutting technology. The speed, flexibility and competitiveness of laser cutting means that it now is part of almost all manufacturing processes and will be for many years to come.

Looking for batch laser cutting?

Nov 282011

As the laser cutting process has become faster and faster so more and more companies such as JCB are using laser cutting for batch or high volume production of laser cut parts. This type of production was only previously cost effective using traditional tooling methods. If you are considering placing batch laser cutting or looking to change from your existing laser cutting supplier then there are a few things to consider:

Location, Location, Location.

Is your chosen laser cutting supplier local to you so that transport costs and timing are not an issue? If you can’t find a local supplier does the company you are considering offer a delivery service?

Modern Machinery.

Succesful laser cutting companies always invest in the most recent laser cutting technology, when choosing a supplier for high volume laser cutting make sure the supplier uses modern equipment. This means they will be able to support your production schedules on an ongoing basis.

Loading / Unloading.

Does the laser cutting supplier you are considering have adequate facilities for loading / unloading of goods? Many small laser cutting companies are located in small industrial units so do not have adequate room or handling capacity for offloading large amounts of steel or loading heavy stillages of finished components. Midlands based supplier gf laser offers forklift and cranage loading / unloading for up to a weight of 20 tonnes.

Quality System.

Ideally you should consider a supplier that is ISO 9001:2008 accredited, this will mean that they adhere to part checking processes – Essential when you are placing high volume laser cutting.

Ancillary Services.

If you are outsourcing a large amount of regular laser cutting then you can save time and money by using a single source supplier of laser cutting and ancillary services such as press braking, machining or press production.

High volume laser cutting is fast becoming one of the most cost effective methods of producing metal parts espescially where cost and turnaround are of key importance.

Top 5 reasons to use laser cutting services

Nov 282011

The use of laser cutting in manufacturing is a relatively new process that offers many benefits over traditional steel cutting methods. The top 5 reasons why companies choose laser cutting are:

Speed

Most laser cutting companies in the UK, such as gf laser offer a quick turnaround service sometimes on the same or next day. In the past, companies would have had to produce components by wiring or machining which could take days or weeks.

Flexibility

Generally if a part can be drawn then it can be cut on a laser, this gives designers unrivalled flexibility in the design of new products. It has also opened up a new market for laser cutting in the architectural industry where laser cutting has been used for signage, fencing or as part of an urban sculpture.

Prototyping

The combination of flexibility and fast turnaround makes laser cutting the ideal choice for prototyping. Companies can cut initial designs at a very low cost in order to evaluate production feasibility. Laser cutting is espescially useful in the tooling industry where most prototypes can be cut using a laser without the need to produce expensive press tooling for low volume production.

Finish

Generally laser cutting gives a better finish than traditional cutting methods or waterjet cutting. Laser cutting companies use assist gases to blow the molten metal out of the cut and in most cases the finish is burr free, this means that companies do not have to worry about the cost and time associated with deburring or refinishing metal parts.

Handling

Laser cutting is a non-contact method of cutting so it alleviates the potential of material marking such as scratching, this makes it ideal for cutting procedures where the finish must be scratch free such as automotive A class surfaces. Modern laser cutting machines also have a sheet measuring system so that sheets do not need to be clamped onto the table. The laser head simply measures three points on the sheet and then adjusts the cutting path to suit the sheet orientation.

There are numerous laser cutting companies in the UK, if you need to decide which one to use check out our guide on choosing a laser cutting company.

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