Billington Structures invests in Laser Cutting Technology to Improve Quality to the Construction Industry
Billington Structures is continually investing in new technology to keep it at the forefront of the structural steelwork industry. We recently purchased a 30 kw fiber laser machine, which uses a high-intensity beam to cut steel with greater speed and efficiency than traditional cutting methods, such as plasma and oxy acetylene plate cutting machines. This type of machine can cut dense materials such as carbon steel up to 80mm thick and stainless steel up to 90mm.
Laser technology is approximately seven times faster at cutting steel than traditional plasma methods. Additional benefits of a 30 kw laser are greater versatility and higher precision, with less waste and less maintenance.
In order to receive the best training on this new technology, the production team from Billington Structures were trained directly by the manufacturer. The 30 kw laser machine produces a narrow cut with exceptional precision, which will enable Billington Structures to produce more intricate and complex designs with high accuracy. This process is also non-contact, removing the need to apply any physical force to the material, which also increases production speed.
Billington Structures will be able to increase its capacity with this one machine, replacing two existing units which will be decommissioned. This will also allow us to reduce our carbon emission with a single, more energy efficient machine compared to two older ones.
In addition to Billington Structures, the laser machine will be utilised by other companies within the group that will also benefit from its accuracy and speed and our delivery within the Construction Industry. Peter Marshall Steel Stairs will use the laser machine for custom stair designs, and the excess capacity will be utilised by Shafton Steel Services.
Kevin Campbell, Managing Director at Billington Structures, said: “The fiber laser machine is a significant investment for the business and a continuation of our strategic capital expenditure programme. Billington Structures is dedicated to delivering accurate and cost effective steel products to our customers and this highly efficient cutting technology is extremely versatile, which makes it a vital addition to the Group as a whole.”
Laser cutting machine in operation
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