FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
SMF UK , a family-run business in the metal fabrication industry , is based in Wigston , Leicester , in the East Midlands ( UK ). Established in 1990 , it offers precision sheet metal , laser cutting and fabrication solutions to industry . It is further strengthening its portfolio of high-end machine tools by investing in a new TRUMPF TruLaser Cell 7040 .
“ Able to perform both 3D laser cutting and 3D welding , the machine is now in situ at the company ’ s ‘ state-of-the-art ’ 30,000ft ² facility in Leicester . The TRUMPF TruLaser Cell 7040 provides the ideal subcontract solution for any company that requires precision five-axis cutting and / or welding ,” sheet metal specialist , TRUMPF , told ISMR .
With decades of experience in sheet metal fabrication , SMF UK ’ s specialist engineers have particular expertise in designing solutions for a wide range of industries including architecture , automotive , electrical and medical . The progressive company loves a challenge and prides itself on transparent pricing , on-time deliveries and working in partnerships . Whether a customer has detailed instructions , drawings and specifications , or simply a concept that needs fabricating , SMF UK has positioned itself to help .
Business diversification
Despite plenty of success and strong growth since the company ’ s formation in 1990 , SMF UK appreciates the need to evolve in line with industry demands .
“ At one point in time we did a lot of straightforward laser cutting and folding but it didn ’ t provide much market differentiation and , with the emergence of competitors in lowcost economies , we felt the need to diversify into making actual products for customers ,” explained Steve Morrison , Managing Director , SMF UK . “ For example , today we make chassis that form part of access lifting platforms fitted to the back of pick-up trucks .”
we felt the need to diversify into making actual products for customers
INVEST FOR SUCCESS
SMF UK has brought 3D cutting and welding to the subcontract market with the purchase of a new TRUMPF TruLaser Cell 7040 .
“ The company ’ s diverse investments have led to a raft of new contracts in a range of industry sectors .”
While family-run SMF UK has all the usual sheet metal cutting , forming and fabrication capabilities on-site , it is the company ’ s more diverse investments that set the company apart . Adding high-end machines such as a CNC panel bender and an automated TRUMPF tube laser has led to a raft of new contracts , prompting the company to think about how else to strengthen its machine-tool inventory .
“ One capability missing from our portfolio was 3D work , hence our investment in the TRUMPF TruLaser Cell 7040 which can cut and weld in five axes ,” outlined Steve Morrison .
The 6D mouse allows users to run-in , teach and move the machine axes quickly . The control automatically detects which optics are installed so that they can be changed quickly .
58 | ismr . net | ISMR July / August 2024