FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
Bell Steel Fabrications in the UK has transitioned from a CO₂ laser cutter to a new 8kW fibre laser cutting system from BLM. The benefits are measurable cost savings, increased productivity and enhanced process flexibility.
“ The UK subcontractor aims to expand its capabilities and remain competitive in a demanding manufacturing environment. The new fibre laser modernises the company’ s production infrastructure and positions it for its next phase of growth.”
The BLM LS7 flat-bed, fibre laser cutting machine on the shop floor at Bell Steel Fabrications, Cricklade.
A FLEXIBLE FABRICATION FOCUS
An example of a special exhaust pipe made from 1.75-inch diameter, 304 stainless steel tube with a wall thickness of 1.5mm. Bell Steel Fabrications has been tube bending since 1985, originally using hydraulic machines.
An 8kW fibre laser profiling centre, supplied by BLM Group UK to replace a flat-bed, CO₂ laser cutting machine of another brand installed a decade ago, is helping to position Bell Steel Fabrications( BSF) in Cricklade( UK) for its next phase of growth. The fabricator manufactures a variety of products for customers in the UK and overseas. A distinctive aspect of the manufacturer’ s business is the production of bespoke stainless-steel silencer and exhaust systems for classic cars, which accounts for 40 per cent of its turnover.
Established in 1977 as Bell Silencer Services, the company was founded as an exhaust centre in Swindon Old Town by former RAF airframe fitter and Concorde engineer, Ron Bell. The operation relocated to Chelworth Industrial Estate in Cricklade in 1999, where two units now provide a total of 2,675 square metres of factory and office space.
Bell Steel Fabrications has over 35 years of experience in the sheet metalwork and fabrication market. Its skilled team of sheetmetal fabricators and coded welders can manufacture prototypes or large batch production. Its diverse range of machinery allows it to carry out all sheet metalwork and fabrication in two large production facilities. The company has been manufacturing exhaust systems and silencers for over 40 years. It also offers a variety of finishing techniques, making it a one-stop-shop for sheet metalwork and fabrication requirements.
Opting for fibre laser
The current managing director of Bell Steel Fabrications, second-generation Matthew Bell, first encountered BLM on the company’ s stand at the MACH
2010 machine tool exhibition in Birmingham, UK. He and his
Left: Matthew Bell, Managing Director, Bell Steel Fabrications.
20 | ismr. net | ISMR July / August 2026