ISMR March 2022 | Page 9

GENERAL NEWS

Fibre laser investment

Staffs Laser which , since its inception just three years ago , has grown into a £ 4 million turnover company with 25 employees , has installed its second 6kW TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 fiber laser cutter . The two TruLaser 3030 machines operate alongside one another at the company ’ s new 40,000ft 2 facility in Eccleshall , Staffordshire ( UK ).
“ Previously we were running a TruLaser 3030 fiber and a TruLaser 2030 fiber on single shift , but we are getting busier and busier all the time ,” said the company ’ s founder , Eddie Hopkins . “ One of our specialities is short lead times , regardless of order quantity – there is no minimum . To maintain this USP moving forward , we opted to part-exchange our 2030 for a second TruLaser 3030 fiber , which has more power and speed , and introduce a second shift for laser cutting .”
He added that it would take 51 seconds to change the beds on its previous TruLaser 2030 but takes just 17 seconds on the 3030 .
“ Since we perform around 100 pallet changes per day , saving over 30 seconds each time , it soon adds up to around a couple of hours over two shifts ,” he explained . “ We can do a lot with two extra hours .”
Staffs Laser does not focus on individual sectors , but serves industry as a whole . Current buoyant sectors , it told ISMR , include rail , yellow goods , street furniture and construction . The company processes all material types including mild steel ( up to 25mm thick ); stainless steel ( 25mm ); aluminium ( 25mm ); copper ( 10mm ); brass ( 10mm ) and some titanium .
“ Having the latest laser cutting technology allows us to be extremely competitive in the market ,” added Mr Hopkins . “ With TRUMPF features such as BrightLine ( high-quality cut edges in thick materials ); CoolLine ( constanttemperature cutting in thick materials ); Flyline ( productive hole grid production ) and TwinLine ( common-line cutting ), we can cut parts that we previously thought impossible .”
The Highspeed Eco function , TRUMPF explained , generates savings in gas consumption of up to 70 % during high-speed laser cutting .
Along with investment in new TRUMPF laser cutting technology , the company ’ s move to new 40,000ft ² premises in August 2021 has provided a further boost . Now under a single , much larger roof , the company has optimised its work flow . The two TruLaser 3030 fiber machines sit next to one another
The new TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 fiber .
on the shop floor and provide high levels of flexibility . This attribute is important for Staffs Laser as , like many subcontractors , it typically only has 3-4 weeks visibility on incoming work . Agile software is also critical to cope with a large amount of batch sizes in the region of 30-50 off .
As well as newly-installed MRP software , Staffs Laser uses TRUMPF TruTops Boost software for 2D / 3D design and programming , with auto-nesting functionality .
The subcontractor also offers a range of secondary processes such as folding ; drilling ; tapping ; rolling ; welding ; vibratory deburring and sandblasting .
“ Within our new unit we ’ re also planning to introduce powder coating over the coming months , which will save outsourcing this operation and reduce lead time ,” concluded Hopkins . “ Hopefully , we can soon offer a complete bespoke package to our customers .” n

European metal can market

According to new analysis , the European metal can market was valued at US $ 17.31- billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US $ 19.95 billion by 2026 with a CAGR of 2.33 % from 2021 to 2026 . The new “ Europe Metal Cans Market – Growth , Trends , COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts ( 2021 - 2026 )” report highlights key industry trends .
“ The recyclable properties of metal cans are driving the market as manufacturing products from recycled metals uses less energy , reduces carbon emissions and consumes less water than raw materials . Some metals , especially aluminium , are so profitable to recycle that companies pay people and businesses for their used metal . According to Waste Care Corporation , recycled aluminium cans alone generate approximately US $ 800- million each year . In Europe , companies are contributing more sustainability for recycling aluminium ,” commented the report .
“ BPA-free coatings in the metal can packaging format are ultimately increasing the demand for BPA-free metal cans . The product is gaining prominence due to its distinct features such as resistance to transportation , hermetically sealed cover , rough handling and easy recyclability ,” it added .
The rise in consumer awareness on the application of noncarcinogenic materials in packaging and the increased demand for lightweight packing generates high growth prospects for metal cans . Canned foods have a shelf life of up to five years longer than fresh food .
“ The UK is experiencing high demand for packaged food due to rising incomes , ease and convenience as well as the availability of canned food . Consumer trends , such as a preference for small-size and multi-pack packaging formats , support the volume growth of metal cans in the UK food sector . Consumers demand food cans due to their low environmental impact with the increasing environmental concerns . The high recyclability of metal cans is one of the significant drivers for the market studied ,” explained the report .
During the COVID-19 crisis , the country witnessed increased demand for online pet food retailers and subscription services to provide pet food during the lockdown . For instance , PetShop . co . uk has experienced a 300 % hike in sales .
“ The surge in consumer demand for convenience and healthier food because of busy lifestyles , product innovation and increasing numbers of quick-service restaurants is expected to drive the canned soup market in the United Kingdom . An increasing number of consumers are seeking vegan or plant-based products , and the growth of the online retail sector is expected to create lucrative opportunities for market players ,” added the report . “ Alcohol consumption in the European region is highest globally , where wine is the popular form of alcoholic beverage consumed in Europe . While glass and plastic packaging have seen extensive usage for many years , metal is becoming more mainstream in areas independent of its traditional market . Craft beers are primary examples where many brewers realise that metal cans do not taint the beer ’ s flavour ,” it added .
The aluminium beverage can is one of the world ’ s most popular drinks containers . Europeans use up to
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50 billion cans every year ( drinking mineral water , soft drinks and alcohol / beer
REPORT etc .). n
ISMR March 2022 | sheetmetalplus . com | 9