FACE TO FACE
The FG-400 NEO fibre lasercutting system for tube .
FG-400 NEO laser-cutting head .
incentives are also being given out by the Italian government .
We also see strong growth and great potential in central / eastern European markets . We already have offices in Poland , the Czech Republic and Hungary as well as distributors in other parts of eastern Europe . This year , we also opened a new office in Romania . We are heavily investing in our distributor channels in eastern Europe , as a result .
We have invested in our European Technology Centre Laser in Italy and new Technology Centre in Denmark this year , along with new offices in Austria and Portugal , to further support European markets . We are also working on other diverse projects in Europe right now .
ISMR : Which trends do you see developing in sheet-metal cutting markets ?
GLG : In laser-cutting applications , the tendency is for increased power . We offer a 15kW laser-cutting machine and will offer higher laser powers in the future . However , it ’ s not always about the power levels but how you utilise and control the laser power for smarter cutting . Increasing the power of a fibre laser does not proportionally increase the ownership costs , so users can reduce their costs per part .
You cannot offer rapid laser cutting without taking into consideration other sheet-metal processes around the machine i . e . bending , welding and painting . In my opinion , it is preferable to place more of a focus on new automation techniques i . e . automatic set-up and operation , user-friendly HMIs etc . so we are working on these . We have some standard automation products but are seeing more and more customisation in automation .
ISMR : Which hurdles have you faced this year and what are your expectations for next year ?
GLG : In the last 24 months , we have all been facing the challenge of COVID-19 . From March to Sep 2020 , our business decreased because of the pandemic . However , as soon as activity restarted , business picked up very rapidly and 2021 was our best sales year ever .
We now see some slow-down in the market , starting in February this year with the war in Ukraine , supply-chain issues and rising energy costs and material prices etc . Finding components and semiconductors has been challenging and has delayed some deliveries , but the situation is slowly improving .
We basically expect 2023 to be a transition year and , hopefully before the end of next year , many of these issues will be resolved .
ISMR : Please explain your technical focus and vision over the next few years ?
GLG : We are convinced that laser technology is still a young technology , compared to other machine-tool technologies . We will continue to focus on laser and aim to offer higher laser powers with improved accuracy with , in some applications , mechanical tooling processes to our customers . That means less stress on the material , better overall quality and better part design .
We also produce direct diode laser technology , which has a lot of growth potential . It ’ s an interesting technology , but not so easy for cutting applications . It requires a very high-quality laser . It is difficult to increase direct-diode power for cutting applications . At the moment , we offer 6kW of power for this technology and have no immediate plans to increase these power levels .
The CST automation system at EuroBLECH 2022 .
FG-400 NEO tube cutter
“ The FG-400 NEO can streamline production and improve performance by running multiple processes in one machine from 3D cutting to tapping , drilling , chamfering and flow-drilling when equipped with the optional tapping unit . The system is ideally suited for large-sized tubes and pipes , including round , square and rectangular cross-sections ; as well as H , I and L beams . By combining a new 3D laser head with A-axis , B-axis and fibre laser technology , it can facilitate the stable machining of complex shapes and highly reflective materials , such as copper and brass . The 4-chucks system provides additional stability by preventing material distortion during processing ,” Mazak told ISMR .
To complement the machine , Mazak has developed a set of quality-of-life functions including part nesting , tool simulation and a tool path monitor to increase set-up times and enable continuous production .
ISMR : Where do you see the greatest challenges and opportunities ?
GLG : The greatest challenge and opportunity , in my view , is customer care and keeping customers satisfied . That means better service ; better support ; new techniques ; new functionality on machines and a continuous focus on higher productivity levels . Personal relationships , service and customer care are real differentiators .
All manufacturers face common challenges , such as rising energy costs etc . We have developed a ‘ Go Green ’ strategy , with a focus on sustainability , and have set a target to eliminate CO₂ emissions by 2030 . We started the process in 2010 and have already reached some of our targets in the programme .
We are strongly committed to reducing our environmental footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 . Our machines are designed to reduce emission levels . Both new machines on display at EuroBLECH 2022 leverage our laser beam shaping and fibre technology . The fibre laser-cutting machine can reduce energy consumption by five times compared to a CO₂ machine . Fibre technology can also deliver significant cost reductions and energy savings ( up to 60 % compared to our previous models ), while providing high cutting speeds and quality for both thick and thin materials .
These challenges should also be seen as opportunities that will strengthen our relationship with our customers and improve our market positioning .
ISMR : Thank you for your time . n