FOCUS ON LASER CUTTING
“ The TruDisk 3kW laser is at the heart of a new system that can perform a variety of different tasks : laser additive manufacturing / cladding to build or repair parts using powder or wire ; laser welding and laser hardening .”
TRUMPF TruDisk highpower , solid-state laser .
ENTERING NEW MARKETS
Laser Additive Solutions Ltd in the UK has purchased a second TruDisk solid-state laser to enable it to enter the 3D laser-cutting market .
Laser Additive Solutions Ltd ( LAS ) in the UK , a rapidly expanding provider of laserprocessing services , has invested in its second TRUMPF TruDisk high-power , solidstate laser . Featuring two fibre heads , the new laser will allow LAS to add 3D laser cutting to its ever-expanding portfolio of processes .
Formed in 2015 , the team at LAS has over 30 years of combined experience in precision laser repair , manufacture and joining processes . Customers include blue-chip companies operating in the aerospace , power generation , transport and military sectors . The ISO9001-accredited company also works closely with a range of UK SMEs and universities .
“ We undertake a lot of R & D projects where we develop a repair process before taking it into serial production ,” explained LAS managing director , Peter Brown . “ However , while our background is in repair we ’ re moving more into laser-based manufacturing .” the repair and welding of nuclear industry parts made from exotic metals . The oil and gas market is also strong for the company . LAS recently had a large industrial pump component on one of its machines that measured 6.5m long and weighed around one tonne . The machine rotates the part at a speed suitable for cladding application using a laser .
“ In addition , we undertake collaborative research projects in the UK and Europe ,” said Peter Brown . “ That ’ s the reason for our acquisition of a new TRUMPF TruDisk laser : we
Peter Brown , Managing Director , LAS with his new solid-state laser .
High-integrity parts
LAS typically handles high-integrity , highvalue parts , including many for the aero-engine sector . Power-generation turbine repairs are another key revenue stream , along with