ISMR September 2021 | Page 16

INDUSTRY NEWS

The sharp edge

Continuous investment has always been key to Charles Day ’ s success and , with its latest addition to the laser fleet , it shows no signs of slowing down . The UK subcontractor ’ s purchase of a new Bystronic ByStar 15kW Fibre laser cutter , with a cutting bed of 6000mm x 2500mm , has broadened its service offering .
From humble beginnings , Charles Day founded the business as a specialist flame cutting service in 1976 , where its first site consisted of a single machine in a small workshop . From there , it has grown into one of the largest and most diverse specialist cutting providers in the UK having been an early adopter of laser and waterjet cutting technology . The company now boasts six flatbed lasers , three large-bed waterjet cutting systems and three flame cutting machines , as well as a sister company specialising in tube laser cutting .
“ The addition of a 15kW laser is a big step forward in our large capacity and capability offering ,” said James Day , Operations Director , Charles Day . “ With the ability to cut thicker material [ up to 50mm ] at such a high speed on this new laser , we also increase the capacity on our existing five lasers by focusing material thickness to our most productive machine .” Charles Day has five other lasers ( 3 x 6kW and 2 x 10kW on 4000mm x 2000mm cutting beds ) allowing for short lead times on projects of all sizes .
This is the first machine of its kind in the
UK , Bystronic told ISMR , and the ability to cut with 15kW of power on such a large cutting bed “ means customers will benefit from tighter tolerances on parts up to 6000mm long ”. These would otherwise need to be cut using other methods such as plasma or flame .
“ Achieving laser tolerances on parts up to 6000mm is a gamechanger ,” added Charlie Day , sales and business development director . “ Where typically larger and thicker parts are limited to the tolerances of flame and plasma cutting methods [ often having to be split and welded together later ], this machine will offer customers greater part flexibility at competitive prices whilst maintaining short lead times .”
The subcontractor , with over 40 years of experience , also recently purchased a Bystronic Xpert Pro press brake ( 150 tonne , 3100mm width ). n

An eye on aluminium

Ball Corporation , one of the world ’ s leading manufacturers of recyclable aluminium beverage packaging , is planning to significantly increase its manufacturing capacity , with new facilities in the UK and Russia .
“ With an increasing consumer call for more sustainable purchasing options and a growing number of new brands and beverage categories choosing cans , demand for aluminium packaging is rapidly expanding around the world . Each facility would produce , from 2023 , billions of cans a year , across a range of formats and sizes , and provide up to 200 skilled jobs in a fast-growing but stable sector ,” said the manufacturer .
In the UK , Ball has identified a site at the SEGRO Park Kettering Gateway , an established industrial development in Northamptonshire . Ball has submitted its formal application to North Northamptonshire Council and anticipates breaking ground during 2021 , following a period of public consultation . The planned Kettering plant will represent Ball ’ s third beverage can manufacturing facility in the UK , adding capacity to its established plants in Milton Keynes and Wakefield . The plant will supply cans for domestic customers in a growing range of categories , which now includes hard seltzers , wines and readyto-drink cocktails , together with pure and enhanced water brands .
To serve the fast-growing Russian market , especially in the beer and energy drinks categories , Ball is planning to build a plant in Ulyanovsk in Western Russia . Ball Beverage Packaging Naro-Fominsk has signed a cooperation agreement for its construction with the Ulyanovsk Regional Government , who in June also awarded the development ‘ Highly Significant Investment Project ’ status .
The Ulynavosk plant will take the total in Russia to four , with established manufacturing facilities in Naro-Fominsk , Moscow Region ; Vesvolozhsk , St . Petersburg Region and Argayash , Chelyabinsk Region .
Aluminium drinks cans are the world ’ s most widely recycled beverage packaging with an 82 % recycling rate in the UK and 76 % across Europe .
Rudi Leenards , General Director , Ball Beverage Packaging Naro-Fominsk , commented : “ We are firmly committed to the Russian market and are pleased to support so many of our domestic customers enjoying unprecedented demand . With sustainability a key concern for the next generation of consumers , we anticipate infinitely recyclable aluminium packages to play a growing role in
Aluminium cans ( generic image ).
the development of a truly circular economy that will be embraced in Russia and beyond .”
According to new analysis from ResearchandMarkets . com , the global aluminium cans market reached a value of US $ 45.51 billion in 2020 . Aluminium cans currently represent one of the most widely used containers , owing to their ability to preserve the quality and flavour of the contents . These cans can be reprocessed and require less care during handling and distribution . The cans are also easily mouldable , which provides manufacturers with ease of printing . They are also lightweight , strong , easy to handle and highly resistant to corrosion , air , light and moisture . n
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