Page 16 - MetalForming February 2010

Power-Packed
Laser Fuels Contract Fabricator’s Growth
A new high-power laser-cutting system, with dual pallets rather than a single cutting table, helps a supplier to the irrigation-systems industry expand into traffic-control products and general contract manufacturing.
It’s a nice problem to have, when com- bined vertical and horizontal growth from new and expanding markets leaves a manufacturer wondering how to increase metal-fabricating capacity from its existing shop-floor space. Faced with just this opportunity (and challenge), irrigation-systems manu- facturer Lindsay Corp., near Omaha, NE, found the solution with a new higher-capacity laser-cutting system (a model CL-850 from Cincinnati Inc.) combined with a dual-pallet work changer.
Lately, while continuing to develop and manufacture irrigation-system equipment as its bread and butter, Lind- say has expanded into new markets to leverage its array of manufacturing capabilities, particularly among agri- cultural and construction-equipment companies. One such relationship led the firm, in 2006, to acquire Barrier Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of move- able safety barriers for highway-traffic management.
New Laser Doubles Throughput
Faced with accelerated growth from its expanding business lines, Lindsay engi- neers recognized the need to signifi- cantly increase throughput and the effi- ciency and flexibility offered of its sheet- and plate-fabrication department. The company processes steel from 20 gauge to 0.75 in., while the CL-850 (5000-W) is rated for mild steel to 11⁄8 in.
“The new laser-cutting center pro- vided just the increase in speed and thickness range we needed to accom- modate the growth we were experienc- ing,” says manufacturing engineer Jim Belzer. “The laser doubled productivity compared to our previous machine and allows us to cut plate to 3⁄4 in. (compared to 1⁄2 in. before) and process plate that we used to plasma cut.
“The laser is much faster than plas- ma cutting, plus it gives us superior edge quality,” Belzer adds. Plasma-cut plate typically requires post-process deburring or machining, adding throughput time, labor cost and more
The new 5000-W dual-pallet laser- cutting machine at Lindsay Corp. has doubled productivity compared to the firm’s previous laser-cutting machine, and processes primarily mild steel to 1⁄4 in. thick. The machine features two 6- x 12-ft. pallets and pallet change take just seconds, enabling nearly nonstop cutting.
complex work scheduling. Meanwhile, the laser system’s cutting head fea- tures AutoFocus lenses of 5-, 7.5- and 10-in. focal length. The lenses allow the focus points to be instantly adjust- ed between piercing and cutting, for optimal processing.
14 METALFORMING / FEBRUARY 2010
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