Page 34 - MetalForming March 2013

4-kW Laser
Perks-Up Perforator’s Productivity
Since McKey Perforating substituted a new high-power CO2 laser-cutting machine for its aging existing machine, the benefits have piled up. Improved productivity, edge quality and cycle times all are contributing to a streamlined return on investment.
McKey Perforating Co., Inc., New Berlin, WI, perforates parts for a broad range of industries, including construction, agricultural, automotive and architec- tural. The diversity of its work pres- ents the challenge of processing all types of materials, including light- gauge sheetmetal, exotic alloys and heavy plate, to increasingly high accu- racy requirements and just-in-time schedules.
To maintain its competitiveness, McKey, a wholly owned subsidiary of Diamond Mfg. and part of the Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. recently invest- ed in a gantry-style CO2 laser-cutting machine (a 4-kW LVD Strippit Sirius 3015 Plus). The machine, installed late in 2011, has increased McKey’s pro- ductivity 20 percent, improved part edge quality and reduced cycle times.
The machine’s cutting head generates “clean cuts” and accommodates 5- and 7.5-in. quick-change lenses.
McKey Perforating’s Sirius 3015 Plus laser-cutting machine includes an inte- grated automatic shuttle table; table changeout occurs in less than 30 sec.
McKey purchased the Sirius 3015 to replace older laser-cutting technolo- gy, with the goals of increasing speed and accuracy, and introducing automa- tion to the process. “When it comes to sheet or plate work, we have lots of value-added opportunity, one of which is laser-cutting of special shapes,” says vice president of sales Jim Thurman. “Customers are asking for more sec- ondary services and are inclined to work with a company that can provide more of those services.”
150 Years of Metal Perforating
McKey was founded in 1860 in Chicago, and moved to New Berlin, WI, in 1957. It cut its teeth providing heavy-gauge perforated flooring for breweries and for the mining industry. Perforated metal gains favor for its ability to separate, size or filter solids,
32 MetalForming/March 2013
www.metalformingmagazine.com