Cupples' J&J Co. Inc.

Jackson, Tenn.-based fabricator Cupples’ J&J Co. has a reputation for pushing the fiber laser cutting envelope. To obtain that perfect cut edge using high-powered fiber laser technology requires optimal gas flow, good material, attention to detail, and a lot of patience.

Tennessee-based Cupples’ J&J Co. has been pushing the limits of high-power fiber laser cutting for years. The strategy has helped the metal fabricator become a leader in rapidly growing markets.

It’s been a busy month on the trade and tariff fronts. The Trump administration expanded Section 232 tariffs on various steel and aluminum products, while China has cut back its tariffs in the face of the Phase 1 trade deal and spreading coronavirus. What does it mean for metal fabricators?

In this 50th year of The FABRICATOR, we’re diving deep and running a series on the cutting department. Tennessee metal fabricator Cupples’ J&J Company takes an unusual approach to work flow with its 19 laser cutting machines. Considering the operation has near-perfect on-time delivery, the approach is working.

In this 50th year of The FABRICATOR, we’re diving deep and running a series on the cutting department. First up: Taking a look at the current state of the laser/combo punch. The verdict: Stand-alone punches might not be everywhere, but punching isn’t going anywhere.