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Metal processor shortens lead times with fiber laser system

Clint Warren, assistant general manager and business development manager of Port City Metal Services, runs a job on the company’s fiber laser.

Situation

Established in 1977, Port City Metal Services is a provider of complete metal processing services in Tulsa, Okla. Over the years the company has continued to invest in new technology, allowing it to adapt easily to growing industry demands.

The company’s laser cutting capabilities have given customers multiple options to increase productivity. Recently Port City saw a need to upgrade its laser fleet from CO2 to fiber to help increase throughput and decrease maintenance downtime.

Resolution

The firm considered several fiber laser systems—spending more than a year researching and studying features, automation options, feed rates, and production monitoring capabilities--before choosing a Mitsubishi eX-F 8-kW fiber laser machine from MC Machinery Systems.

Ultimately Port City chose the system based on several main features.

The Zoom cutting head allows the company to process the full spectrum of material thickness, while the machine’s River Navigation System’s robustness and control functions will allow for an easy integration for future growth.

In addition, the remote360 monitoring system is “extremely intuitive and shares important information on production jobs,” said Clint Warren, assistant general manager and business development manager. This web-based application provides real-time access to an extensive amount of data, including machine operation and alarm states, maintenance timers, active alarms, diagnostics, program header content, and active job information.

With the fiber laser machine in place, Port City can process and work with reflective materials such as brass and copper. Cutting these materials with CO2 lasers often was risky because of resonator and optic damage from back-reflection. The company also has shortened lead times for customers, especially those with components that require abundant piercings and internal geometries.

MC Machinery Systems

www.mcmachinery.com