Suprarex machine cuts steel plate 125% faster

ESAB Cutting Systems' profile cutting technology is playing a major role in the successful production of mobile crushing and screening equipment by Fintec Crushing and Screening. Fintec is part of the Sandvik Group of companies and manufactures products for the demolition, recycling and extractive industries. In 2008 it won The Queens Award for Export Achievement.

The company has made a considerable investment in production its facilities at Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. This has included a new 55,000sq-ft extension to its manufacturing facility where the company makes extensive use of ESAB Cutting Systems' profile cutting equipment. Following the latest investment, there are now six ESAB Suprarex cutting machines, which together provide a highly flexible fully automated cutting facility and, as a result of these investments, the company now carries out its cutting in-house and does not have to rely upon outside sub-contractors.

No operator intervention

Fintec cuts mild steel with thicknesses of 2-20mm on the ESAB Suprarex SXE-P1 machines. The latest machine features Vision CNC control equipped with a cutting and marking database that saves time and eliminates the risk of errors when a job is being set up. The ESAB 200A precision plasma power source includes all the preset cutting parameters and together this technology effectively eliminates the need for operator intervention. When different parts are to be cut, one button adjusts the plasma cutting parameters to the correct material thickness.

Using the same technology, the plasma cutting torches can be used for marking the plate. This facilitates second operations such as marking bend lines, on-site modifications and letter identification.

The creation of CAD drawings of component parts is the first stage of the cutting process and these are processed by programming software that has helped the company to reduce inventory by moving away from batch cutting to an as required daily basis.

Higher cutting speeds

A major advantage of the investment for Fintec has been the ability to increase cutting speeds by approximately 30 per cent on the 2-10mm plate sizes, and by around 125 per cent on 12-20mm plate. Reduced running costs are also being achieved through the use of longer life consumables and compressed air rather than nitrogen as the start gas. The quality of cut achieved also means that other operations including fettling are minimised.

Production times are further optimised by the Suprarex's dual loading capability so that loading/unloading of plate can take place while the machine continues to cut. The plasma power source allows the cutting and marking of plate to be carried out without having to change the torch. To complete the installation, a fume extraction table has been included to ensure compliance with all health and safety legislation.

Fintec's Richard Taylor, responsible for factory purchase, comments on the success of the ESAB installations at Fintec: "We find ESAB Suprarex machines reliable, robust, and operator- and maintenance-friendly. They are cost-effective in the production of steel plate components. Service is the key. ESAB has a qualified engineer based in Northern Ireland and that makes the difference. With such critical production machines, breakdowns must be addressed - and resolved - promptly. ESAB's response time is generally same-day, or early the next morning, if any problem cannot be resolved there and then by telephone."

For more information contact ESAB Cutting Systems; telephone +44 (0)1264 332233, email Ian Kirkpatrick at [email protected] or visit www.esab.co.uk.