Barrett Precision Tubes, part of the Barrett Steel Group, is the first steel stockholder to introduce fibre laser cutting to the UK by commissioning a LT FIBER laser cutting system at the Lasertube North plant in York.
Specifically designed and developed for cutting tubes and open profiles, the new technology offered by fibre laser cutting increases the range of materials that can be processed, particularly highly reflective materials such as copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminium. It therefore brings significant benefits to customers in the marine, naval, aerospace, oil, gas, petrochemical, architectural and heating and plumbing sectors.
“The benefits of the LT FIBER are huge,” says Mark Halley, Managing Director of Barrett Precision Tubes. “As well as cutting reflective materials, it offers faster cutting speeds and a smoother cut surface on the finished product.
“Compared to traditional methods, laser processing offers cost savings because of the reduction in the number of processes needed; it also offers dramatic improvements in energy efficiency, which fits in well with our ‘going green’ policy.
“The commissioning of the LT FIBER has enabled us to enhance our current range of processing facilities which include: five saws; drilling equipment; rumbling and de-burring machines; and a punch.”
The LT FIBER laser cutting system accommodates tube up to 152mm in diameter to a minimum input length of 3.2 metres and a maximum input length of 8.5 metres. Automated changeover to different size tubes can occur in as little as three minutes. The laser also has the ability to process open profile sections.
Barrett Steel’s York facility holds a wide range of metal products which includes 2000 tonnes of precision tubes and hollow sections, all available in a wide range of sizes and materials.