HTA's new automated fibre laser cutter expedites aluminium sheet processing

Coventry-based HTA Group has invested over £2 million in automated laser profiling technology in an installation that is said to be unparalleled in the UK.

The equipment comprises two 5kW TRUMPF TruLaser 5040 fibre laser cutting machines (4m by 2m format) with BrightLine fiber technology and SortMaster part sorting automation. Both machines are connected to an automated storage system via automated loading and unloading systems.

The installation will help the company enhance its customer offer, namely the supply of laser cut parts and fabrications for industries that include construction, automotive, defence, rail, renewables and oil and gas.

“We wanted to take our profiling capability to a whole new level, using the very latest technology available,” says the company’s managing director, Adam Thomas. “It was clear to us that solid-state lasers were the way forward, particularly with the advent of TRUMPF’s BrightLine fiber technology, which makes it possible to cut the full spectrum of material gauges, even thick parts, using a solid-state laser.”

Using BrightLine fiber, it is possible to switch from thin to thick sheet processing on a single machine platform without any loss of quality. Up to 25 mm thick steel, stainless steel and aluminium can be cut using a solid state laser with excellent edge quality.

“Being able to exploit the speed of our fibre laser cutter on all gauges is very exciting, particularly in light of the recent trend for re-shoring contracts back to the UK in industries such as automotive,” says Mr Thomas. “BrightLine fiber, in combination with the extensive automation capabilities of our new investment, makes HTA very attractive to automotive OEMs and tier suppliers.”

HTA acquired its first TRUMPF laser cutter in 2005, and today there are no less than six TRUMPF flat bed laser cutters on site at Coventry, along with one punching machine and seven press brakes. All are programmed using TRUMPF’s TruTops software.

HTA uses its new fibre machines to process material ranging from 0.4 to 25 mm thick. Moreover, the use of fiber laser cutters means the company can also process reflective materials such as brass and copper (up to 10mm), as well as the more typical materials like mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. Full automation ensures material loading, finished part removal and part sorting is taken care of without human intervention, while the storage system can house up to 200 tonnes of raw material.