Fibre lasers are the most efficient way for laser cutting. The laser beam is created by an active fibre and transmitted over a transport fibre to the machine cutting head. Fibre lasers are signifi­cantly smaller than CO₂ lasers and generate several times the power for the same current. A fibre cutting system is primarily suited for processing thin to thick sheet metal from steel, stainless steel, aluminium and also other non-ferrous metals (copper and brass). See our 3Kw fibre laser in action:

What are the benefits to Fiber Laser Cutting?

• Cost. Fiber laser is delivered through a laser optic cable instead of mirrors and channel used by CO2 laser cutting machine. Reducing power loss and increasing energy efficiency, lowering production costs.
• Cutting Edge. Falcon Precision are well known as a specialist in manufacturing electronics cases for many industries, including medical, industrial computers & military. This requires a high volume of thin sheet metal to be cut quickly. Our laser can cut a variety of materials with clean edges, requiring no additional deburring.
• Interchangeable beds. Our fiber laser machine has a dual interchangeable platform where materials and finished cutting sheets can be loaded/unloaded whilst the machine is still cutting. Reducing downtime.
• Maintenance. Our fibre laser requires less maintenance and downtime than a CO2 laser, saving worry and money. A CO2 laser machine requires regular and annual maintenance, including component replacements, which can cost thousands of dollars per year.
• Reflective Material. One of the major problems when using a traditional laser is in regards to reflective material. There is the chance a laser may bounce off the reflective material, which in turn will damage the equipment. Due to this, traditional lasers are not often used when cutting brass, aluminum and copper. With fiber optic lasers though, this reflective material problem is no longer an issue, which in turn allows for the cutting of these materials.

Click here to see the type of work we can offer in our showroom.

How to take advantage

One goal in designing for manufacturing is to achieve a simple solution rather than a complex one. After all, complex designs are more challenging to manage, increase the risk of errors, and generate waste in the form of materials, energy, labour, and time. Laser cutting is a suitable tool for creating components of all shapes and sizes and is one of the most efficient and cost-effective fabrication methods. Complex cuts with superior edge quality can be accomplished accurately with fibre laser cutting. Precision laser beams can create close-tolerance components quickly, cleanly, and efficiently, with minimal operator intervention.

To see how Falcon can help your company’s metal cutting requirements, click the link below to contact us directly.

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Building work on the 1,250ft² extension will commence in the coming weeks & once completed will benefit all aspect of our manufacturing capabilities. Once the extension is complete we will be using this as an opportune moment to organise the entire factory. Increasing the floor space of certain key work centres & improving the work flow helping to reduce in-efficiencies across production.

Benefits

• All sheet metal will now be stored directly next to the main three work centres that use it. Currently only our most frequently used materials were stored next to these work centres due to a lack of space. To process other materials, pallets needed to be transported between two separate roller doors. The Bystronic fiber laser, Motorum CNC turret punch and the guillotine operations will all benefit. This reduction in down-time means that more of the operator’s time can be spent at the machine, cutting parts.
• Two additional closed off bays will be added to our sheet metal fabrication area. A welding bay and a separate grinding/polishing bay will be added alongside our current work centre. This increase in our sheet metal fabrication capabilities is a reflection of a number of successful years in this department.
• Our in-house assembly work centre will be gaining more floor space. Falcon has seen a rise in customers wanting us to pre-assemble their sheet metal computer cases. This can be to aid quality checks, reduce the shipping/storage size or to speed up assembly in their production line. This extension will allow us to take on more of this type of work, with our reputation as a specialist in sheet metal fabrication growing year on year.
• Our ‘key walkways’ will all be widened throughout the factory. All key walkways will now be wide enough for a 1200 x 1200mm pallet to move easily to all work centres. These will also be clearly colour coded for health and safety considerations.
• The extra space will also facilitate the purchase of new machinery over the coming year,s to further modernise and increase production.

The extension to the factory is the second major improvement to be carried out at Falcon this year, with high spec LED lighting having been fitted in February 2019. This has proven to be a popular decision with both our staff and our customers since the installation. See our post from earlier this year for more information. https://www.falconprecision.co.uk/news/led-floodlights-sheet-metal

The extension is set to be completed early 2020 and will only minimally impact operations at Falcon as work progresses. We will be updating our site with pictures of the build over autumn/winter.

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1. Reduced lead times

This is the number one reason why companies stick with UK manufacturing, consistently low lead times. We regularly have customers needing a rush job due to an unexpectedly long lead time from another country. Our customers are regularly quoted 8-14 weeks, often coming out more, whilst our lead time is just four weeks. We know of customers who have missed delivery deadlines due to receipt of late parts and have then had to air freight the parts despite only quoting for sea-freight. These types of situations can quickly add on tens of thousands, very often as a hidden cost that shows up when it’s too late.

2. The ‘green’ option

As much as has been written about UK manufacturing in recent years, more has been written about human impact on the environment. It is not just the shipping of your products that have an impact on the environment, it is the way in which those parts are made. There are numerous studies which show how product/material recycling, packaging and processing is more environmentally efficient than having parts made in a number of countries abroad.

3. Tighter control over quality

We regularly welcome designers, buyers and quality control inspectors into Falcon to go through our processes. For the majority of our customers this can be done in less than two hours and is well worth it. In January 2019 we shipped over 50,000 parts with a reject rate of less than 0.3%.

4. Smaller MOQ

More and more companies are moving over to a ‘leaner’ production structure and understand the hidden costs and drawbacks of stock. Due to our low MOQ set-up, our customers are able to react quickly to demands and opportunities as they arise, very often winning them more business.

5. No hidden fees

There are no import fees, taxes or air-freight charges when you buy from us. Over 99% of our parts are either delivered by one of our vehicles, or are shipped for overnight delivery.

To see how UK sheet metal manufacturing can help your company’s requirements, click the link below to contact us directly.

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This latest investment in new equipment demonstrates Falcon’s continuing commitment to our customers by offering a more comprehensive and improved service.

If you would like to find out more about our welding capabilities please do not hesitate to contact us.

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