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Cutting architectural metalwork

Dunstable-based Steel & Glass Solutions has taken delivery of a new Nukon Rex 315 6 kW 2D fibre laser cutting machine from Nukon Lasers UK. The machine was ordered at the UK’s MACH 2022 machine tool exhibition, with installation postponed until Steel & Glass Solutions moved into purposebuilt new premises.

Steel & Glass Solutions produces architectural metalwork for some of the UK’s most iconic building projects. Earlier this year, with a growing order book, the business decided it was time to invest in its own flat sheet metal laser cutting capability.

“Traditionally, we have relied on outsourcing the laser cutting of the high-end polished steel fabrications and steel cladding panels used in our designs,” said production director, Warren Few. “However, these would sometimes arrive with imperfections, meaning they would have to be sent back. Additionally, outsourcing laser cutting meant we couldn’t always react quite as quickly as we would like to customer needs. We were also aware that having our own fibre laser cutting capability on site would help us to remain as competitive as possible in these times of high energy prices.”

Steel & Glass Solutions chose the Nukon Rex 2D fibre laser machine for its ability to cut intricate shapes and pieces with speed and precision, supported by fast, easy programming –essential for a business dealing with short product runs and complex, different projects. A Nukon machine can accommodate sheet dimensions of 3050 mm x 1530 mm and is equipped with a 6 kW nLIGHT fibre laser, with cutline beam shaping technology for a superior edge finish.

“We appreciate that the Nukon Rex is a very fast machine. But for us, the real benefit has been the quality of the parts produced and the ease of programming. The Nukon Lasers UK team helped immeasurably in getting our laser cutting capability up and running. Perhaps what’s most impressive is that if they don’t have an immediate answer to a cutting challenge, they don’t blag it, they solve it. For example, a nesting issue for a particularly complex design was resolved with a quick call to Lantek, who linked up with our PC in under 15 seconds.”

Steel & Glass Solutions has over 20 years’ experience in architectural metalwork. Projects include the design and manufacture of complex, intricate metalwork for the Whitechapel and Bond Street Elizabeth Line stations, as well as exquisite balustrades, framework and metalwork for many highend, bespoke residences and office buildings in London and the South of the UK.

8 steelandglasssolutions.com

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