Goodman Metal Works have recently taken delivery of the UK’s first Prima Power, 4mtr x 2mtr capacity Laser Genius. The advanced 6kw, Fiber Laser Cutting Machine boasts a rapid cutting speed and is capable of cutting 25mm thick mild steel and 20 mm thick stainless steel.
Established in 1964, Goodman Metal Works supplies mild steel, stainless steel and other material fabrication services to companies throughout the UK and Europe and specialises in large metal work fabrications of up to 25 tonnes. The family run business’ comprehensive range of manufacturing resources, including cutting, fabrication, machining, grinding, stress relieving, shot blasting, welding and painting, are housed in an impressive 45k sq. ft. production facility located on the outskirts of Nottingham.
The nature of Goodman Metal Works manufactured products are as diverse as the market sectors the company serves. In addition to other industries, Goodman Metal Works undertakes work for the construction, recycling, automotive, offshore, mining and quarrying sectors. Goodman Metal Works also manufactures a range of components for power generation and for renewables applications.
“Our service is based on experience, knowledge and reliability,” explained company Managing Director, Richard Goodman. ”From one-offs to large batch productions, we have the know-how and the systems in place to cope with all types of orders. To ensure that our customers continue to receive a quality service we employ highly skilled staff and invest in the best possible production aids.
“Our recent purchase of a Laser Genius, Fiber laser cutting machine from Prima Power UK typifies Goodman Metal Works procurement philosophy. In addition to the remarkable speed of the new machine and the high quality of its output, we bought the Laser Genius because of its excellent flexibility.
“Due to the diverse nature of our customer base we need our manufacturing plant to be as adaptable as possible. For example, we produce and supply fully assembled products for the sub-sea market, such as cable laying and safe storage solutions. In contrast, we also work with architectural designers to create stunning centre pieces and landmark structures for towns and cities.
Richard Goodman continued, “With a tolerance accuracy of 0.03mm, our innovative new Laser Genius machine provides the flexibility we need, it is capable of accommodating large plates, of up to 4m x 2m, and multiple workloads for a wide range of materials, including mild steel of up to 25mm, stainless steel of up to 20mm and aluminium up to 12mm.
“While the quality of our output and the speed and flexibility of our production systems assists our customers, it is critical that we are able to quote competitive prices. Compared to modern systems, our previously used laser cutting machine was proving uneconomical in terms of its consumption of electric and gas, in addition the machine’s maintenance costs were continually rising. Now, the use of our recently installed Prima Power machine has considerably improved our efficiencies in all of these areas. The Laser Genius has the advantage of very low power consumption, minimum maintenance needs and low consumable costs. In addition to helping us to quote competitive prices, these qualities are also ecologically beneficial.
“Although, when compared to the alternatives, the Laser Genius proved to be the most suitable laser cutting machine for our needs, our decision to purchase was also based on Prima Power’s reputation for reliability and customer service. Following a trouble free machine installation and operator training, Prima Power’s engineers have made regular visits to help ensure that we are able to maximise the machine’s potential. As the Laser Genius’ controls and software are so intuitive and easy to use, our staff have benefited from a very short learning curve. Now in full production, the machine is proving highly accurate and extremely productive.”
Nottinghamshire County Council supported Goodman Metal Works purchase of the new Prima Powers machine through a £178,000 grant from its Economic Development capital Fund.
The Council has set up the £6m fund to help businesses in the county to grow and to create employment. The fund supports projects such as land or property developments for expansion and the purchase of new equipment and machinery.
Councillor Diana Meale, Chair of the Economic Development Committee at the County Council, said: “We were very impressed by Richard’s plans to modernise and grow the company and recognised that the purchase of the Laser Genius machine was key to his vision. I’m delighted that the Council has been able to support these plans, which include the creation of13 new jobs in advanced manufacturing and engineering positions, in addition to apprenticeship opportunities.”
Prima Power boasts a comprehensive product range of high quality sheet metal fabrication machines and systems covering all aspects of sheet metal working. In addition to laser cutting, bending, welding and drilling and punching machines, Prima Power designs and manufactures combined punch/shear and punch/laser machines and provides Prima Power’s famous software suites. Through the availability of optional, advanced automation systems, Prima Power’s machine range can be supplied to suit all situations and applications.
Prima Power’s LASER product range includes machines and systems for 2D and 3D cutting, welding and drilling. The advanced Laser Genius machine, as purchased by Goodman Metal Works, was designed to speed-up and simplify all relevant applications and to improves customers’ profit margins.
The Laser Genius combines the flexibility of Prima Power’s Platino machine with excellent dynamic performance and high levels of efficiency and accuracy. Thanks to the imaginative use of materials such as carbon fibre and synthetic granite the Laser Genius is the ideal tool to enable maximum productivity in the cutting of medium-thin sheet metal.
The machine’s single, universal lens, featuring a high dynamics focal axis with 35 mm stroke, allows the cutting of all materials and thicknesses, whilst its optical chain is totally sealed and protected from any contamination. In addition to a quick alignment system (OPC), a Safe Impact Protection System (SIPS), protect the machine’s head in the event of a crash.
A wide range of nozzles suitable for a variety of application can be automatically exchanged and a high brilliance fibre laser, from 2 kW to 6 kW, provides over 30% wall-plug efficiency, with minimum maintenance and low consumables costs.
The innovative machine’s efficiency is further enhanced by the use of high-dynamics linear motors, delivering increased productivity of up to +15% when compared to traditional systems. Dedicated software suites (SMART Cut, MAX Cut and NIGHT Cut) optimise the laser cutting process for each application.
