A BLM Adige LT 712D CNC tube laser has eliminated inaccuracies and work-in-progress, while work accuracy has also eliminated welding jigs as tubular parts can now be tagged ready for welding.

The decision by Hydram Sheet Metalwork to purchase a LT 712D tube laser was based in part on the performance and reliability of its BLM Dynamo CNC tube bender, BLM Group’s acknowledged expertise in tube processing, and the new machine’s 8.5m tube length processing capacity Hydram Sheet Metalwork was also impressed by the build quality of the machine, its off-line programming capability, the service and support provided by BLM Group UK, and the experiences of other end-users Operations director at Hydram.

David Greatorex, said: “Where we would previously have used several machines to process tubular components, we now use the tube laser and have eliminated inaccuracies and work-in-progress.

It has also impacted on operations downstream, for example, by eliminating the need for welding jigs as parts can now be tagged”.

He explained: “All of this has enabled us to take cost out of the job because it is not just about cutting faster, it is about revisiting the entire production process from design to delivery of the completed component”.

The BLM Adige LT 712D with a 2500W laser is equipped with a Siemens Sinumerik 840D CNC and can process round, square, rectangular and flat-sided oval section tube up to 152mm diameter.

Off-line programming software specifically developed for the machining of tubes produces new programs quickly and easily, typically less than 10 min from drawing to finished part.

The Siemens control allows the operator to manage all the main functions, including program downloads.

Fast set-up and change-over times - around 3 min - mean that short batches can be managed as cost-effectively as longer production runs.

In addition to sheet metal processes such as CNC punching, presswork, folding and rolling, and its expertise in laser tube cutting and profiling, Hydram also offers MIG/TIG welding of mild, stainless steel and aluminium.

Precision CNC machining is also available.

Parts can be powder coated prior to final assembly and delivery.

“We consider Hydram to be one of the top sheet metalworking companies in the UK, with more than 150 customers spread across virtually every industry sector,” said Greatorex.

“However, the objective is to be confirmed as world class when assessed against the criteria typically used by ‘blue chip’ manufacturing companies such as Nissan.

It is, of course, difficult to compare our performance with businesses operating outside of the sheet metal sector and especially those serving high-volume production markets.

However, we have concentrated on key aspects such as cost, quality and delivery, and have arrived at target figures that we believe represent a truly world class standard - for example, 99.9% of orders delivered on time and in full”.

He added: “Training, too, is a big thing for Hydram.

Last year training averaged four days per person and 90 per cent of our workforce is educated to a minimum NVQ Level 2 standard”.

Greatorex said that Hydram’s customers are benefiting from a single-source supplier pursuing a policy of continuous improvement and committed to high quality products, competitive pricing and prompt delivery.

Managing director at Hydram, John Young, commented: “The marketplace is becoming increasingly competitive, with UK companies looking to offshore manufacture or dual source as a way of combating increases in energy, material and labour costs.

To counter this trend we are investing in more efficient and productive equipment while, at the same time, looking further afield for customers within the UK and continental Europe”.

Young continued: “Tube bending is one of our core competencies and we needed to upgrade our capability in terms of automated operation.

The tube laser, on the other hand, is in addition to our flat sheet laser machining capability and has opened up new market opportunities while differentiating Hydram from its competitors”.

* About Hydram - Hydram Sheet Metalwork has invested more than GBP 2 million in capital equipment during the last two years and plans to expand its factory by a further 30,000ft2 in 2009.

With over 30 years’ experience in subcontract manufacturing and more than 150 customers spread across virtually every industry sector, Hydram has built a reputation for high quality sheet metal components, assemblies and light fabrications produced at its 70,000ft2 factory.

The company is ISO 9001:2000-accredited subcontractor.

A decade ago this 130-employee company’s customer base did not extend much beyond a 40 min drive from its location on the Chilton Industrial Estate, near Ferryhill, County Durham.

Today, the company has a much wider customer base.

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