Laser Plotter

Whenever a fabrication shop processes a quote for laser cutting and machining of steel or aluminium components for sectors with regulations like construction, aerospace, oil and gas, and rail, the discussions typically move to the subject of paperwork rather than pricing. Mill certs, material traceability, batch numbers… they aren’t just for the sake of ‘ticking boxes’ — these are required by the customer’s quality department to validate that what was delivered to them matches what was ordered. For manufacturers and purchasing departments dealing with laser cutting services, a little effort to understand traceability is worthwhile, as it impacts the way a job is quoted and the expectations set for accompanying...

The fume extraction system is just as important as the spot size, kerf width or cutting speed. It is one of the important components that allows your laser cutting operation to be legally compliant and fully operational. Your workshop will be cutting mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and coated materials resulting in the production of particulate, metal oxide fumes along with some other potentially harmful gases depending on the material being processed. If you get fume extraction wrong, you will create more than just an unpleasant working environment. Poor fume extraction could lead to a business being legally cited and fined for failure to meet health and safety code compliance,...

Control systems are an important part of any industrial facility, but in industries that deal with critical infrastructure such as power distribution, or even gas networks, there’s a lot more going on than just buttons and digital displays. Users also need to be able to understand and manage the processes as a whole. That’s where mimic panels are useful. A mimic panel displays a process or an industrial system in a control panel, where all the lights and indicators show actual equipment and processes. The control panel, ‘mimics’ the real-world system, and provides a simple way of understanding the system layout. This also increases the response time of the operators...

The toughest challenge the engineers have when sitting down to design components for aircraft engines, is to find materials that can withstand the punishing conditions and maintain structural integrity over decades of service. AMS 5659 has become one answer to this problem, but its name tells you nothing about why it matters. What Exactly Is AMS 5659? AMS 5659 is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel commonly referred to as 15-5 PH. “AMS” stands for Aerospace Material Specification; which represents an alloy that meets the stringent requirements as put forth by SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers). The composition contains about 17% chromium and 4% nickel, along with additions of...

Aluminium panels offer versatile functionality, durability and aesthetics for building projects. When selecting the right aluminium panels, consider factors like your location, budget, required performance and visual goals. Follow this guide to identify the ideal aluminium panels for residential, commercial or industrial projects. Assess Environmental Conditions Consider the climate and environmental conditions the panels will need to withstand. Areas with salt air, pollution or extreme weather call for marine-grade aluminium that resists corrosion. Fire-resistant aluminium is prudent in hot, arid regions. Durability ensures long-lasting beauty. Determine Needed Strength The thickness, alloy and temper of aluminium panels impact durability and noise absorption. Commercial structures may require thicker 5000 series panels. Tempered...