MTL Advanced has further strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading large-format laser cutting specialists with the installation of the country’s first TRUMPF TruLaser 3060 6m x 2.5m 24kW laser, the largest 24kW TRUMPF laser currently operating in the UK.
The new machine represents another significant investment by MTL Advanced, part of WEC Group, as the company continues its long-standing strategy of investing heavily each year in the latest advanced manufacturing technology to increase capacity and grow the business in a sustainable way.
Featuring a large 6m x 2.5m cutting bed, the TruLaser 3060 is designed specifically for processing oversized sheets and long components. While many laser cutting operations typically run machines with cutting beds around 3m x 1.5m or 4m x 2m, MTL Advanced has focused its recent investments on significantly larger formats to better support customers producing large structural components, heavy fabrications and complex assemblies.
The machine is capable of cutting mild steel up to approximately 60mm thick, stainless steel and aluminium up to 40mm, copper up to 16mm and brass up to 12.7mm, enabling MTL Advanced to process a wide range of materials and heavy plate sections with high levels of precision and efficiency. The larger working area also improves material utilisation and reduces the need for secondary operations when processing large parts.
The installation follows MTL Advanced’s recent investment in three XXL-format lasers from LVD Group with maximum bed size of 16m x 3.2m. With these additions, the company now operates an entirely large-format laser cutting fleet, providing customers with the ability to process significantly larger sheets and components compared to other laser cutting companies.
Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced, commented: “This new investment represents another major milestone for MTL Advanced. Our focus has always been on investing in technology that allows us to process larger and more complex components efficiently for the benefit of our customers. “
“With this new machine and our other recent XXL laser installations, we now operate a laser cutting facility built entirely around large-format capability. Combined with the ability to cut thicker materials with speed and precision, it means shorter lead times, greater flexibility and a more cost-effective solution for customers working on large-scale and complex fabrication projects”
The investment comes during a period of significant growth for the business. MTL Advanced recruited more than 150 additional employees over the past year to support increasing demand across its operations and continues to expand its workforce through an ongoing recruitment campaign.
By combining continued investment in large-scale manufacturing technology with a rapidly growing team, MTL Advanced is well positioned to support increasingly large, complex and high-volume fabrication projects across sectors including defence, construction, energy, transport and heavy engineering.