First Amada laser/punch outside Japan is in UK

"Since it was installed in February, our new C1 has been busy helping us tackle a new contract we recently secured from a blue chip customer," explained managing director Paul Martin. "The machine's sheet size [the C1 is available in 1270 by 1270 mm and 2000 by 1270 mm bed sizes] and functionality, particularly the three active die stations for enhanced forming capability, have provided the opportunity to improve our margin." Fifteen-employee Hallmark traded-in its existing Amada X1 laser profiling centre in exchange for the new C1 combination machine. "Although the X1 laser is a fantastic machine, unfortunately it doesn't ideally suit our marketplace at the moment," he added. "When we bought the machine in 2006 we hoped to diversify, but it didn't happen, and after I saw the new C1 combination machine at the EuroBLECH exhibition last October, I just felt it would provide improved productivity for the type of contracts we handle." One of the principal reasons for this is the C1's in-line MP-C1 automated load/unload system that offers Hallmark the ability to run unmanned day and night. In addition, the additional punching and forming capability provides the company with the potential to complete parts on a single machine. "It's no secret that punching is faster than laser cutting when it comes to the use of standard tooling to produce repeat features," Mr Martin said. "For this reason, we now punch as many features as we can on our new C1 to achieve better cost per part, while for aesthetic profiling we use the laser, or on apertures for which we have no tool." Aside from punching and laser profiling, Hallmark offers forming, finishing and assembly along with associated design services, if required.