Stratford Tools takes first UK Trumpf Trumatic 6000 punch/laser cutter

The configuration of the TruMatic 6000 at Stratford Tools includes SheetMaster automation and cart system, GripMaster automation, descending die technology and TruTops punch software. This level of automation allows the company to run unmanned, lights-out. The machine is also specified with 2 kW TruFlow laser source. According to company manager Stephen Cooke, the machine is being used to process everything from small brackets to large panels in all materials and thicknesses ranging from 0.7 to 3 mm. Processes offered by Stratford Tools include estimating, planning, designing, programming, laser cutting, punching, folding, welding, finishing, assembly, packing and dispatch. The Buckingham-based company occupies a 75,000 ft² temperature controlled facility. Its 42 employees serve customers in sectors such as audio, broadcasting, defence, retail, security, IT and industrial instrumentation. Its annual turnover is about £4.2 million. "We assess the suitability of each product before production, and focus on eliminating further tapping, forming and countersink processes," he says. "We also try to batch similar materials and products as efficiently as we can, so as to increase machine uptime." Cooke adds that the TruMatic 6000 has introduced numerous advantages to production operations at Stratford Tools. "Typically we are finding that the TruMatic 6000 has improved the quality and reduced the run-time down to one third of the previous methods of production," he says. "Previously, the type of product that we now manufacture on the TruMatic 6000 would have been produced on two separate production machines: a standalone laser and a turret punch," he says. "Although this was effective, it had a significant impact on capacity and labour content as sales increased."