This has increased cutting speeds by up to 600% on metal with a thickness of 3 mm and below, and 400% on materials of from 4 to 10 mm. In addition, the new machine uses only 50 kW/hr of electricity against 98kwWhr, which will save approximately 75 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Colin Trewhitt, Econ Engineering’s fabrication manager, said: “Now installed, the new laser cutter is already delivering benefits for our businesses. Econ supplies and services the highways industry, so we did not close down during the Covid-19 pandemic, we adapted our working practices and continued throughout, whilst carefully observing strict health and safety policies ensuring the welfare of employees and customers.
“Since its installation, the new machine is cutting aluminium, stainless steel and mild steel faster than its predecessor whilst using a fraction of power, which was a key consideration for us in purchasing it in the first place.
“With winter just four months away, this is traditionally our busiest period, manufacturing gritters, snowploughs and spares, for the growing Econ fleets across the country.
“And thanks to the investment in the laser cutter, we are now achieving this more efficiently, and with reduced energy costs.”