A successful subcontractor in the Netherlands modernizes with the latest fab equipment
A customer experience platform delivers everything a fabricator needs for the ultimate in uptime
Sorting-and-stacking manpower doesn’t come easy these days. Learn how a robot is stepping in to help
Being brutally honest, one fabricator explains how his investment in a Chinese-made fiber laser has worked out
ERP software that integrates with disparate software offers sheet metal fabricators an avenue to improved efficiencies
How to incorporate quality control best practices in automotive manufacturing
The digital revolution is here and on the shop floor – the next step is building the smart factories of the future
As the nation’s only privately owned, full-line grating manufacturer, Ohio Gratings’ products are enjoyed by millions every year
Acosta Sheet Metal Mfg. partners with 99Bridges on a solution to the single-use plastic bag problem
Thanks to a new automated laser marking cell, fabricators can secure their longevity in an increasingly competitive marketplace
Modern metal service centers with access to top-notch equipment can provide quick response times
More than five years after its grand opening, the director of TRUMPF’s Smart Factory discusses the past, present and future of connected manufacturing
A new service and support app delivers on the customer’s need for consistently high productivity
Manufacturing execution software provides training and automated solutions at a critical juncture
Understanding the three tenets of laser cutting production leads to long-term success
Good welding fume extraction in the workplace benefits employee retention
In the modern era of manufacturing, automation comes in many forms
A fabricator ramps up its use of ERP software, achieving increased throughput, on-time deliveries and lower inventory costs
A Q&A reveals how software is helping to further bring automation to the shop floor
After steel providers and metal service centers shared Q3 earnings presentations, what does it mean for shops going into 2023 and beyond?
When paired with a jet of water, fiber lasers tackle the thinnest of materials with
the utmost precision and accuracy
A sawing manufacturer weighs in on advancements in technology that address the labor shortage
A new user experience concept increases the productivity of laser-based machines
At IMTS, attendees saw the newest tools and technologies addressing the biggest trends in laser marking
As the pace of manufacturing is set to ramp up, a TRUMPF Q&A provides insight and advice
With two new ultra-high-power laser cutters, a Midwest contract manufacturer is prepared for whatever the future may hold
Sawing professionals shed light on the benefits of proper fluid application in cutting operations
Checking output power on high-power production lasers leads to continuous process improvement
A 5-axis CNC laser cutting system gives a California manufacturer something to smile about
A nearly 25-year-old manufacturing company invests in a 6-kW fiber laser cutter to keep up with updates
A robot takes over polishing metal rims at an aerospace manufacturer
Using the right abrasive products can have a significant effect on a business’s bottom line
Sawing experts cover the most important preventive maintenance procedures for bandsaws
At its first open house since the pandemic began, Mazak announces an expanded facility and a new fiber laser platform
Three recent laser marking advancements have hit the market to improve operations
As supply chain uncertainties abound, fabricators keep their eyes on the price of steel
A roundtable discussion on the rising use of industrial automation that’s easy to use and implement
A look at the drivers and suppliers of a growing trend in laser cutting: in-house assist gas generation
A third-generation, family-owned metal fabricator acquires an ultra-high-power fiber laser, further building on its founder’s early dreams
The development of a bi-metal saw blade offers manufacturers more versatility in materials
By embracing Industry 4.0, sawing applications improve the production process and worker satisfaction
The “difference maker” for many laser welding applications is a high-power fiber laser and filler wire
A toolbox manufacturer improves quoting responsiveness and accuracy helps the business grow
Unanticipated growth for an Indiana sheet metal fabricator leads to investment in quality fiber lasers and an automated tower system
New compact fiber lasers demonstrate that sometimes the best things do come in small packages
Long before winning her business of the year award, Shannon Huffman was winning the game of life
Optimize cutting and grinding to create quality welds in shipbuilding applications
The proper battery and charger make a cordless power tool run safely and efficiently
The next step in shop floor management for automating and streamlining processes
Q&A provides insight into Lincoln Electric’s laser welding focus and expertise
A small shop invests in a new punch-laser combo machine to keep up with today’s manufacturing challenges
To fully harness the operational benefits of ultra-high laser power, acceleration is key
A steel service center improves speed and accuracy with a new approach to managing and handling materials
A manufacturer sees huge gains in productivity after adopting an automated sawing solution
A metal fabricator creates a rapid prototyping cell that eliminates bottlenecks and keeps customers happy
Manufacturing is typically considered an energy-intensive industry, but companies are working to reduce their carbon footprint with cutting-edge technologies
A tube laser designed for high-speed cutting offers a solution for manufacturers that can’t produce parts fast enough
A South Dakota-based machine maker takes a custom approach to meeting customer needs
Gaining insights into production processes allows for fact-based decisions for improved efficiency
Seeking to diversify its customer base, a fabrication company implements advanced fiber laser technology
To address the growing need to weld the copper required for electric vehicles, new laser technologies are emerging
Like it or not, the manufacturing world is moving away from manual labor in favor of automated systems. Is your shop ready?
The benefits of working with an established OEM should be factored into a laser cutter purchasing decisionhttps://magazine.shopfloorlasers.com/2021/aug/d/#page12
Looking for the reason for the recent rise in metal prices? It’s probably not what you’re thinking
A line of powerful fiber lasers finds a place with novice and advanced operators alike
A new management team initiates complex aerospace laser processing resulting in long-term customer contracts
To reduce indirect fabrication processing time, intralogistics is a good place to start
When the right tools are deployed, fabricators make fast work of deburring sheet metal
Ventilation experts examine the effects of exposure to metal toxicity and how to prevent it
The technology behind cordless tools has advanced, allowing manufacturers to meet high production standards
A new compact power meter finds its way into industrial settings to enhance laser processing quality for additive, welding and cutting applications
A combination of sorting and storage automation allows users to take full advantage of high-powered fiber lasers
Advanced technology, including a large-format fiber laser, is one way a dump truck body manufacturer extends its versatility
A new software system provides integrated shop floor intelligence to help identify trends and bottlenecks
Machine of the Month Cincinnati Inc. MARCH Laser Automation System
As power levels rise, advances in laser optics and cutting heads help make quality and efficient cuts in all materials
Retiring workers, the skills gap and increasingly complex jobs call for a focus on laser automation
The right fiber laser paired with automation and software allows a U.K.-based fabricator to increase margins on products
Keeping your CO2 laser – and your fabricating business – in shape during uncertain times
Sawing solutions give customers greater capabilities paired with significant savings in the new Sawing Productivity found within Shop Floor Lasers.
To offer customers even better support in an increasingly competitive environment, Bystronic advances into a new dimension of fiber laser cutting with its 15-kW ByStar fiber laser machine. The high-end ByStar fiber laser features high-precision Bystronic technology, a reliable cutting process for the highest laser outputs, which is well suited for a wide range of applications.
A next-level laser hybrid welding system for fabricators that handle thick metal plate
An Iowa-based manufacturer improves throughput and cut quality with fiber lasers
Four laser cutting equipment providers discuss their latest and greatest technology advancements
Today’s challenging laser welding, cutting and drilling applications require speed and precision, which is what Prima Power Laserdyne has delivered…
Laser micromachining serves as a flexible, high-precision manufacturing process
Today’s fiber lasers make a strong case for large-format cutting and extra-large processing
Companies that make smart equipment investments are better positioned to tackle future opportunities as well as future uncertainty
Machine of the month – MC Machinery Systems’ Advanced 800 EX-F laser cutter
Price is often the top reason to purchase aftermarket laser cutting consumables, but there are other factors to keep in mind
Murata Machinery’s LS3015GC Fiber Laser Cutter
A precision sheet metal manufacturer uses its prototyping prowess to produce PPE for local healthcare providers
Major QCW laser enhancements are now being adapted to meet the needs of the automotive industry
Approaching the manufacturing process with automated parts sorting improves efficiencies factory-wide
In the midst of a global pandemic, an essential manufacturer has a new fiber laser installed and with it, instills new confidence in its employees and customers
Machine of the month – BLM’s LT8.20 3-D laser cutting machine
Mazak Optonics maintains strong ties to Japanese culture despite the 6,000 miles that separate the U.S. company from its headquarters in Japan
A new fiber laser covers all the bases in what a shop wants in a laser cutter
A punch-laser combination machine gives fabricators the flexibility to stay ahead of customer demands
To deliver on customer needs, saw manufacturers expand the possibilities for automation and revisit the circular cold saw
Machine of the month – Trumpf’s TruLaser 1030 Fiber Laser
Laser cutting and welding is greatly improved when a laser’s beam characteristics can be modified on the fly for individual applications
Meeting the challenges of new aerospace engine designs with improved titanium and nickel-based alloy laser welding processes
The classic chuck box gets an overhaul with the help of automated fabrication services and a shrewd shark
Maintaining smart machine tools requires equally intelligent tools and technologies
Amada America Inc.’s Ventis Fiber Laser Machine
Process knowledge is key to achieving desired production rates and yields for laser welding, cutting and marking
A new service business uses unique technology to build up large-scale AM parts
A step-by-step approach to building a smart factory makes the journey less intimidating
A new development in robotic laser cutting is delivering big gains for cutting 3-D automotive components
Machine of the Month – Cincinnati Inc.’s CL-900 Series Fiber Laser System
3-D laser cutting serves as an ideal secondary process for handling metal formed parts
To achieve manufacturing excellence, an integrated software suite gives businesses the full view of their production environments
Bystronic’s ByStar 12-kW Fiber Laser Cutter
When facing common challenges, sometimes all a shop needs is a robust and economical laser
A gas assist system utilizes a nitrogen/oxygen mixture for improved quality and productivity at a lower cost
Using a leveler eliminates flatness defects and internal stresses that can compromise the final sheet metal product
After investing in a new fiber laser, a custom kitchen fabricator takes manual labor off his employees’ plates
Machine of the month – Mazak Optonics Corp.’s Optiplex 3015 Fiber III
By optimizing machine functionality for laser tube cutting operations, fabricators save time and money
With 120 years of business under its belt, Cincinnati Inc. celebrates its past while looking to the future
Machine of the month – HK Laser’s FS 3015 Falcon-Series Fiber Laser
Combining equipment options for greater indoor air quality increases safety as well as quality
A Las Vegas manufacturer invests in the right equipment and places value in after-sales service to win big
A busy fab shop discovers that staying competitive is about making connections – literally
Understanding the features that are most beneficial for processing large material with 3-D tube cutting systems
Making lasers more productive with automated material handling systems, oftentimes added after the fact
Murata Machinery’s LS3015HL laser machine
Two companies find they can meet production goals by investing in the right laser and the automation to go with it
With better understanding of the laser beam, fabricators achieve optimal performance
Continuing on decades of groundbreaking laser innovation, IPG Photonics is once again pioneering the next wave of industrial fiber laser solutions
Messer Cutting Systems’ MetalMaster Xcel Messer Cutting Systems has designed a combination plasma/fiber laser cutting machine with a multi-tool capacity…
Acquiring a new ERP system and fiber laser cutter while also removing dark, dirty racking reveals a bright future for one food equipment manufacturer
Laser manufacturers offer more kilowatts to meet today’s industry demands for speed and power
With the advent of fiber lasers and increases in laser power, OEMs build their machines with high dynamics in mind
Four sheet metal fabricators discuss the ins and outs of tube processing on a rotary index laser cutting system
Automation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution due to shop floor constraints, but solutions are available for individual needs
Additive manufacturing evaluation services help determine which parts are a good fit
In pursuit of improving an internal welding process, Miller finds its solution in-house
Collaborating before the design, cutting and bending processes leads to better results
Identifying dust hazards in a facility is key, but following through on recommendations is critical
The Titan Express mid-size laser cutting machine from Laser Photonics Corp. combines a small footprint with the cut quality and performance…
New technology provides laser cutting operations with increased speed and reduced gas consumption
By manufacturing an all-terrain wheelchair, a Minnesota company helps the disabled better enjoy the great outdoors
Learning what acronyms like KST, Pmax and MIE stand for, and more importantly, what they mean, is significant when combatting combustible dust
Two industry veterans offer equipment and software advice to help fabricators maximize their profitability
The TruLaser Tube 5000 fiber delivers on short processing times for a range of tubes and profiles. Delivering reduced part times,…
For anyone still on the fence about punch/laser combo machines, it’s not too late to change your mind
Optimizing job flow through improvements in cutting, sorting and bending operations
IIoT and customer input help shape the laser machine controls of today and tomorrow
Options are available for improving press brake productivity to keep up with today’s fiber lasers
A record enthusiast ponders a better way to store and display his album collection and a company is born
The Tsugami SS207-5AX LaserSwiss combines Swiss-style machining with laser cutting and laser welding on one machine with a single operating platform….
Laser-based materials processing: A manufacturing revolution 50 years in the making
With more control over beam diameter, working with thin and thick materials becomes a possibility with just one dual-fiber laser machine
How a Minden, Nev., job shop and owner apply manufacturing and financial resources to help those in need
Laser cleaning equipment gives fabricators clean, contaminate-free parts and surfaces
Laser Mechanisms’ FiberCut HR processing head delivers cutting-edge performance for flatbed systems up to 15+ kW. The cutting head features automatic,…
When fabricators take advantage of KPIs to verify machine operation, overall production benefits
Overcoming metal cutting challenges, part 3: Processing special coated metals
How upgrading CAM software saved a major semi-truck manufacturer and a steel fabricator upwards of $1 million each
LVD Strippit’s Electra FL 3015 fiber laser cutting machine is now offered with an 8-kW power source. The Electra 8-kW can…
A look at new 3-D printing technologies that will increase its use in manufacturing
New cutting head technology and a material handling tower facilitate heavy-gauge cutting to support customer demands
Overcoming metal cutting challenges, part 2: Don’t fear the exotics – there’s money to be made
Re-establishing and redesigning a lighting manufacturer’s fabricating operations creates a competitive edge in an up-and-coming industry
nLight alta Compact 2500 Fiber Laser The nLight alta Compact 2500 fiber laser provides productivity and reliability in the smallest…
For the flexibility to cut varying material types in a range of thicknesses, zoom focus is a fiber laser technology must
A lighting fixture manufacturer faces a brighter future after investing in an automated laser/punch combo system
A switch to laser welding can save time and money while still producing high-quality welds
The Salvagnini L3-30 fiber laser features a new air-cooled cutting head and a 6-kW resonator, serving as a complement to the…
The Salvagnini L3-30 fiber laser features a new air-cooled cutting head and a 6-kW resonator, serving as a complement to the…
Quick-turn laser shops produce quotes in hours and parts in days, but there’s more to the story than speed
The (often) overlooked areas of preventive maintenance for laser cutters
Whether it’s welding thick and thin materials together or welding dissimilar materials, lasers are equipped to tackle the job
Laser engraving on firearms and tactical weapons includes serialization and customization
Vytek’s FiberCab FC series
Reducing the footprint and saving steps with a laser/punch machine with multi-tooling
A Maryland-based company brings a bigger laser into the job shop. Business soars; donations follow
IPG Photonics’ LaserCube flat bed cutter is optimized for cutting small parts with its innovative cutting head technology and available…
Bringing its laser marking in-house allows medical equipment manufacturer to gain huge ROI
Getting the most out of a laser investment requires knowing all the variables
Automation Alternatives Fiber RubyLaser Cutting and Welding Systems
A new fiber laser featuring sophisticated automation helps a special-needs conversion vehicle manufacturer get from point A to point B
Pacific Northwest fabricator takes a big step forward with a laser/punch system from Prima Power
As fabricators are faced with dozens of OEM fiber laser choices, Cincinnati Inc. lays out essential features to keep in mind
Bystronic’s 8-kW, 10-kW ByStar Fiber Laser: The Ultimate Differentiator
SecturaSoft’s Pierre Slabber provides insights on the direction fabrication software is taking today and in the near future
As 2017 lifts off, the industrial laser community looks up to Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing and new laser sources
By developing the cutting head in-house, a laser equipment manufacturer provides customers with a competitive edge
Prevent injuries and improve productivity by following OSHA-recommended guidelines
A plasma and fiber laser combination cutting machine offers a multitude of advantages
Precision laser drilling with ultrashort pulse lasers opens up a world of possibilities
3-D printing technology produces aluminum handlebars used at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics
Trumpf’s TruMatic 1000 Fiber Punch Laser Combination Machine
New technologies achieve superior laser cutting edge quality, eliminating secondary operations
How the biggest supplier of pharmacy merchandising display systems got even bigger with a pair of CO2 lasers and a sky-high material handling tower
Realizing the potential of tube laser cutting, fabricators gain versatility in design and production
A new 12-kW, high-power fiber laser cutter helps shops make gains in efficiency and capability
Application focused DPSS laser outshines industry favorite fiber laser counterpart when marking components
How CMMS consulting guides manufacturers through unpredictability and global changes
Mazak Optonics Corp.’s Versatile, Compact Laser-Tube 100
Fabtech arrives in Las Vegas on Nov. 16 and will serve as North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event through Nov….
United Lens Co. adds a new spherical polishing machine to expand its capabilities
After years of R&D, the laser welding wobble method is poised to address a range of fabricators’ advanced joining needs
When automation and Industry 4.0 unite, manufacturers gain competitiveness while opening the door to even greater possibilities
In the wake of an economic downturn, a Tulsa shop diversifies – and perseveres – with a new laser cutter
First-time laser users talk about their experiences with the advanced cutting technology
Design innovation for user displays in next-generation products is made possible by laser micromachining technology
Remote monitoring allows fabricator to reach new heights in productivity and efficiency
Ram Off Road Accessories, Custom Laser Works and Vendetta Motorsports all reside under the same roof, and they all benefit from a new fiber laser
A year into GMTA’s partnership with Arnold Ravensburg and laser welding and cladding in a small automated work cell leads the list of innovations
Making the most of fiber laser production through automated processes
A workplace furniture manufacturer invests in fiber technology and enhances customer service, giving its employees new-found comfort
Improved technology positions electric motors as a smart choice over hydraulic systems for material handling
A custom manufacturer sees new light thanks to reality TV and a Mazak CO2 laser machine
The PATH Act, which Congress recently signed into law, ushers in fiscal advantages through depreciation and a now-permanent U.S. tax deduction
Amada’s new fiber laser increases productivity and accuracy at higher cutting speeds
Investing in the latest fiber laser technology translates into high productivity growth
The relationship forged by Cincinnati Inc. and Metamation shows how powerful a partnership can be
Understanding how debris shields can extend the life of high-power laser optics
A fresh perspective on coil-stock laser blanking takes the traditional table out of the equation while also making use of existing equipment
As talk of fiber proliferates industry conversations, fabricators have choices when considering bringing the technology in-house
Testing a variety of laser gas delivery hoses reveals that stainless steel keeps gas mixtures intact
A computerized maintenance management system lets manufacturers use the cloud for protection on land
A hybrid machine incorporates generative laser deposition welding into a 5-axis milling machine
Quality Industries focuses on the latest manufacturing equipment and technology to provide continuous improvement for customers
At Fabtech 2015, direct diode lasers were presented, proving their enhanced cutting speed and quality
The Art Institute of Chicago’s iconic lions are scanned and printed for select Fabtech attendees
IPG Photonics’ new micromachining division reveals that the fiber revolution has just begun
LaserSwiss – Tsugami CNC Precision Automatic Lathe with IMG Laser Cutting System
When cutting-edge equipment is in sight, Midland Metal Products takes a conservative investment approach
In one month, Fabtech 2015 will open its doors to the public. Find out ahead of time what visitors can expect while they’re there.
A refresher course on why fiber laser is the best choice in certain cutting applications
Driven by R&D and customer service, LaserStar Technologies has turned its Florida facility into a manufacturing operation
When fabricators embrace the latest laser system developments, cutting, welding and drilling improve
As solid-state laser technology evolves, its appeal grows in the fabrication industry
Focused on sales and marketing, Robert St. Aubin has committed his career to bridging the gap between the status quo and the future of successful manufacturing
At Begneaud Mfg., luck, drive and a passion for cutting-edge equipment continue to inspire success
Meeting an industry need for cutting light-gauge metal with lower watt laser systems
The combined capabilities of a CNC lathe and laser cutter give U.S. manufacturers a competitive edge
By calculating the nominal hazard zone, laser operators can better understand their equipment’s safe zone
When a major supplier to the chain mail supply industry expanded into laser engraving, automation was a necessary component
Automotive manufacturers look to new innovations in 3-D printing to better leverage the technology
Laser marking advancements make the grade for aerospace parts manufacturing
A new robot from ABB delivers speed, versatility and quality to the Big Three and beyond
Why it’s good to have an LSO monitoring your laser use and how to pick the best candidate
Manufacturers profit from preventing laser head crashes before they occur – instead of responding after they happen
Dick Couch revolutionized plasma cutting while also building one of the most well-respected companies in the industry
Whitney tests exotic materials for customers to see if they are viable candidates to be fiber laser cut
When it comes to the potential purchase of laser equipment, the service and support offered should factor into the decision
A Wisconsin fabricator continues to grow with the help of new cutting and material-handling equipment
Single and double work cells afford production designers more options in job shops and large production department environments
TeraDiode talks about its technology and how it can change the future of laser metal cutting.
When a new fiber laser cuts with air assist gas, it also cuts operating costs
Maintenance software pumps up productivity, lowers costs and eases audits
Initiating a laser safety program starts with identifying the laser hazard classifications associated with certain equipment
Integrate CAD/CAM nesting software with an ERP system for improved efficiency
A new laser technology aimed at improving the live sports experience can also help the factory floor be safer and more efficient
Without the trailblazers of the past, the industry wouldn’t be where it is today
Wisconsin manufacturer hits a home run with fiber lasers from Mitsubishi
Fiber lasers and CNC fabricating: When a laser beam is in close proximity to the coolant required for a Swiss-style lathe, a collaboration in precision and productivity surprisingly ensues
Manufacturers reap big benefits when a laser and a plasma cutting system come together on one machine
When fabricators leverage cloud-based technology, costs per part can be significantly reduced
Optics are essential in both CO2 and fiber laser systems, but the characteristics for each are inherently different
By leveraging a technique called stitch cutting, fabricators can get more speed out of their fiber lasers
As fiber laser technology evolves, it edges out traditional YAG marking methods
Higher processing speeds are possible with a new tube and pipe laser cutter
Avoiding hazards related to laser cutting equipment begins with understanding your new laser and continues with solid planning
Amada’s latest entry into the U.S. manufacturing market does what CO2 can do — and more
