Do you think that in-house laser cutting is not for you? Or that only high volume users and laser cutting subcontractors can afford to invest in the equipment and justify the running costs? Many companies are still unaware that the cost of laser cutting has reduced drastically in recent years both in capital and running costs.
Affordable models such as the SmartFibre range from RVD Machinery are powered by high quality fibre lasers from nLight in the USA and fitted with market leading components including the Raytools cutting head from Switzerland. Versions are available in compact designs as well as full production models with shuttle tables. Initial investment starts as low as £80,000.00 for a compact model, with the SmartFibre PR production range starting from around £125,000.00.
Maintenance and running costs are often assumed to be extortionate, however a lot of the data discussed is based on older CO2 models which require large amounts of power and a quite intensive maintenance regime. A modern fibre laser requires as little as 10% of the electricity usage while at the same time needing little maintenance and significantly increasing productivity, which results in much lower operating costs.
These changes have affected both sheet cutting and tube cutting lasers in recent times. Due to traditionally very high initial costs the justification for tube lasers has typically been difficult although the benefits are well known. The RVD SmartFibre TF Tube Laser has changed this with models starting from around £200,000.00.
A tube laser is able to cut holes, shapes and full cut outs in many different products including round, square, rectangular, D-shaped, oval, angle, channel, flat bar and I beam profiles. A product that would conventionally require sawing and then drilling, milling or grinding to finish, can be cut in one quick sequence.
With the Annual Investment Allowance increased to its highest level since its introduction in 2008, some would argue that there has never been a better time to invest in equipment of this type. For the two year period from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020 the allowance has been increased from £200,000 to £1,000,000.00 per annum for qualifying plant and equipment.
For more information or to arrange a demonstration please contact Bison Machinery on 01785 214242, [email protected] or visit www.bisonmachinery.co.uk
