Quality provided by Flat & Tube Laser Cutting
The quality that is produced from using a flatbed and laser tube cutting machine to manufacture parts is undoubtedly unbeatable. Using this type of laser cutting is highly cost effective and saves on time when making different components – perfect for the rail industry.
Our laser cutting machines produce repeat components effortlessly and accurate to + or – 0.2mm. In an industry where parts receive considerable impact and stress regularly, and in some cases for extended periods of time, it’s common for these consumable items to wear down and become less safe for use over time. Laser cutting means we can provide you with exact replica parts incredibly easily and efficiently, so that excessive downtime for maintenance is avoided, reducing train delays and the likelihood of frustrated commuters.
Each component that SSC produce is based on exact customer requirements and we produce these using technical drawings and CAD files. This enables us to perform pre-processing checks for accuracy and provide advice where necessary or requested.
Our Laser Cutting technology for the Rail industry
Advancements in Laser Cutting technology, especially when applied to cutting accurate and repeatable parts for the rail industry, have enabled a safer and more reliable form of travel. The outcome for the avid train traveller is a more comfortable journey, and for the train companies is more accurate components resulting in lower maintenance and fewer delays.
Laser Cut components for the Rail industry
When manufacturing laser cut components for the rail industry, we find that there’s often a lot of variety between requests. For example, in one project we could be using our flatbed laser machine to produce components for carriage frames, cab sides or connection plates. However, the next project could require us to use our tube laser to create parts for signage or overhead line structures.
For one of our more recent projects, our client requested that we laser cut parts for overhead line electrification steelwork. The work included masts, telescopic-struts, cantilevers, booms and bracketry.
It was a vital that we got this work right and we are happy to say that everything was successfully fabricated in accordance with the requirements of EXC 2 of EN 1090-1:2009 and galvanised to BS EN 1461:2009.
How did we do it?
Our Adige LT8.10 Tube Laser, Bystronic ByTube 130 and Bystronic 12kW and 10kW Fiber Flat Bed Lasers enable us to produce parts in unrivalled timeframes and with impressive accuracy, meaning our clients trust in us to get the job right. The Adige comes equipped with an active scanner, meaning that we are able to make comparisons between 3 dimensional images of the tube and the theoretical section (the CAD design) meaning that we are able to ensure that your parts are entirely accurate, and free of material flaws or defects which may weaken the component over time or reduce performance when in use.
The telescopic struts that we were tasked with creating needed to be adjustable so that they could be adapted to each environment they were to be installed in. The struts were produced using tube laser technology, working with box section in 140mm x 140mm x 6.3mm, 180mm x 180mm x 6.3mm and 200mm x 200mm x 6.3mm. It was imperative that the 180mm square fit snugly inside the 200mm square so that the telescopic jack mast could adjust in 0.25mm increments. The incredible accuracy of our laser cutting machines made light work of this and the project ran to completion without a delay.
We used hot S355 grade mild steel for the struts, chosen by our clients due to its higher tensile and impact strength. Hot S355 grade mild steel also has a smooth surface making the material very suitable for laser cutting in the rail industry.
We were delighted to receive images of the struts’ installation (as shown below) as we love to see progression once the components have left our manufacturing sites and how SSC Laser has assisted in the development of a project. Work with this client is ongoing, with new lines being developed and changes on existing lines still to be made.
ISO9001:2015 Accreditation for quality systems
Our ISO9001:2015 Accreditation for Quality Management Systems along with our CE Marking accreditation: EN 1090-1: 2009+A1: 2011 demonstrates our professionalism, capabilities and quality of work produced for the rail industry. We deliver products that meet your exact specifications, whilst ensuring components are compliant with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
Get in touch
Need help or a quote?
SSC Laser, Hangar 5 New Road, Hixon, Stafford, ST18 0PJ
sales@ssclaser.co.uk
01889 270 241
Mon - Thurs : 8am - 5pm
Fri : 8am - 3pm
