CNC combination machine improves productivity

Amada UK has announced that Hallmark Sheetmetal has acquired an Amada LC2012 C1 laser/punch CNC combination machine with integrated automation - the first of its kind to be installed outside of Japan.

Hallmark Sheetmetal traded-in its existing Amada X1 laser-profiling centre in exchange for the C1 combination machine.

The C1's in-line MP-C1 automated load/unload system offers Hallmark the ability to run unmanned day and night.

Furthermore, the additional punching and forming capability provides the company with the potential to complete parts on a single machine.

Paul Martin, managing director at Hallmark Sheetmetal, said: 'It's no secret that punching is faster than laser cutting when it comes to the use of standard tooling to produce repeat features.

'For this reason we now punch as many features as we can on our C1 to achieve better cost-per-part, while for aesthetic profiling we use the laser, or on apertures for which we have no tool.

There are other benefits that Hallmark now enjoys as a result of its acquisition, such as reduced consumption of liquid nitrogen and a compact footprint.

The LC-C1 punch/laser combination machine comes with a range of features that include an energy saving single AC servo-drive motor that provides 20 tonnes of variable punching stroke.

Other benefits include: a quick-change nozzle assembly; a quick-change lens assembly; Amada's AMNC windows-based, network-ready control; and a 49-station MPT turret for flexibility and rapid set-up.

The MPT turret also allows the use of 'drop-in' style tapping tools from M2.5 up to M8 in size.

Furthermore, lift-up stations eliminate material marking due to high dies, while a floating brush table ensures punched down-forms do not catch on dies.

Martin said: 'Since it was installed in February, our C1 has been busy helping us tackle a new contract we recently secured from a blue-chip customer.

'The machine's sheet size (the C1 is available in 1270 x 1270mm and 2000 x1270mm bed sizes) and functionality, particularly the three active die stations for enhanced forming capability, have provided the opportunity to improve our margin.

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