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Caldwell Expands Laser Fleet
December 1, 2021
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The Bystronic BySmart cutting system was recently installed at Caldwell.
The Caldwell Group has added a second Bystronic laser machine to its steel service center.
The BySmart cutting system was installed alongside a smaller BySpeed unit, as the manufacturer of lifting and rigging equipment continues to invest in state-of-the-art, Swiss-made sheet lasers, tube lasers and press breaks.
Both machines can cut up to 60" x 120" plate. The existing BySpeed machine can cut up to 3/4" and can only work with mild steel, while the newer BySmart can cut up to 1" and can also work with stainless steel, aluminum and copper. Previously, anything over 3/4" would be flame-cut and machined internally.
The pair of Bystronic laser machines play a role in every product the company offers-from tea-cup concrete pipe carriers to spreader and lifting beams. They are operated by a single full-time operator and two others that step in from elsewhere on the production line as needed. Programming, meanwhile, is split between manufacturing and engineering divisions-and the operator of the machine in use.
Thaddeus Grzeskowiak, Plant Manager at Caldwell, said: "We used to run the old laser by itself first shift, second shift and weekend shift-over 100 hours per week. That is a lot for a laser. Now that we have two, we are predominantly only running on the first shift, completing longer runs overnight. If needed, we will have a second shift or weekend shift complete a long run."
For more information contact:
The Caldwell Group Inc.
4080 Logistics Pkwy.
Rockford, IL 61109
800-628-4263
www.caldwellinc.com
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