Polychromal increases production with the use of the Universal laser system

What is the added value of a modern laser system in a specialized production company? Our specialist in the field of laser systems , Ruben van Rossum, visited Polychromal BV in Alkmaar and discussed their use of Universal's new ULTRA R5000 laser system. The supplier of aluminum base plates, related systems and end solutions is not only happy with the product, but also appreciates the cooperation with Laser 2000.

“Our customers appreciate that they get everything from a single source at Polychromal . We can supply a complete product, for example a front plate, while otherwise they have to work with a large number of suppliers. One for milling, the other for anodising, coloring and so on. The coordination of this is quite a job and the quality is difficult to keep constant. Our customers appreciate our consistent quality.” – Eric Hensen, Commercial Director Polychromal BV

From aluminum base plates to end product

The Alkmaar family business – Stephan and Eric Hensen took over their father's shares in 1995 – specializes in the production of aluminum base plates, related systems and end solutions. They therefore not only supply base plates, but the INTF division (Industrial name, text and front plates) also uses them for serial and single piece production. The digital printers the company developed for this purpose have become the core of a third division of the company; digital printing and digital printers.

“We want to serve our customers as broadly as possible, and a digital printer fits in perfectly with that. We can therefore provide the complete solutions that a company needs to make high-quality aluminum products such as front plates, type plates and control panels.”

Hensen takes a detailed look at the unique process that Polychromal uses for anodising the aluminum plates. This not only ensures that the colors penetrate the pores of the material properly, but also means that companies can continue to print up to a year later. According to him, this is proof that their process is head and shoulders above the market.

Cut foil on aluminum

During a tour, Hensen walks proudly down the corridor towards his production environment. On the wall hang the various products and solutions that the company makes. We see not only aluminum, but also stainless steel and other sheet material that has been processed and colored in different ways. He stops briefly at the plate on which products can be seen that have used a laser system during the production process.

“A nice solution are our foil products where a thin foil is attached to aluminum. Here, for example, we see a number of control panels with a cut-out for buttons or a screen, for example. The use of the laser system has ensured that we can not only cut the foil much more accurately, but also produce it much faster. The lead time has become a lot shorter. But my colleague Sander can tell you all about that.”

Laser system and foil products

Once we have arrived at production, Sander van der Molen, work planner at Polychromal , takes us under his wing. Within Polychromal, he oversees the various production processes and planning of the INTF division, which also includes the foil products.

“10 years ago we made the step to the laser for cutting the foils. Laser 2000 then provided us with a machine that we used until recently. When it came time to replace it, the good relationship made it logical to talk to Laser 2000 again. On their recommendation, we opted for Universal's ULTRA R5000 and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The set-up time and lead time have improved dramatically and the ease of use has increased. We couldn't believe our eyes after the installation.”

The video below shows how Polychromal cuts the foils on the ULTRA R5000 laser system in less than 4 minutes . A process that took 20 minutes with the previous system.

 

Benefits Universal Laser System

Sander mentions the following advantages of working with Universal's R5000 laser system :

• Shortening production time – Due to the shorter production time, Polychromal can handle a larger volume and can accept larger orders for the foil products.
• Reduce changeover time – The combination of camera and sensor means that the R5000 calibrates itself much faster and can even take into account a certain course in the material to be cut. This requires less from the operator and of course saves time.
• Material library – In addition to the material library of the machine itself, Polychromal can also add materials to the library itself. By adding a thicker plastic or, for example, aluminum yourself, it is even easier to use the machine optimally.

“And it is also very practical to work with a laser system specialist such as Laser 2000. They have the knowledge and experience that we can use if we can't figure it out ourselves. A phone call to Ruben and we can just move on.”

Evidence of this cooperation is also provided during the visit. Ruben shares some pointers and advice with the operator to get the system up and running even faster. Finally, he discusses the possibility of additional training; an explanation to make better use of the possibilities that the R5000 offers.

Select laser system

Which laser system best suits your organization or production process? Contact the laser system specialist of Laser 2000, Ruben van Rossum, and learn more about the possibilities. His experience with laser systems and their application for cutting, engraving or marking material means that you quickly get to the heart of the matter. Call +31-297-266191 or e-mail ruben@laser2000.nl to make an appointment.

Click here if you want to know more about our advanced laser systems from Universal Laser Systems.