| 73 T T Richard Loader Greater accuracy with new laser cutter The fibre laser delivers finer detail and tighter tolerances for more complex components, with the additional capability complementing Precision Profile’s existing plasma-cutting services. Precision Profile REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dunedin company Precision Profile Dunedin has expanded its comprehensive steel-cutting suite with a new six-kilowatt fibre laser cutter. Managing director Kris Armstrong says this purchase is in response to customers, who have been asking for a laser-cutting service for some time. “This gives Precision Profile the capability to service their customers’ needs with an affordable, short lead-time service for their steel, stainless and aluminium needs. This new machine will give customers further options when they require finer, more accurate parts.” The laser machine can cut up to 12mm stainless steel and aluminium, and up to 20mm in mild steel, high-tensile steel and wear plates to a maximum sheet size of 1500 x 3000mm. The fibre laser delivers finer detail and tighter tolerances for more complex components, with the additional capability complementing Precision Profile’s existing plasma-cutting services. “The laser cutter is a significant investment, and Precision Profile is committed to meeting its customers’ needs and to the company’s future here in Dunedin,” Kris says. In 2021, Precision Profile made another significant investment by purchasing a Kinetic K4000 to complement its existing K2000. The Kinetic K4000 offers customers accurate plasma- and flame-cutting up to 200mm thick, with the additional capabilities of bevelling, etching, drilling up to 60mm in diameter, and tapping up to 24mm. The K4000 can also offer basic CNC boring and machining options. This efficiently produces precision holes in thicker materials, creating a more complete package ready for assembly while saving engineers time and reducing costs compared to traditional methods. The Kinetic K2000 plasma cutter can cut high-quality parts up to 32mm thick. Precision Profile offers a comprehensive plate-cutting service, from initial consultation to the production of precision components, using either CNC plasma or fibre laser cutting. “None of this would work without our friendly design and support team, who make a project straightforward,” Kris says. “They bring your designs to life using anything from CAD files and sketches to cardboard templates or existing parts for scanning. Our dedicated staff know the machines’ capabilities and the best cutting methods. They can help you optimise your design for a production-ready package.” In some cases, it is faster and more cost-effective to have a part manufactured locally than to order from overseas. “We can scan, modify and potentially improve the final product for the user.” This also gives customers confidence when they are in a breakdown situation, knowing they can source high-quality parts locally. Utilising its comprehensive stock on-site across mild to high-tensile steel and wear plates, stainless steel and aluminium, Precision Profile can collaborate with local partners for pressing, welding and machining to achieve the best result for its customers. All Precision Profiles’ CAD drawings are stored in a secure database to make repeat jobs quicker and easier for return customers. St THEMAKINGOF ART Architectural metalwork is what Zeal Steel is most known for; this includes several cultural additions to the fabric of the community. In 2023 we were proud to be involved in the fabrication of a corten sculpture, commissioned by mana whenua-owned organisation, Aukaha. The sculpture is a tohu whenua (landmark) that tells the Waitaha story of Kōpūwai, a giant ogre with a pack of two-headed dogs. Designed by Ōtākou’s Ephraim Russell as part of a partnership between mana whenua and Transpower, the tohu whenua is installed near Oturehua, overlooking the Otago Rail Trail. By utilizing the technologies of other companies’ investments in laser and plasma cutting, Zeal Steel is able to show its strength in assemblage and presentation of these cut component parts. 03 477 0027 | LAWRIE 027 311 1950 | zealsteel@xtra.co.nz www.zealsteel.co.nz
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