Above: StockTec automatic plate storage and processing systems work seamlessly with Tecoi’s large format plate processing machines, as well as almost any plate processing system.
November, 2025- When it comes to laser cutting and part handling for thick metal processing in heavy fabrication, plant managers and production supervisors sometimes find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Carlos Rodriguez, director of business development for Tecoi USA explains.
“Cutting thicker plate and sheet metal at optimal configuration can be challenging,” he says. “In addition, there are not a lot of automation or material handling solutions in the heavy fabrication arena. As a result, companies are left looking for employees to run manual operations in the middle of a labor shortage.”
Tecoi specializes in cutting technologies laser, oxyfuel and plasma for the plate processing industry. The company entered the fiber laser market in 2009 when the technology’s commercial presence was still in its infancy.
“When Tecoi decided to enter the fiber laser market, we chose to focus our development efforts on large-format processing including automation and material handling solutions,” says Rodriguez. “We didn’t want to build machines for the perfect environment and materials. We wanted to develop something bigger and better for heavy fabrication.”
The company’s fiber laser cutting equipment ranges in size from 8 . wide by 20 . long to 20 . wide by 240 . long. Development of these large-format machines began with Tecoi’s dual fiber process (DFP), a cutting technology that uses a double-core fiber to automatically change to different optical configurations. In addition to speed and flexibility, the system allows an operator to cut both thin sheet metal and heavy plate on the same machine.
Tecoi USA’s LS Series laser cutting machines provide large format laser cutting and processing.
KERF CONTROL
“We pioneered this technology,” says Rodriguez. “Two cores allow a single laser head to use different optical settings without making manual changes. The process allows the laser to change fiber configuration in milliseconds. e laser beam’s power and diameter are automatically adjusted based on thickness and material type.”
The DFP accommodates two different fiber configurations and up to eight optical configurations in a single laser head. The technology reduces on-the-fly piercing time which shortens downtime and boosts throughput. “Controlling kerf is a challenge,” says Rodriguez. “Kerf width is a key factor to account for in part designs because it can affect part size, fit and scrap. Our technology allows an operator to achieve the ideal width of material removed by the laser beam to ensure accurate dimensions and proper fit.”
DFP can also be combined with another Tecoi invention: a twin disk dual laser head cutting system. Two separate laser heads can simultaneously cut a single large plate for higher production rates. This capability is available on Tecoi’s LS Series laser cutting machines and can be combined with other features like drilling and tapping.
“A unique aspect of our twin disk dual laser head is that we can send power up to 24 kW to just one head or split that power between the two heads,” Rodriguez says. “By splitting power, we increase throughput, achieve better cut quality and greater efficiency.”
These technology advances are also pushing fiber lasers into new markets like structural fabrication. “This used to be the domain of plasma cutting machines,” he continues. “Until a few years ago, fiber lasers were good for material thicknesses up to ½ in., but now the machines can handle material thicknesses 1 in. to 1½ in. But machine choice really depends on a customer’s needs. Fiber lasers can’t do it all. There are some cases where plasma or oxyfuel are still a fit. It’s not black and white. It’s about knowing the process, the types of materials and configuration. For the customer, the bottom line is productivity.
With Tecoi’s twin disk dual laser head cutting system, separate laser heads can simultaneously cut a single, large plate for higher production rates.
New LS Series laser and drilling machine can incorporate either one or two drill heads, with each head equipped with up to six tools.
CUSTOM APPROACH
As laser technology continues to evolve, Tecoi adapts to change by providing manufacturers with custom systems that sometimes require the company to create a new approach. For example, based on a customer’s request, Tecoi designed and built a system with a laser head and a drill head. The new machine eliminated the need for a second station to perform drilling and tapping. Instead, the new machine was engineered to perform each of these tasks. Another system was built with two laser heads and two drills. Bevel heads have also been integrated with fiber laser equipment.
“All of our machines are customized from the types of heads to the table configuration,” Rodriguez says. “Tecoi is also very good at auto - mation in a niche where size and weight can be limiting. Loading and unloading is another area that can become a bottleneck for manufacturers.”
To help manufacturers and fabricators solve the bottleneck, Tecoi developed a solution that integrates advanced plate processing with automated material handling. Stocktec, an automated plate storage and processing system, can be incorporated with a fiber laser, plasma cut - ter or oxyfuel machine. It can also be combined with other automation modules such as pallet changers and part extraction systems for “lights out” manufacturing.
Stocktec automatically stores and dispenses raw material plates such as heavy steel. It can store up to 25 tons of material per tray. Tecoi’s auto - matic pallet changers mean the fiber laser can cut one pallet while the operator safely loads new material or unloads finished parts from the other.
Robotec can remove and sort processed parts. Conveyor belts can be integrated to remove parts and scrap. It can also be used with Tecoi’s Vibratec system, a shakeout table that dislodges dross, slag and small parts from the cutting grate.
Automated systems are managed by software that can monitor workflow from checking queues to organizing jobs based on material requirements.
“If you have the right equipment, you can triple your productivity,” says Rodriguez. “If your system is fully automated you can process three times the volume but you only need one machine. That’s a good return on investment.”
Tecoi USA, 979/328-0996, tecoi.com/en.
