The Fibermak Momentum GEN-5 fiber laser helped MachineTopUSA improve cut quality, achieve faster processing speeds and more precise parts
February, 2024- A fast-paced environment is all in a day’s work at MachineTopUSA. The South Florida high-volume job shop performs CNC machining, milling, cutting, bending, shearing, welding, tube rolling and powder coating to serve industries ranging from aerospace and transportation to construction. MachineTopUSA also provides metal polishing and galvanizing services. Its raw materials include carbon and stainless steel and aluminum. Finished parts are shipped nationwide.
An increasing need to adapt to workflow changes and juggle multiple deadlines prompted the sheet metal fabricator to consider upgrading its cutting capabilities and improve speed and flexibility. “We are committed to giving our customers the best quality products possible in a short period of time,” says Moshe Hazan, MachineTopUSA operations manager and partner. “We were cutting sheet with a high-definition plasma machine but wanted to incorporate new technologies. Senol Rodoplu and Halil Ibrahim from ErmakUSA stopped by our facility to talk about fiber lasers. We loved the Fibermak Momentum GEN-5 fiber laser. I was attracted to the machine’s technology features.”
Fibermak GEN-5’s multi-touch control panel and software help customers mine key data for activities like more accurate quoting.
TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE
With more than 20 years of experience, Moshe Hazan and his father, Manny Hazan, started MachineTopUSA in 2012. In addition to repeat work, the sheet metal fabricator thrives on custom jobs.
“I first met Moshe a couple of years ago,” says Rodoplu, vice president of sales for ErmakUSA. “At the time, they were considering another plasma cutter. We were in South Florida last year and talked with them about different options for fiber lasers. We evaluated their workload and what technology could help boost their throughput. Fiber laser cutting is the fastest process for thingauge sheet. It’s also more precise and it provides a clean-cut surface quality.”
“We looked at other fiber laser OEMs but the quality of the Fibermak GEN-5 for the cost tipped our decision in favor of Ermaksan,” Hazan says. “We can’t afford downtime and this fiber laser is reliable.”
MachineTopUSA installed the Fibermak GEN-5 in February 2023. The compact, ergonomic profile made installation quick and trouble-free. The Fibermak GEN-5’s door can be fully opened for easy access to cut 5 ft . by 10 ft . sheet. The multi-touch control panel and PC-based CNC controller have been engineered for intuitive use. Industry 4.0 integration supports continuous monitoring of working efficiency and connectivity to a common network.
“Our operator found the Fibermak to be a friendly machine,” says Hazan. “ErmakUSA provided training and once it was up and running, we found cut quality had improved and processing speeds were faster. It was also more precise.”
The Fibermak’s integrated camera system allows the operator to follow the cutting process without losing the cutting interface. The Fibermak GEN-5 has a 2.5 G acceleration speed, with X, U, Y and Z servo motor axes. Repetition accuracy is ±0.015mm and positioning accuracy is rated at ±0.03mm.
INFORMATION GATHERING
Programming is straightforward with Lantek 2D CAD/CAM software. “If you have a high-volume job, the Lantek software helps you nest parts for optimal efficiency,” says Rodoplu. “[The] software also provides important information such as how long it will take to cut a particular part based on material thickness and shapes. That kind of intel helps a company provide customers with more accurate quotations, increasing the chances to win bids because it takes guestimating out of the equation.”
MachineTopUSA runs the Fibermak GEN-5 eight hours a day, five days a week. Cutting parameters embedded in the system can be recalled or recreated with definitive descriptions.
“We can store recipes for repeat jobs and handle custom work,” says Hazan. “It’s made us more competitive. We’ve been able to win new business. We wish we had done this earlier.”
The Fibermak GEN-5 has little to no maintenance costs. Nozzles, ceramics and lens protection glasses are the only parts that require replacement. There are no other consumable costs. Resonator life is more than 100,000 operating hours. ErmakUSA’s service and aftermarket support was an important factor for MachineTopUSA. “We use a local partner to service MachineTopUSA but depending on what it is, we’re also ready to fly a technician in from our headquarters in Illinois,” says Rodoplu. “That’s one of the things that separates us from other equipment manufacturers taking care of customers in a timely manner.”
ErmakUSA, 847/640-7765, http://www.ermakusa.com/
MachineTopUSA, 954/613-4134, http://machinetopusa.com/
