Laser profiling builds cutting edge business with Lantek

When Foredowel Group, a precision machining and fabrication specialist with 45 years in the industry, set up Laser Profiling Ltd in 2023, it took advantage of the latest Lantek software so it could offer a market leading service from the start.  

Laser Profiling, based in Port Talbot, Wales, specified the complete Lantek suite, including Lantek Integra [1], Lantek Manager [1] and Lantek Expert, [2] alongside its first laser cutting machine.

This meant that the new laser cutting business could offer customers a complete solution and as a result, it quickly built a reputation serving the aerospace, rail, construction, pharmaceutical and defence sectors.

"As we were able to invest in a software system that allowed us to offer a market leading service from the outset, this meant we have been able to gain a competitive edge" says Marco Jones, director at Laser Profiling Ltd. "The full Lantek suite gives us complete traceability and control of our processes from start to finish. We are able to respond quickly to customer requests and operate with a small team across a wide range of industry sectors at volume."

The company was aware that lead times of five, seven or ten days were standard across the industry and customers often have to chase up for a price. Using Lantek Integra, Laser Profiling is able to turn the majority of quotes around within an hour. The system also calculates how long each job will take, so delivery commitments are based on real production data.

"Customers are demanding a quicker turnaround and we wanted to offer a better service," says Marco Jones. "Quoting within the hour means we can be far more responsive. We get work done and out of the door more quickly, which helps us grow and helps our customers to improve their own productivity. A typical project turnaround for us is two to three days, depending on complexity."

Multi-job nesting halves handling
Sheet optimisation is central to the business. With Lantek Expert, Laser Profiling nests multiple jobs for multiple customers on the same sheet while optimising the cut. This approach reduces material handling by 50 percent, making production quicker and more efficient while cutting material waste.

Lantek Manager gives the team live visibility over every job and of available capacity, without manual tracking. Delivery dates are planned in advance and the system indicates exactly when each job must start to meet them.

The software also supports unmanned overnight production. Sheets and programmes are loaded into an automated loading tower, parts are cut overnight across two carousels and finished, ready for processing the next morning.  This is all done automatically, without a night shift, which also results in lower energy costs.

Laser Profiling introduced the software in phases, starting with Lantek Integra and Expert before adding further modules, including Lantek Manager.

"With Lantek, you can keep bolting on modules without having to re-install the whole system," Marco Jones explains. "It's user friendly, simple and straightforward to use." 

Lantek supported the rollout with training days on site and at its own facility, including demonstrations of new features. Laser Profiling's production supervisor had used Lantek in a previous role, which also helped the team get up to speed quickly. 

Adam Ball, Commercial Director at Lantek, explains: "It is very satisfying to hear how well Lantek is working for Laser Profiling Ltd. From being established three years ago, they have seen significant growth, with our systems there to support them every step of the way. Using Lantek is all about increasing efficiency at every stage of the process, from initial quote to final delivery."

Laser Profiling is now implementing Lantek Production (a module within Integra) and Lantek MES Capture. [3] Lantek MES Capture is a web and mobile application designed to record production data directly on the shop floor. It allows operators to access pending jobs and register working times, operation status, produced parts and incidents from any location in the workshop.   Implementing Lantek MES Capture means every part will carry a barcode, bringing further efficiencies when parts move on for additional machining or fabrication.

The system works with touch screens and barcode readers, ensuring full traceability, real-time production visibility and better control of manufacturing processes.

Future plans
Laser Profiling has plans to extend its premises and add a second laser machine.  Marco Jones adds: "Quoting [4] within an hour is a big plus for our customers, we turn jobs round in two to three days and multi-job nesting saves us significant amounts on material. Our overall efficiency has improved and with the new Production and MES Capture systems coming on board soon, it just keeps getting better and better." 

For more information on Lantek, visit: https://www.lantek.com/uk