Middlesbrough steel plate specialists reaping rewards of enhanced fibre laser cutting process
Steel plate processors, SM Thompson Ltd has invested in a new 22 kw fibre laser cutting machine that will boost efficiency and drive the business’ ambitions forward.
The Dormor Way, South Bank firm has invested in a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine which will not only support more environmentally friendly ways of working but enable larger client orders and faster process.
As a steel plate specialist, the SM Thompson team cuts steel from 1mm thick up to 350mm thick using a range of laser, plasma and flame cutting machinery. They also press, roll and chamfer steel into a variety of shapes and sizes, working with mild and stainless steel as well as aluminium, brass, copper and titanium.
Managing director Harvey Thompson said: “Our continued investment to new machinery enables us to offer a range of services to our customers, with exceptional precision. By enhancing the range and capabilities of our machinery, we can respond readily to market place changes.
“It’s always been our ethos to invest in the latest technology to keep us at the top of the game. This machine continues that ethos.”
Beyond its fantastic cut quality, the laser can offer an excellent etching service suitable for bend lines, and profile identifications, which supports larger orders and identifying parts quickly, saving valuable time and money. The high-end fibre laser provides precise technology and a stable cutting process up to the highest laser power.
Harvey added: “When we purchased the 12kw machine a little over a year ago, I was so impressed by the precision and efficiency of the machine that I knew straight away this was the future of large quantity orders. Six months later, the order was in for a 6000×2500 22kw laser. Since having the 22kw laser installed, our customers have been very excited to know that they can place an order for up to 50mm thick cutting.”
SM Thompson was founded in 1950 by Stanley Moorhouse Thompson and celebrated its platinum anniversary in 2020. Formerly based in the old Port Clarence railway station, the business moved to a larger site beside Middlesbrough’s Newport Bridge – which was aptly named Marathon Works owing to Stanley’s athletics interest.
