MTC installs UK’s
rst waterjet guided
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has invested in a state-of-the-art Synova LCS305 waterjet guided
laser machine – the fi rst to be operated in the UK, Justin Burns investigates
latest technology to support industries across the UK
with their manufacturing challenges.
Smith explains that the investment is a key part of the
Coventry-based MTC’s strategy moving forward: “We see
laser processing as a key manufacturing technology for
the UK, and as such this is one of the MTCs key
strategic areas going forwards. To back this up we have
made quite a few investments in this area of technology
over the last few years.”
The MTC already operates a Amphos (now owned by
Trumpf) 300W Picosecond laser that it uses for high
precision machining. The machine is also currently the
only one in the UK and ties into the MTCs laser
machining capability, similar to the Synova machine.
“We are really pushing for the use of laser processing
The MTC ( www.is.gd/1VsNyl ) has made a signi cant
six- gure investment in its laser processing
capability with the installation of a high precision
Synova ( www.is.gd/bCNLS2 ) LCS305 waterjet guided laser
machine – the rst of its kind to be operated in UK
manufacturing.
The state-of-the-art ve-axis system allows engineers
to cut, drill or machine complex shapes without the
drawbacks associated with traditional laser machining,
such as heat build-up or tapers. The Synova machine
can be used on a range of materials including ceramics,
hard to machine alloys and composites among others.
Speaking to Machinery, Bethan Smith, technology
manager at the MTC, says the high-powered waterjet
guided laser allows the centre to develop and use the
10 January 2021 | www.machinery.co.uk | MachineryMagazine | @MachineryTweets
/1VsNyl
/bCNLS2
/www.machinery.co.uk