Unifabs is continuing its investment in manufacturing technology with the addition of a second AMADA REGIUS-3015AJe 6 kW fibre laser cutting machine at its sheet metal manufacturing facility in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The new REGIUS is being installed alongside an ASF II 3015 EU automated loading system, adding further laser cutting capacity and automated material handling to our existing capabilities.
We have a longstanding relationship with AMADA technology. The first machine purchased when Unifabs Ltd was founded was an AMADA EML punch-laser combination, and that relationship continues today with our latest investment in the AMADA REGIUS-3015AJe. Unifabs was one of the first manufacturers in the UK to adopt the technology in 2021. Five years on, we have chosen to invest in a second machine as customer demand continues to develop and the need for additional laser cutting capacity grows.
Building on five years of AMADA REGIUS experience
When we invested in our first REGIUS in 2021, the aim was to increase our laser cutting capacity while bringing the latest fibre laser technology into our manufacturing facility.
Five years on, that machine remains an important part of our production capability. Investing in a second REGIUS allows us to build on that experience and add further capacity using technology we already know and understand.
The new machine will work alongside our existing REGIUS, as well as our other laser and punch-laser equipment. Together, this gives our production team greater flexibility when planning work and allows us to accommodate additional demand across a range of customer requirements.
The new REGIUS is also being installed with an ASF II 3015 EU automated loading system. By automating the movement of sheet material to and from the machine, the system will support efficient production and make better use of the additional capacity the investment provides.
Jason Austin, Chief Executive at Unifabs reflected on the investment:
“As we approach 20 years in manufacturing, we’re still as hungry as ever and continuing to push ahead. We’ve built our business through continually investing, developing our capabilities and supporting our customers, and this latest REGIUS investment is another step in that journey.”
More capacity and flexibility for our customers
Adding an AMADA REGIUS-3015AJe is about more than adding another machine to the factory. It gives us additional capacity within our laser department and greater flexibility when managing production.
The 6 kW fibre laser provides high-speed, high-precision cutting across a range of materials and thicknesses, while the machine’s automated functions are designed to reduce operator intervention and support machine uptime. AMADA’s three-axis linear drive technology provides rapid acceleration and deceleration together with high-accuracy positioning, while Variable Beam Control adjusts the laser beam according to the material and thickness being processed.
These features are particularly useful when producing repeat components, where consistency and efficient production are important. Automated monitoring and machine functions also help reduce the amount of manual intervention required during production.
The automated loading system makes the most of the machine’s capabilities. Sheet material can be loaded and unloaded automatically, helping the machine to run efficiently and allowing our team to focus on other aspects of production.
For our customers, the overall benefit is additional capacity and flexibility. As production requirements change, we have more capacity available within the laser department and more options for scheduling work across our equipment.
Supporting a wider range of sheet metal requirements
The new AMADA REGIUS-3015AJe forms part of our wider laser and punch-laser capability, which now includes five machines.
Our equipment can process sheet sizes up to 3,000 × 1,500 mm and a range of materials including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, pre-galvanised steel, and Zintec. At Unifabs, we process material thicknesses of up to 20 mm, depending on the material and application.
Our laser cutting capability forms part of a wider range of manufacturing processes at Unifabs. Depending on the product, components typically start with some kind of profiling before being formed using our press brakes or Salvagnini panel benders, followed by manual or robotic welding, powder coating and assembly depending on the product’s requirements.
You can find out more about our laser cutting capabilities and the materials we process on our laser cutting service page.
Continuing to invest in our manufacturing capabilities
The second REGIUS follows a number of other investments at Unifabs, including the AMADA EML2515 AJP punch-laser combination and a laser welding cell introduced last year.
As we approach 20 years of manufacturing, continued investment in our equipment, technology and people remains an important part of our business’s strategy for growth. The latest REGIUS is another step in that ongoing investment, adding proven technology to our existing capabilities and giving us further capacity to support our customers as their requirements develop.
If you have an upcoming laser cutting project or need support with other sheet metal manufacturing processes, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
