Meet the newest addition to the JGB workshop: our new laser welder

There's a new piece of kit in action at the workshop, andit's already showing what it can do.

Our new laser welder is now fully operational, bringing anew level of speed, control and precision to our welding capabilities. It's anexciting addition to the workshop and another step forward in our ongoinginvestment in the equipment and technology that help us deliver for ourcustomers.

And we've already put it to the test.

So, what can it do?

Laser welding uses a concentrated beam of light to joinmetal components. Compared with traditional welding methods, it offers greatercontrol over the process, helping to achieve a consistent finish whilecompleting certain tasks in considerably less time.

We wanted to see how it would compare with our existing TIGwelding process, so we ran our own tests.

The result? A task that took seven minutes using TIG weldingwas completed in just one minute with the laser welder.

That's a significant difference, and a great example of thepotential this technology offers.

Of course, the time saved will depend on the component andthe requirements of each job. But the initial results are promising, and we'relooking forward to exploring where the machine can make the biggest differenceacross our fabrication work.

More than just speed

It's not just about getting the job done faster.

Laser welding gives our team greater control over thewelding process, helping to achieve a cleaner, more consistent finish whilereducing unwanted heat effects.

For bespoke fabrication, having the right approach for eachjob is important. Adding laser welding to our existing capabilities gives usanother option when working out the best way to manufacture a component ortackle a particular challenge.

It's about combining the experience and skills of our teamwith technology that can help us work smarter.

Built around the way we work

Getting the most from the new machine meant creating theright space for it, too.

We've built a dedicated 4.5 x 8 metre enclosure to house theequipment, designed with our workshop requirements in mind. There's room toaccommodate larger fabricated items, including trailer chassis, with space forour team to work around them.

Laser welding also comes with specific safety requirements,including controlling exposure to the laser and managing reflective surfaces.The enclosure has been designed with these considerations in mind and is nowfully operational.

With the equipment in place, we're getting to grips with itscapabilities and identifying where it can add the most value to the work we do.

What's next for JGB?

We're excited about what this investment could bring to thebusiness.

Faster welding on suitable jobs creates opportunities toimprove production efficiency and turnaround times. As we build experience withthe machine and assess its performance across different projects, we'll alsodevelop a clearer understanding of where those improvements can have thegreatest impact.

The laser welder joins our existing workshop capabilities,including CNC cutting, folding, punching, traditional welding and bespoke metalfabrication.

It's another example of how we're continuing to invest inour workshop, develop our capabilities and give our team the tools to take onnew challenges.