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 an exciting addition to the workshop and another step forward in our ongoing investment in the equipment and technology that help us deliver for our customers.

And we've already put it to the test.

So, what can it do?

Laser welding uses a concentrated beam of light to join metal components. Compared with traditional welding methods, it offers greater control over the process, helping to achieve a consistent finish while completing certain tasks in considerably less time.

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

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

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

Of course, the time saved will depend on the component and the requirements of each job. But the initial results are promising, and we'relooking forward to exploring where the machine can make the biggest difference across 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 the welding process, helping to achieve a cleaner, more consistent finish while reducing unwanted heat effects.

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

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

Built around the way we work

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

We've built a dedicated 4.5 x 8 metre enclosure to house the equipment, designed with our workshop requirements in mind. There's room to accommodate larger fabricated items, including trailer chassis, with space for our 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 now fully operational.

With the equipment in place, we're getting to grips with its capabilities 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 the business.

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

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

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