LC2012C1NT – Punch/Laser Combination Machine

It’s a company known for its solid commitment to on-time delivery of quality products. Yet, Prototek Manufacturing of Contoocook, NH (www.prototekmanufacturing.com) is also well known for its quickness and accuracy in responding to the demands of its customers – factors that led to their purchase of the new LC2012C1NT Punch/Laser Combination machine from Amada.

Prior to purchasing the C1, Prototek was operating three shifts for its punching and laser-cutting operations, running at 90% capacity. “We were stretched way too thin,” recalls Keith Isabelle, General Manager. “We would punch some parts on our turret punch press, then move to another department and cut complex contours on our 4000-watt laser.”

After consulting with Amada, Prototek decided on the new LC-C1 Punch/Laser combination machine. The C1 is equipped with a versatile Multiple Purpose Turret (MPT) that features four 1¼¨ stations to hold tapping tools. When tapping tools are not required, these four tap locations can be used for punching tools – increasing the turret capacity to 49-stations. “We installed the C1 about 3 months ago, and it’s been great,” Isabelle recalls. “I had 6 employees responsible for countersinking and tapping as secondary operations. Now, we only need two employees for secondary processing. So, we reallocated our labor to other value-added operations.”

As a result of the new configuration, Prototek continues, by its estimates, to be the fastest rapid prototype company in the country. According to Isabelle, “Amada’s new C1 is engineered to deliver the speed and versatility our customers demand.”