Metec successfully delivered its first extra-large 13m exchange table 30KW laser cutting machine to Qinghai Xinyi Heavy Industry, demonstrating cutting-edge capability.
Breaking the 30kW Barrier in Sheet Metal Laser Cutting
In April 2023, Metec achieved a landmark milestone: the successful delivery and commissioning of our first 30kW fiber laser cutting machine to Qinghai Xinyi Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. This extra-large format machine — featuring a 13-meter exchange table — represents the pinnacle of our laser cutting technology.
The Customer Challenge
Qinghai Xinyi Heavy Industry specializes in structural steel components for bridge construction, wind power towers, and heavy machinery frames. Their production requirements pushed the limits of conventional laser cutting:
- Material thickness: Up to 60mm carbon steel, 40mm stainless steel
- Part size: Structural components up to 12 meters in length
- Production volume: 24/7 operation with minimal downtime tolerance
- Cut quality: Weld-ready edges without secondary grinding
The Solution: MLG-30000 Series
We engineered a custom configuration of our MLG Series gantry laser cutting machine specifically for this application:
Laser System
- 30kW IPG fiber laser source
- Precitec ProCutter 2.0 cutting head with automatic focus adjustment
- Nitrogen/oxygen/air assist gas switching
Machine Structure
- 13,000mm × 3,000mm cutting area
- Exchange table system for continuous loading
- Reinforced gantry structure for vibration-free cutting at high power
Control System
- FSCUT4000 CNC controller
- Automatic nozzle cleaning and calibration
- Remote monitoring via 4G/5G connectivity
Commissioning Results
During acceptance testing, the machine achieved:
- 60mm carbon steel: Cut speed 0.8 m/min, Ra 3.2μm surface finish
- 40mm stainless steel: Cut speed 0.5 m/min, perpendicularity within 0.3mm/100mm
- 20mm carbon steel: Cut speed 3.5 m/min, suitable for direct welding without grinding
Customer Feedback
"The 30kW machine has transformed our production capability. We can now cut structural components in a single pass that previously required plasma cutting followed by grinding. The edge quality is consistently weld-ready, which has eliminated an entire production step." — Production Director, Qinghai Xinyi Heavy Industry
Lessons Learned
Delivering a 30kW machine to a high-altitude location (Xining, 2,200m above sea level) presented unique challenges. We adapted the laser cooling system to account for reduced atmospheric pressure and lower ambient oxygen levels, ensuring stable laser performance at altitude.
