Powerful cutting solution for thick materials for a popular Swiss job shop

Two AL-Cut managing directors Toni Räber and Andreas Sommer have extensive experience in metal engineering. Both have worked in the metal construction industry, where they gained a lot of experience in technical and commercial area of the business. In 2009, they became self-employed and set up a cutting center in the north of Lucerne. The company was named AL-cut, which means Aqua and Laser cutting. They therefore focus mainly on water jet and laser cutting. "Cutting is our main activity, it sets us apart from the others. We have a wide portfolio of customers from various industries: from tilers to gravestones manufacturers, but also medical technology, electrical engineering and artists,” says Toni Räber.

Customers all over the Switzerland rely on the cutting quality and reliability of this specialized company. AL-Cut AG has 14 employees and is a sought-after contact especially for prototypes and small series. Mechanical engineering, steel construction, vehicle construction or aircraft technology are just a few of the industries that are served within the 1,000 m² factory hall and the 100 m² office. In order to be able to satisfy demand quickly and with high quality in the future, the cutting center not only invests constantly in the machine park, but also expanding the production hall by 1,200 m² with an integrated warehouse.

In addition to their laser and water jet cutting machines, a press brake and a wet grinder, the company expanded its technology park in May 2017 with a multifunctional plasma cutting centre from MicroStep for 3D plate and dome processing. "Because we are mainly a laser and water jet cutting center, we needed a cost-effective solution for cutting thick and solid materials. When it comes to cutting of these materials the lasers will reach their limits and the water jet cutting costs are too expensive. This plasma cutting sytem allows us to cut such materials relatively cheaply and efficiently,” explains Toni Räber.

The MicroStep´s plasma rotator is a rotating bevel unit which the Swiss Job Shop Center use to process sheets and domes. It is possible to make V, X, Y or K chamfers on flat material. It also enables weld preparation up to 45 °.

Managing director Toni Räber: "The cooperation with MicroStep is familiar and very good. The consultation is very uncomplicated. We feel at home and in good hands with MicroStep. Basically we are very satisfied with the whole concept and can recommend it everywhere."