Midtherm Laser made a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint in 2018 and set its own targets.
In 2018, Midtherm Laser launched a mission to significantly lower its energy consumption and reduce its carbon footprint. Director Richard Andrews set an ambitious target to cut energy use by half by 2023. Thanks to recent investments and machine upgrades, Midtherm Laser reached these targets. More importantly, the company has made changes and improvements that enhance energy savings and improve part quality and performance.
“Our goal was to reduce annual power consumption by 50% against 2018 usage of 1.98 gwh, by 2023. In order to achieve this, we have installed several power meters which are providing an insight into genuine/wasted usage and results of changes.” said Richard Andrews, Director, 2020.
The power meters give us insight into where our energy is being used. This in turn helps to indicate where it can be reduced. We checked these results earlier this year and realised our target had been met and energy consumption was continuing to reduce.
Investments in Fibre Laser Technology
Midtherm Laser achieved most of its energy savings by investing in fibre lasers. These replaced its older CO₂ machines. The new Bystronic Bystar 10kW and 12 kW laser machines, installed in 2019 and 2022, use significantly less power than the outdated CO₂ models. These machines, along with its existing 3 kW fibre laser, can deliver energy savings of up to 80% per part.
Fibre technology allows for faster and more precise cuts, making these machines much more efficient, reducing the overall carbon footprint of each job. Recently, Midtherm Laser decommissioned its last remaining CO₂ laser, which had been in service for over 17 years. This machine, Midtherm Laser’s first Bystronic laser with a 4 m x 2 m bed, had become outdated and uneconomical to operate, leading Midtherm Lasers to retire it. It was replaced by a Bodor 12 kW laser. This is a different brand to Midtherm Laser’s existing laser machines but the company is looking forward to seeing if it can improve service overall.
Upgrading Nitrogen Production
Midtherm Laser has been producing its own nitrogen since March 2010. In 2018, Midtherm Laser expanded its nitrogen generator to support its new fibre lasers, and upgraded it again in 2024 as the previous technology had become outdated. The new generator is more energy-efficient, consuming less power and providing greater control over nitrogen production, boosters, and storage
Improved Automation and Tower Storage
In 2019, Midtherm Laser installed its tower warehouse and machine automation, which was extended in 2023. The tower stores materials and cut parts and automatically loads the 10 kW laser. This setup has significantly optimised material stock management, reduced forklift traffic, enhanced workplace safety, and greatly minimised the downtime of the 10 kW laser.
Additional Energy-Saving Measures
Smaller changes also contribute significantly to Midtherm Laser’s overall energy reduction. These include installing LED lighting and PIR sensors, reducing paperwork, implementing efficient recycling practices, and transitioning to an electric fleet of vehicles. All helping in reducing its carbon footprint.
A Greener Future for Midtherm Laser
After achieving significant energy savings, Midtherm Laser is now exploring other renewable energy options. After already cutting its consumption by 1,000,000 kWh per year, the company plans to further reduce its carbon footprint. There are plans to install solar panels that can generate up to 200,000 kWh annually to produce all energy in-house. However, the greatest impact comes from reducing energy usage first. These targets, along with the nitrogen generator, would see the machines at Midtherm Laser being powered entirely (or a high percentage) ourselves.
Contact: Mark Hannon
mark@midthermlaser.co.uk