Last Updated: 10/19/2023
Seeking to diversify its customer base, a fabrication company implements advanced fiber laser technology
Operating out of Greenville, MI and Elkhart, IN, FabX Industries serves a wide range of customers as the parent company of Aquest Machining, Elite Precision Machining & Tooling, Steel Harbor and LaserTec Sheet Metal Fab. Together, these companies provide machining and fabrication services to several industries—including fenestration, automotive, marine, furniture, medical, aerospace, and recreational vehicle.
New Beginnings
About two years ago, company leaders decided to branch out and serve customers that were outsourcing their laser cutting. “We saw an opportunity on the laser side when we found out our machining customers were outsourcing their laser cutting,” says Gopi Ganta, President of FabX Industries. “That’s when we decided to start LaserTec.”
Starting a new company that specializes in laser cutting required leaders at FabX to begin the search for laser-cutting equipment. During the research process, FabX team was drawn to Mazak. “We were looking for a quality machine from a company that offered the value and support we needed,” says Ganta. “We knew we were going to add more machines down the road and wanted to find a company that could provide as we grew.” Leaders at FabX decided purchasing the OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER 6kW would be their best option.
“Ease of use stood out to us,” says Ganta. “We wanted a machine that was easy for our operators to use, as none of them had previous experience operating these machines.” With Mazak offering hands-on training to customers, leaders at FabX were confident that they would be ready to go when their new machine arrived.
Equipped with a high-powered fiber optics laser, the dream of starting LaserTec became a reality for FabX in 2019—with the newly formed company providing high-quality and cost-effective sheet metal fabrication services.
As demand increased, leaders were soon looking to purchase another laser. While they had done their research the first time, they wanted to be sure that Mazak was the right partner for their long-term goals. After considering their options, the team once again reaffirmed their choice of Mazak. “The second time, we knew for sure that we were going to stay with Mazak,” says Ganta. “We were impressed with the value and flexibility Mazak laser machines offered.”
Advancing with Automation
In addition to purchasing another OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER, the team added Mazak’s LASER FLEX automation system to their operations. LASER FLEX systems utilize independent load/unload functions to accelerate sheet-to-sheet cutting productivity. Sheets are loaded utilizing a suction cup-based system and unloaded by a clamshell fork system. Towers can be added for load/unload capacity while cart systems and conveyors allow workpiece separation as production continues. Mazak’s LASER FLEX automation can also be designed to incorporate systems to separate parts and automatically load them onto pallets in production environments.
The addition of an automation system with the laser-cutting machines has been beneficial to FabX. The ability to implement lights out operations has been especially valuable. Mazak’s machines and automation have given them the ability to load material on the machines before leaving for the day and unload finished parts in the morning. “Just like every other fabricator, we’ve been very busy this past year with sales almost doubling, shares Ganta. "If we didn’t have two [Mazak] machines and automation, we would have been in trouble.”
Branching Out
Investing in lasers from Mazak has facilitated FabX’s growth and widened the company’s scope. Experiencing continued success with their two OPTIPLEX NEXUS FIBERs, leaders at the company knew they needed to purchase a third Mazak laser-cutting machine for their new facility in Indiana. Installing the OPTIPLEX NEXUS FIBER S7 opened the door to opportunities like adding new customers and supporting current demand.
The quality of cut on Mazak’s machines has been integral for meeting the product standards set by leaders at FabX. The efficiency of the lasers due to speed and lack of secondary operations has increased turnaround times. Additionally, engineers at Mazak have played an essential role in fine-tuning the cut conditions for various materials processed on the lasers. The FabX team has found that Mazak support is readily available with engineers willing to answer questions and assist with troubleshooting whenever needed.
Leaders at FabX are aware of new business opportunities they have yet to take on and look forward to expanding their operations with Mazak as their laser partner.