At ETMA, innovating is more than a simple ambition – it is a commitment. A commitment to quality, efficiency, and, most importantly, to our clients. We continue to invest in upgrading our technological infrastructures and reinforcing production autonomy, with a clear focus: continuously improve our responsiveness, this time, more specifically, in the critical phases of prototypes and pre-series.
The two most recent acquisitions – a 3K fibre laser cutting machine and a new CNC press brake machine – reflect that strategy. These two machines will enable ETMA to perform internal operations that, until now, involved outsourcing, more external dependency and longer deadlines.
3K LASER CUTTING: MORE MATERIALS, MORE THICKNESS, HIGHER SPEED
A new laser cutting machine, with fibre technology and 3000 W power, represents a significant leap considering the previous equipment (in terms of CO₂ and only 1K). With this acquisition, ETMA is able to cut a wide range of metallic materials — ferrous and non-ferrous — with high precision and a thickness up to 18 mm.
Materials such as copper, aluminium, stainless steel, brass or bronze are now directly cut in our facilities. Previously, this type of cut was subcontracted, namely in the case of copper, widely used in prototypes. Now, the process is internal, faster and completely controlled by ETMA’s team.
In addition to the technical versatility, this machine also stands out for the easiness of operation: it allows the direct import of files (.DXF format), has a catalogue with default parameters for type of material and thickness, and can be operated with high autonomy, without the need for specialised operators. The previous system, besides being more complex and limited, demanded very specific skills and restricted the operation to only two employees.
The result? Greater agility, quick response to the client and much higher flexibility in the development phase.
CNC PRESS BRAKE MACHINE: AUTOMATIC FOLDING WITH MILLIMETRIC PRECISION
The second machine acquired is a 7-tonne press brake, with 3-axle motion, automatic stops and configurable control — a significant evolution considering the previous model in operation.
This new equipment allows the precise definition of the folding points and the programming of complete sequences with different angles and distances, all automatically performed. The operator just needs to position the part and start the process: the machine performs each fold with rigour, recalculating the strength needed according to the material and thickness.
The built-in catalogue contemplates different materials (such as steel, copper, aluminium, among others) and guarantees automatic compensations in terms of resistance, therefore, avoiding waste and ensuring consistency in the results.
The impact in production is evident: time saving, elimination of manual adjustments and, mainly, higher repeatability — an essential factor in the early stages of a project and the production of small series.
VERSATILITY, SPEED AND AUTONOMY
These two acquisitions consolidate ETMA’s investment in the production of prototypes and pre-series with higher autonomy, speed and precision. By internalising key processes, we reduce response times, increase quality control and decrease third-party dependency.
This is one more step towards our goals — invest to improve.
Would you like to find out how these new capacities can meet the needs of your project? Talk to us.