Handheld laser welding device convinces immediately

Anyone scrutinizing Cevan Metalworks' list of references cannot help but be impressed. Yet the Maaseik-based company is not resting on its laurels and wants to keep evolving in subcontracting and construction work. With its recent investment in a handheld laser welding machine from Lastek, it clearly shows its ambition to remain at the head of the pack in terms of technical ability.

Cevan Metalworks has its origins in the production of tanning beds. The expertise needed to finish these devices also proved to be a strong asset in subcontracting, which the family business from Maaseik began to focus on at the end of the 1990s. Managing director Daniel Proosten: "To go ever further in unburdening the customer, construction work was added. A discipline that got a big boost when we were able to take over a construction company here in the neighborhood."

Even today, Cevan Metalworks still sees a lot of growth potential in this market. "We are evolving more and more toward delivering subassemblies. We cut and fold the pieces to size and then start assembling them partly together into parts that customers then finish in their own production line." 

The fact that Cevan Industries now reaches an international audience with its services is not only due to its location near the border triangle. Proosten: "We hear from customers that they return mainly for the quality we deliver and the no-nonsense approach we take. Practical solutions to complex challenges, that's what we're all about."

Finger on the pulse

The family business also insists on keeping up with new technological developments. "We are always looking for the next smart move in production technology. By being at the forefront of innovation, you can serve customers even better. Either by taking steps in your efficiency or by improving your quality," Proosten says. 

For this reason, among others, he has been closely following developments in handheld laser welding for some time. "Welders are a scarce resource. From the information I managed to glean online, it was clear that with this technology, even welders with a minimum of experience can deliver a very nice result." 

However, the dangers associated with laser welding caused Proosten to throw caution to the wind. "The wave frequency and power of the laser can lead to instant blindness," warns Proosten. "The safety of our employees always comes first. That's why I wanted to partner with a supplier who could support us with proper safety regulations."

Safety first

So when Lastek introduced Fanuci's handheld laser welding device to the Belgian market early this year, Proosten did not hesitate for a second. They are currently working hard in Maaseik to create a separate room for laser welding. In consultation with Lastek they looked at how this could be set up safely. Special panels up to 3 meters high ensure that no dangerous and invisible laser radiation can escape from the welding area. Special stickers warn other employees not to enter the area just like that. "In addition, appropriate safety glasses are of course a requirement. We found those at Lastek as well."  

In anticipation of the closed zone, the unit is already deployed in a blast room. "No one can just enter that room. If someone does want to enter, the light must first be flashed a few times. Then the welder can safely turn off the device." 

Speed of work

The first welding results coming out of the blast cabinet are particularly pleasing. Both with Proosten and with customers who have already received a few samples. Proosten: "What is striking is the speed of work. We trained four welders to work with the machine. They were up and running with it in no time at all, and they put the desired weld on in no time. In thin materials, less deformations occur due to the low heat input. Finer work can also be done, making the weld more visually appealing. In my opinion, handheld laser welding will become the standard. Especially when developments toward higher powers and thus thicker materials continue. In addition, the device may become a bit more mobile and the laser welding torch a bit more elegant for easier operation. In any case, our welders were eager to get to work with it."