Q1 Review

The first quarter of 2021 marked the one year anniversary of the Covid pandemic, this month we will review Q1 and how that has impacted us.

January 2021

Steel prices rises and the effects of Brexit and the Pandemic were wide reaching, so much so according to Steel Market data the cost of Carbon steel has risen by a huge 60%.

Since January the issue of  market demand and hiked steel prices has deteriorated.

In terms of Grenville Engineering’s supply of material, maintaining good relationships with several well recognised stockholders has really helped. Grenville’s purchasing team have worked hard to ensure reliable levels of stock supply and will ensure that shortages of materials will not affect supply of manufactured items into customers. 

February 2021

In February we touched on the topic of Reshoring as Brexit effects and the pandemic were forcing manufacturers to rethink about their manufacturing operations.

Make UK published a report on reshoring operations stating “it is now being seen as increasingly important in terms of bolstering UK manufacturing resilience and ensuring that its manufacturing supply chains are fit for an uncertain future.”

Grenville Engineering joined Reshoring UK a unique collaboration of leading industrial engineering associations to assist manufacturers connect with trusted, accredited suppliers capable of delivering products and services that match their requirements.

March 2021

Copper as a versatile material was the main topic in March looking at getting the best value, minimising wastage due to the high costs of this material.

A major client of Grenville Engineering sources Copper laser cut profiles and formed parts due to their experience with this material and optimising nesting to get the best value per sheet.

In the forthcoming months Grenville will be renovating and making further investments to become more energy efficient and sustainable. Plans were put in place in Q1 ready for work to commence in the next quarter, whilst continuing to make manufacturing operations run as smooth as possible.

Further updates in the next blog…

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What Is Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is a highly precise manufacturing process that uses a focused beam of light to cut or engrave materials. By directing an intense point of heat—generated by CO₂ or fibre-laser technology—the machine can produce intricate shapes, clean edges and fine detail that would be impossible to achieve by hand or with many traditional cutting tools.

At Grenville Engineering, our laser technology works across a range of materials including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, copper and brass, delivering a polished, accurate finish every time.

How Does the Process Work?

The process begins with a CAD file, which guides the machine through every cut. The concentrated laser beam melts or vaporises the material exactly along the programmed path, leaving a clean, smooth edge.

Laser cutting is not only extremely accurate—it’s also energy-efficient, fast and consistent, making it one of the most effective manufacturing methods available in the UK today.

What Can Laser Cutting Be Used For?

Laser cutting is an essential process for industries requiring high levels of precision, detail and repeatability. These include:

  • Automotive

  • Food processing and packaging

  • Aerospace

  • Electronics and instrumentation

  • Earthmoving and heavy equipment manufacturing

Grenville Engineering supports many high-profile partners, producing over 1,000 different components, from tiny 3.5mm parts to larger pieces within our cutting area of 3.5m x 1.5m. Our laser machines can pierce single or multiple layers with remarkable accuracy, producing components that serve critical roles in some of the UK’s most demanding applications.

Who Benefits from Laser Cutting?

Laser cutting is the first vital step in many manufacturing processes. Whether producing prototypes, intricate brackets, safety-critical components or bespoke designs, laser cutting ensures the accuracy needed for downstream operations.

Our customers rely on us for:

  • Tight tolerances

  • High repeatability

  • Smooth, clean edge quality

  • Fast turnaround

  • Minimal material distortion

Compared with plasma cutting, laser cutting offers far higher precision, a smaller kerf and the ability to work with thinner sheets without compromising quality. This makes it the perfect solution for OEMs, R&D teams, product designers and manufacturers across sectors.

The Benefits of Modern Laser Cutting

The advantages of laser cutting are clear:

  • Precision and reliability – control over heat and duration creates flawless edges.

  • Non-contact processing – eliminates tool wear and reduces the risk of damage.

  • Speed and cost-efficiency – low maintenance and fast cutting cycles.

  • Enhanced safety – enclosed beams protect operators and maintain clean working conditions.

The combination of speed, accuracy and versatility makes laser cutting one of the most efficient manufacturing technologies available today.

Introducing the New 12kW TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 Fiber

Grenville Engineering’s latest acquisition represents a significant upgrade in both power and capability. The TruLaser 3030 fiber offers:

Advanced Technical Features

  • 3000 x 1500 mm working range

  • TRUMPF’s TruDisk 12001 solid-state laser with BrightLine fiber for superb edge quality, even at high power

  • Automatic nozzle changer to switch seamlessly between cutting conditions

  • Highspeed Eco package, reducing gas consumption while increasing feed rate

  • Compressed air cutting and an integrated gas mixer for exceptional flexibility

Cutting Power & Thickness Capability

With up to 12 kW of laser power, the machine can cut:

  • Mild steel: up to 30 mm

  • Stainless steel: up to 40 mm

  • Aluminium: up to 30 mm

  • Copper and brass: up to 12.7 mm

This significantly expands the range of materials and thicknesses we can process in-house—reducing lead times, eliminating the need for outsourcing and increasing production efficiency for our customers.

Why Choose Grenville Engineering?

Based in Stoke-on-Trent, Grenville Engineering is one of the UK's most trusted providers of laser cutting and fabrication services. Our Complete Fabrication Solution ensures that your components are cut, folded, fabricated and finished to the highest standards.

We offer:

  • Fast, accurate and reliable service

  • Competitive pricing

  • Skilled in-house engineers

  • State-of-the-art laser technology

  • Decades of experience serving major UK industries

With the addition of the TruLaser 3030 fiber, we are better equipped than ever to meet complex specifications and tight deadlines.

Our Laser Cutting Machines

Grenville Engineering now operates three laser cutting machines on site:

  • Two TRUMPF machines for cutting stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium

    • Thicknesses: 20mm (mild steel), 12mm (stainless), 8mm (aluminium)

  • Bystronic Fibre Laser for brass, copper and other materials

    • Thicknesses: up to 6mm

    • Bed size: 1500 x 3000

  • NEW 12kW TRUMPF TruLaser 3030 fiber

    • Expanded capability across all materials

    • Industry-leading cutting speeds and edge performance

Request an Online Quote

t’s easy to get started. Click the 'Contact Us' button below contact us or to request a callback and receive a fast, competitive online quote from our team. Whether you need a single prototype or a full production batch, Grenville Engineering is ready to deliver.

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Find out how we can help today

Call Grenville Engineering on 01782 577 929
or email us at sales@grenville-engieering.co.uk