Meet MARCH: An Evolution In Laser Cutting Automation

Just about two years ago, Troy Wilson showed up and immediately created a to-do list. At the top of our Product Manager's list was one vital item: get the automation side of the house at CI moving. There was, of course, a significant shift in United States manufacturing that was (and still is) happening. In order to compete globally, production costs had to be cut. Automating processes was a no-brainer way to keep prices down, and it was high time Cincinnati brought automation to fabrication.

Fast forward 24 months, and the Multi Axis Rapid Cincinnati Handling (MARCH) System is here. It’s an evolution in laser cutting automation and lights out operation, and its presence guarantees faster setup times and material handling expandability, whether you opt for the 300 Series or its more compact and economical sibling, the 100 Series.*

Better Lead Times

The time-intensive parts of the MARCH System are pre-built in batches. All these pre-built parts are part of a kit for an eventual MARCH System. Once the order comes in and the configuration of the system is defined, the remaining structural components are added to the mix, and the customer has its brand new MARCH on the floor in about four weeks. For the pre-built kits, we stay three to four kits ahead of demand to ensure the lead times are attractive.

Retrofit the MARCH

If you have a CI 400, 800 or 900 Series laser cutting machine, you can retrofit the MARCH System to it. In fact, that’s precisely what we recommend you do rather than purchasing a new laser cutting machine. The cost savings are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and you can add additional shifts without adding manpower. You could also make best use of your operators by freeing them up for other tasks.  

Retrofit the MARCH...Even When Floor Space Isn’t There

When we visit your shop floor, it’s time to evaluate the space and figure out what restrictions you may have in regards to the placement and installation of the MARCH system. With the March 300's ability to interface up to 2 machines and 4 bays, paired with CI's culture of customization that allows for modifications to height and length, as well as guarding of the system make it a highly adaptable product for many situations.

In-House Scheduling Software

The MARCH 300 System is available with 4 to 19 shelves, and the scheduling software was created to be easy to learn and easy to use. In terms of commands back and forth between a laser cutter and automation, there are really very few. It’s essentially “I’m done and I need another sheet,” “I want to grab this material” and “I want to put this material here.” If you have an 8-shelf 300 Series, you could fire up the MARCH on Friday afternoon and turn the lights out with 6 shelves of raw material and 2 empty shelves. And on Monday morning, you’d have 7 shelves of finished parts and 1 empty shelf. It’s an incredible productivity enhancer and money maker for any laser cutting shop.

Want to know more about MARCH and what it can do for your laser cutting? Get in touch with us any time.