From sketch to high-tech plate laser: the story behind the V353

When laser technology became mature enough to cut thick steel plates (>6 mm) quickly and with high quality, our product managers saw an opportunity. The market demanded more output, more automation, and more efficiency. Many companies thought that their cost price per product could not be reduced any further—and we set out to prove them wrong.

The result: the V353. A high-tech, large-format plate laser that combines speed, precision, and extensive automation. “What started as a few sketches grew into a state-of-the-art laser cutting machine,” says Jan Hoekstra, Mechanical Lead Engineer at Voortman.

From idea to realization

As Mechanical Lead Engineer, Jan is responsible for the mechanical design of our latest machines. “We opted for a long, modular bed with a moving gantry. This is fairly unique in the market. And the impact for steel fabricators is enormous. Autonomous cutting without having to continuously move material. Efficient nesting on large-format plates. Minimal handling, maximum output,” Jan explains.

For other applications, such as small-format plate processing or lasers for tube and profile processing, Voortman offers alternatives. But for large formats and maximum capacity? Then the V353 is the answer.

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A major productivity booster of the V353 is its long, modular cutting bed, which can be extended to 36 meters.

Technical challenge: speed and precision

With a fiber laser power of up to 40 kW, the V353 effortlessly cuts through heavy plates with a thickness of up to 75 mm (3 inches) – including clean bevel cuts.

But how do you keep a laser beam stable when the laser cutting head is moving across the plate at tremendous speed? Jan explains: “Because the head has to be completely shielded, we had to develop a housing that moves at high speed. That sounds simple, but technically it's extremely challenging. We managed to achieve this with smart, lightweight designs.” The V353 complies with laser safety class 1, is completely enclosed, and offers operators maximum safety.

Up to 3x more output than traditional cutting methods

Laser technology has become an integral part of modern steel processing. Yet the V353 stands out:

• Up to 3x higher output than traditional processes
• Automatic nozzle changer
• Designed for long, unmanned (night) production
• Only one consumable costing around €4 per day
• Minimal post-processing

“For companies that are short on capacity, that means only one thing: an immediate boost in output and automation levels,” states Jan.

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Proud of technology and teamwork

At Voortman, we work with a multidisciplinary team in which everyone contributes their own expertise. That makes all the difference. Jan concludes: “When I look at the V353 now, I see not only an innovative machine, but the result of true teamwork. It is a product of passion, craftsmanship, and the drive to push boundaries.”

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