FABTECH 2011: LASERS

FABTECH 2011 exhibited CO2, Nd-YAG and fiber optics lasers used to cut, scribe and engrave mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, exotics, plastics, fabrics and other materials. Now our Show-in-Print brings some of those laser systems and consumables to you!

Over 35,450 attendees returned to North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event in McCormick Place on November 14-17, with over 1,200 exhibitors covering more than 450,000 net sq ft of floor space.

HIGH VOLUME PRODUCTION, COMPLEX PARTS, MICRO-MACHINING
Mitsubishi and MC Machinery Systems, Inc. (Wood Dale, IL) are unveiling the new eX, Mitsubishi’s most productive and efficient 2D laser machine ever. Replacing their most successful laser series, the eX delivers low running costs, eco-friendly features for power and gas consumption, and stable operation for up to 1.4 times greater productivity.

The eco mode cuts running costs by up to 90 percent during standby. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by around 30 percent compared to competitor machines. The machine’s new compact design provides a small footprint without reducing table size. Another recently introduced machine that will be at the show is Mitsubishi’s new 2D hybrid laser, the HVII.

The new series builds on the success of the HV series, offering easier setup, expanded processing area, enhanced productivity and improved operability and maintenance. Travel in the Z-axis is two times faster than previous models, cutting part-to-part transition time in half. Larger stroke in the Z-axis allows pre-formed parts to be loaded and cut.

Also on display will be the VZ Series, the new 3D laser series that offers the ultimate in accuracy and flexibility for users across a wide range of complex applications. The unique flexibility of these 5-axis and 6-axis systems, combined with expanded teaching functions and superior resonator technology, make them extremely powerful tools. They significantly decrease the time and manpower required to produce complex parts, and provide the greatest degree of accuracy and cost efficiency.

The NX machine, designed for speed, will also be showcased at the show. The machine’s new structural configuration allows increased G-force, giving it unmatched speed while keeping the highest possible accuracy. The new height sensor is twice as fast as previous machines.

Mitsubishi Laser’s patented CFR (Cross Flow Resonator) technology reduces rise time/fall time of square wave pulse. This provides a more consistent beam power during the cutting process and delivers a more brilliant and consistent edge quality. Additionally, the uniform low current discharge provides low power stability for improved micro-machining and etching.

The Mitsubishi Waterjet combines the flexibility of Waterjet with the precision of Mitsubishi. Software on the 4-axis DX510 features Intelligent Tapering Control, which corrects the natural tapering of the cut automatically. Through the CNC it inclines the water jet up to ± 2 deg while pointing the jet towards the cutting direction. This process allows for the optimum cutting speed in a contour with accurate wall straightness.

Mitsubishi offers a full range of sizes and features guaranteeing the right solution for any shop’s needs. The Diamond press brake series is a new line of large, affordable brakes, accommodating weights ranging from 40 tons to 2,000 tons and offering three to more than 11-axis capabilities.

Two new hybrid press brakes will also be on display. The BB4013 is a compact machine with a ball-screw-driven ram and high-speed back gauge – offering 40 metric tons of force with one-micron repeatability. The hybrid BH1353 offers a larger stroke, more speed and hydraulic power. www.mitsubishi-laser.com

LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION, ENGRAVING
Kern Electronics & Lasers, Inc. (Wadena, MN) offers versatile laser cutting systems that can be equipped with metal cutting technology, instantly turning the systems into the machine of choice for large scale production cutting, precision cutting and part prototyping.

Switching over from cutting typical materials such as plastic and wood to cutting metal only takes a matter of seconds. Advanced metal cutting features in Kern’s KCAM laser software allows for complete control, resulting in perfectly cut parts using your existing CAD files.

The Automatic Focusing Height Follower is one of the key elements to successful metal cutting. An automatic sensor senses the capacitance from the tip of the isolated cutting nozzle to the metal being cut. This data is then fed into the Height Follower Controller.

The gap between the metal being cut and the cutting nozzle can be adjusted until the desired gap is obtained. As the cutting process begins the auto focus will track the contour of the metal keeping a constant focal point while cutting metal.

These laser systems are designed to handle common sizes of stock sheet metal. A 4 ft x 8 ft section of sheet metal will fit comfortably onto the largest cutting table. Larger table sizes can be custom ordered to suit the customer’s applications specific needs.

The Dual Head System was designed especially for customers that wish to increase their cutting production. The KCAM software will control both lasers separately so the output powers can be matched. The slave laser connects to the master laser via an adjustable bar. Remove the bar and the slave laser can be locked to the far right of the gantry leaving the master laser full use of the laser table.

The DHS laser offers a rugged table structure that will hold up to your demanding production schedules. The tight footprint of this model allows a 0 in reach clearance for loading your material and removing your parts.

Kern’s DHS Laser Cutting and Engraving Systems use only one mirror, allowing easy adjustment of the laser beam to the optics lens. This adjustment is done once at the factory and may not need to be adjusted again. The DHS laser maintains a constant laser power over the entire table top as the laser is moved over the material with a fixed focus point.