Fiber Laser Does Complex 3D Texturing

This laser technology does detailed and nuanced texturing, microstructuring, engraving, marking and labeling of 2D and 3D geometries across any surface with ultrafine detail.

The LASER 1000 5Ax from GF AgieCharmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) provides a fully digitized manufacturing process that yields detailed and nuanced texturing, microstructuring, engraving, marking and labeling of 2D and 3D geometries. The machine, paired with an integrated pallet changer, can showcase repeatability in producing precise complex 3D texturing on airbags and other automotive molds.

Overall, this laser texturing technology is faster, quieter, and more repeatable, flexible and environmentally friendly than conventional manual and chemical etching processes. The LASER 1000 5Ax machines 2D and 3D details from a high-quality digital image, allowing for completely reproducible results for specific textures, engravings, marks or labels in batches both large and small.

The mapping system uses a pulsed laser to render the desired texturing. While chemical etching can only produced three to five layers, the laser texturing technology can achieve 30 to 50 layers to provide a much higher level of detail. This allows for much greater creativity in part design across a wide variety of materials, including graphite, aluminum, copper, steel, carbide, brass and ceramics.

The system has two optical and five mechanical axes, housed in a cast iron body that achieves excellent absorption, stability and quality. Linear scales and rotary encoders ensure maximum accuracy. A 20 watt Ytterbium pulsed fiber laser provides the heart of the machine, with a 50 watt option available to further boost capabilities. The machine also comes standard with a programmable, tilting laser head, high-resolution camera with integrated illumination for fine positioning, integrated touch probe, dust exhaust, central lubrication system and lenses of varying focal strength.

Ergonomics were given special attention throughout the design of this laser cutting system and the machine features excellent visual and physical access to the work area. Two front-opening doors ensure easy loading and unloading of large parts via a crane.

In addition to being a faster and more precise means of producing texture with increased reliability, laser texturing offers pollutant-free operation, producing no fluids, slurry or chips. Dust particles produced by the process are automatically extracted by vacuum to guarantee a clean process.

For increased productivity, the LASER 1000 5Ax easily integrates into an existing automation system or with an optional pallet changer.

UPTIME⁺ service and support program further leverages the competitive advantages of the LASER 1000 5Ax, as well as its entire product portfolio, through applications expertise, comprehensive training, technical assistance, preventive maintenance, world-class warranty coverage as well as parts and consumables.

GF AgieCharmilles is the North American leading supplier of laser texturing solutions, wire EDM, CNC and manual diesinking systems and high speed/high performance 3- and 5-axis milling machines. www.gfac.com/us