Cutting Edge Cutting Systems
The new fiber technology and higher wattages on these laser cutting machines deliver similar cut ranges to CO2 laser cutting but at significantly lower operating costs for applicable material thicknesses and types.
Posted: January 7, 2016
New fiber technology and higher wattages deliver similar cut ranges to CO2 laser cutting machines, but with substantive advantages when processing thinner materials. Utilizing a fiber beam delivery system significantly lowers operating costs for applicable material thicknesses and types. The Optiplex Fiber II 6 kW fiber laser cutting system from Mazak Optonics Corporation (Elgin, IL) offers superior edge quality, more stable cut performance and greater throughput for applications utilizing stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, hastelloy, inconel, titanium, thin gage mild steel, and other exotic metals. There is no need for additional surface cleaning when painting mild steel cut with nitrogen.
The Optiplex Fiber II 6 kW uses the new Multi-Control Torch as standard equipment. This technology replaces having to need a short focus torch, middle focus torch and a long focus torch to cut a wide range of material. This torch allows for optimum cutting with high speed and high accuracy that can be performed by automatic setup. This laser cutting system incorporates Intelligent Technology to directly increase the productivity of the end user by allowing the machine to optimize the torch setup automatically per program. This optimization can dramatically improve cut speeds, increase throughput and require less operator intervention, delivering more predictable processing day after day. The combination of fiber beam diameter and focus control provides a wide range of improved cut performance in all material types and thicknesses.
The eight-position nozzle changer facilitates unattended operation while ensuring the proper cut quality and maintaining the lowest possible gas consumption. Intelligent Setup Functions include Auto Nozzle Changing, Auto Focus Positioning, Auto Profiler Calibration, Focus Detection, Beam Diameter Control and Auto Nozzle Cleaning. Intelligent Monitoring Functions include Pierce Detection, Burn Detection and Plasma Detection. The Optiplex Fiber II 6 kW features the Preview 3 control with a 15 in touch screen and straightforward user interface to simplify machine operation. The graphical interface clearly visualizes the cutting path and automatically determines process conditions, including the required lens, nozzle, feed rate and laser output for different materials and thicknesses. This fiber laser cutting system can process sheets up to 5 ft by 10 ft with a rugged two-pallet changer that uses a helical rack and pinion positioning system for high throughput.
Mazak Optonics also offers the new Optiplex Nexus 3015 Fiber that combines cutting-edge laser technology with an economical investment. This 2D laser cutting system is available in 2.0 kW, 3.0 kW, and 4.0 kW configurations that utilize rugged construction and an innovative design to deliver high performance for fabrication job shops and production environments. The system is designed to integrate Intelligent Setup and Monitoring Functions and delivers many features normally available to only the highest technology machines that simplify operation and reduce operator dependency, including the cutting-edge Preview 3 control with 15 in touch screen that includes integrated tech tables to simplify operation.
The Optiplex Nexus 3015 Fiber has a large side access door and flexible design that is available in a manual pallet or automated two-pallet design. The system has been engineered to be utilized with Mazak’s extensive range of automated material handling systems. This durable 26,000 lb machine incorporates a helical rack and pinion positioning system that features solid throughput and high accuracy.
Mazak Optonics has also developed the Versatile Compact Laser (VCL) Tube-100 at its manufacturing facility in Florence, KY, the first in a series of machines to be engineered and produced in North America to meet the specific demands of the local market. The VCL Tube-100 is currently being assessed by customer feedback before its final production release in the Spring of 2016. This system has been designed as a cost-effective solution for low volume tube and bar components up to 100 mm round diameter and lengths up to 25 ft. VCL Series machines use a Direct Diode Laser that represent the next generation of solid state laser technology. It includes a fiber delivery system and the generator has similar cut performance to fiber generators in mild and stainless steel. Direct Diode cuts aluminum faster, is more energy efficient and offers enhanced modular flexibility than fiber generators. The VCL Series will expand to include a coil fed configuration and robot loading design for formed parts that will be released in the second half of 2016.
Mazak Optonics Corporation, 2725 Galvin Court, Elgin, IL 60124, 847-252-4500, sales@mazaklaser.com, www.mazakoptonics.com.
Subscribe to learn the latest in manufacturing.
