Highly Efficient 3D Laser Cutting of Chassis and Complex Vehicle Body Parts

Compared to conventional machining methods, the non-contact laser process minimizes machining times by eliminating the set-up time and reduces the costs associated with tool wear. The JENOPTIK-VOTAN® BIM laser cutting machine from JENOPTIK Automotive North America, LLC (Rochester Hills, MI) is a virtually wear-free tool, perfect for a host of metalworking applications. With a repeat accuracy of up to 50 μm in optimal conditions, this laser machine ranks among the most precise systems on the market and is comparable to conventional Cartesian systems. It cuts a circle or other standard contour in just one second, a cycle time that is significantly shorter than other robot systems.

The concept behind this machine is based on a beam guide inside the robot that allows laser sources with a power of up to 4 kW to be used without the need for a complex external beam guide. The equidistant internal beam path ensures a stable beam quality. Several laser robots cutting in parallel can be integrated into a single machine in order to achieve a higher output in a significantly reduced floor space. These robot-based machines are the first to enable complete line integration of the laser cutting process and can be easily integrated into production lines or combined processing units, a significant technological competitive advantage for shops that cut chassis parts and complex vehicle body components made of materials such as hot-formed and ultra-high strength steels, as well as cast aluminum. Hydroformed tubes can also be trimmed for use in battery or electric motor carrier units for electric vehicles.

JENOPTIK Automotive North America, LLC, 1500 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, 248-853-5888, Fax: 248-853-1505, claudia.boehme@jenoptik.com, www.jenoptik.com.