Five-Axis Fiber-Laser System for Machining 3D Parts

BLM Group USA, Wixom, MI, has introduced the LT-Free, a five-axis, fiber-laser machine designed for cutting 3D-formed or -shaped parts such as bent tubes, hydroformed tubes, welded assemblies, and stamped or flat sheets. The part does not move during the cutting operation as the laser head’s freedom of movement enables high flexibility and accuracy.

The machine can make cuts in close proximity to each other, giving the ability to nestle parts on a single bent tube and then use the laser to separate. This offers significant savings in material cost, according to BLM Group officials. Traditional cutting, drilling, punching and milling operations, normally carried out in sequence, now can be performed on a single machine with the LT-Free. This eliminates setup, reduces material handling, eliminates work-in-progress inventory and downsizes the space needed for storage.

LT-FREE, with power to 5 kW, has table dimensions of 59 by 39 in. and stroke to 116 in. on the x axis, 37 in. on the y and 29 in. on the z. the system is ideal for machining mild steel, copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless and galvanized steel.

The system series includes the High Flex universal version for bent and hydroformed tubes, flat and deep-drawn sheets, or welded assemblies; The Piece Value version with rotary turntable and automatic load/unload for high-productivity machining; and the Entry Level version with dual fixed table for a variety of part configurations. All come with BLM Group USA’s software that can be used to create part programming of virtually any complexity in a simple, user friendly, 3D-graphical environment, according to company officials.