Page 24 - Metallforming Magazine December 2020

FABRICATION
Today’s fabricating technology promises the ability to produce high-quality components job after job, in a variety of applications. And, in each issue, MetalForming is committed to informing you on how fabrication equipment delivers.
This month, we compare automotive blanking in a stamping press versus laser blanking. In taking a holistic approach, laser blanking could be the right bottom-line call. And, read a case history describing how the use of special tools on turret punch presses helped eliminate the need for secondary operations.
In MetalForming’s Welding Well column, we provide troubleshooting tips for arc welding.
Contents
22 News & Technology
24 Automotive Blanking Without Stamping Dies Via Laser
Coil-fed laser blanking offers a time- and cost-saving alternative, while serving trends toward increased model variants and shorter launch times.
27 ToolingUpforMaximum Punch Productivity
An Ontario, Canada, sheet metal fabricator’s careful tool planning and utilization maximize the productivity of its pair of new turret punch presses.
29 Tips for Troubleshooting Arc-Weld Defects
Porosity, excess spatter, cracking...the list of possible weld defects goes on and on, and they can be frustrating and costly. Follow these tips to help cure them, and minimize their occurrence.
News & Technology
Flexible Manufacturing via New Punch-Laser Combo Machine
LVD Strippit has rolled out the
Strippit PL Punch-Laser combination
machine, which combines the punch-
ing and forming capabilities of the
Strippit PX- or V-series punching
machine with the speed and versatility of
fiber laser cutting. Three punch-laser models are available: the single-head-style Strippit PX 1530-L, and the Strippit V 1530-L in thick- and thin-turret configurations.
The combination setup provides answers for the trends
toward small batches, short lead times and increasingly complex
parts. The Strippit PL, offered with a 3- or 4-kW fiber laser source and paired with the Strippit PX single-head 20-ton punch press, can laser cut intricate shapes and process materials to 3⁄8 in. thick, punch holes to diameters of 0.250 in., and produce forms and bends in lengths to 3.543 in. and heights to 3 in.
Combination technology offers complete part processing, according to LVD Strippit officials, who note that the punch press handles high-speed punching and forming operations, while the fiber laser delivers high-quality cutting of outer contours and intricate inner contours, and can be used for material etching. In addition, they report, the combination of technologies eliminates processes, can improve part quality, reduces production time and material handling, and lowers the cost per part in both small lot sizes and high production runs.
The machine can process a 120 by 60-in. workpiece without repositioning, and a 15.9 by 60-in. work chute evacuates laser-cut parts.
LVD Strippit: www.lvdgroup.com
Versatile Waterjet Cutting Machine with Multi-Axis Cutting Head
The Omax Maxiem 1530 abrasive waterjet cutting machine paired with an optional A-Jet cutting head provides a cutting range from 0 to 60 deg. off vertical, and easily cuts beveled edges, angled sides and countersinks, according to company officials. Advanced features in the system’s IntelliMax software suite allow the A-Jet head to compensate for taper and create complex 3D shapes.
The Maxiem 1530 offers a cutting area of 10 ft. by 5 ft. 2 in., with its rigid-tank design scaled to handle common plate sizes with room to spare. An advanced linear- motion system uses digital linear encoders that reportedly provide instant, accurate cutting-head position feedback to the controller for precise part production.
The machine’s IntelliTrax linear-drive system employs brushless servo motors, integrated servo drives and high-precision linear encoders to provide constant, continuous feedback on cutting-head position, and delivers X-Y-axis motion accuracy to ±0.003 in.
The 1530 accepts a variety of optional accessories and accommodates a broad range of production requirements, according to company officials. Along with the A-Jet multi-axis cutting head for five-axis machining and taper compensation, accessory options include Omax’ Rapid Water Level Control for quiet, submerged cutting and Terrain Follower for working with uneven surfaces.
Omax Corp.: www.omax.com
22 MetalForming/December 2020
www.metalformingmagazine.com