Page 45 - MetalForming Magazine June/July 2022 80th Anniversary Issue

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.
In this issue, learn how Michigan- based 3-Dimensional Services has steadily built an impressive arsenal of 2D and 3D laser cutting machines to tackle prototype and production work for automotive, appliance and other industries.
Also, we help take the mystery out of resistance welding through a rundown of solutions to common challenges and pitfalls. The result: reliable and repetitive joining.
Contents
42 News & Technology
44 Succeeding on the Laser Cutting Edge
50 Resistance Welding “Gotchas” and
How to Avoid Them
News & Technology
Mazak Optonics Showcases New 15-kW Laser Cutting Machine at Newly Expanded IL Headquarters
With the expansion of its North American headquarters complete, Mazak Optonics recently hosted an open house, attended by MetalForming magazine, to showcase the expanded North America Laser Tech- nology Center and introduce its Optiplex 3015 NEO laser cutting machine (see video at metalformingmagazine.com).
The center’s additional 20,000 sq. ft. of capacity helps facilitate Mazak Optonics’ goal of enhancing customer support, while continuing research and developing new laser and automation products. Specific improvements related to the expansion include a new auditorium for customer training, and increased warehouse capacity as well as an updated inventory-manage- ment system to support supply of replace- ment parts. And, the modern research and development center reinforces Mazak’s commitment to consistently innovate and offer the latest in laser-cutting technology, according to company officials. Cited as such an example, the 15-kW Optiplex 3015 NEO, housed in the center’s technology showroom along with other 2D and 3D laser cutting machines and related Industry 4.0 technology.
Promoted as a next-generation laser cutting machine, the Optiplex 3015 NEO includes technology that allows increased control of beam shape and beam diameter. The machine automatically adjusts beam diameter to optimally cut various materials, and beam shape to control the concentration and power density of the laser beam. The result, according to AL Bohlen, Mazak Optonics president, who provided a detailed overview of the science behind this tech- nology to open-house attendees, is improved cut speed and cut quality for a wide range of materials. Other keys to machine per- formance noted by Bohlen include use of variable power distribution and the advanced Mazak MCT3 cutting head. All of this, he explained, allows the 15-kW machine to
The Mazatrol SmoothLx CNC control, with a large 21.5-in. screen and touch panel, features dual monitors that allow simultaneous running of multiple applica- tions on the Optiplex 3015 NEO. And, the CNC control rotates (note the swivel base) to allow operators to work at the front or side of the machine.
deliver faster cutting speeds than machines offering even greater power levels, and significantly reduced cost of operation when employing high-pressure air cutting.
For simple accessibility and ease of operation, the machine is equipped with large front and side access doors, and minimized work-area restrictions ease the loading of material onto the machine and the unloading of finished parts.
The new and unique Mazatrol SmoothLx CNC control, with a large 21.5-in. screen and touch panel, features dual monitors that allow simultaneous running of multiple applications. And, the CNC control rotates to allow operators to work at the front or side of the machine. This feature also allows flexible shop-floor placement of the machine, where walls may block views to the front or side. Simply rotate the control for the ideal viewing angle.
The Optiplex 3015 NEO comes with a nozzle changer; nozzle-centering camera for visibility of nozzle location while making torch adjustments; camera-assisted part nesting, which automatically determines arrangement of parts for cutting on rem- nant material; and other setup, monitoring and cutting functions to support optimal laser-cutting performance.
While the showroom Optiplex 3015 NEO has been sold, Mazak Optonics expects new units to be available for delivery in the fall of 2022.
Mazak Optonics Corp.: www.mazakoptonics.com
42 MetalForming/June/July 2022
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