Page 35 - Metalorming Magazine January/February 2023

Special Section: FABRICATION
LASER FOCUSED AT FABTECH
32 MetalForming/January/February 2023 www.metalformingmagazine.com
rithms
monitoring and process-control func- tions. The Laser Genius+ can be con- nected to the range of Prima Power automation systems. At FABTECH, the machine was shown with the Compact Server automatic loading and unload- ing device for raw and processed sheets—a compact configuration that provides flexible material handling. Prima Power: www.primapower.com
Entry-Level Laser Cutting Promises Quick Setup, Simple Use
BLM Group unveiled its latest lineup addition, the LS7 sheet laser cutting machine, designed as an entry-level product in the high-end system seg- ment, according to BLM Group offi- cials, and capable of employing laser power to 12 kW.
The machine features a convention- al aluminum mobile gantry structure
actuated by a rack-and-pinion system, which slides on a steel base filled with a special polymer to ensure high rigid- ity even with accelerations to 2 g. And, pallet change reportedly can be accom- plished in only 9 sec. on the long side of the machine, with this high speed attainable via an ability to anticipate the simultaneous exchange of the two tables. Handling is fully electric, with-
1.57 in. or even double sheets, depending upon the material and selected laser power. It’s available in two versions: the 3015, with a max- imum sheet size of 121.5 by 62.2 in.; and the 4020, capable of handling sheet sizes to 162.5 by 79.5 in. Users can add automatic sheet loading and unloading with one or two storage towers for auto- mated material changeovers, making the setup well-suited for unmanned
operations.
Other LS7 features: plug-and-play
operations that enable simplified equipment setup, and eased integra- tion with ERP systems as well as mate- rial-handling and storage systems. The cutting process can be monitored by windows near the operator console or by optional cameras located inside of the cabin, with images visible on the operator console, on an additional external monitor and also remotely.
The LS7 includes BLM Group’s Active Tools, which automatically adapt process parameters for optimal results independent of operator experience, ensuring the highest cutting precision and speed, according to company offi- cials. Additionally, an Active Nozzle Changing feature automatically mon- itors cutting-nozzle wear and exchanges it based on the condition set within the controller.
BLM Group: www.blmgroupusa.com
for advanced
out pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, for optimum maintenance and energy
Laser Cutting and Automation Team for High-Output Production
MC Machinery displayed the GX-F Advanced artificial intelligence (AI)- enabled 10- and 12-kW fiber laser cut- ting machines, equipped with state- of-the-art automation systems. The 12-kW machine—the newest addition to MC Machinery’s Mitsubishi Laser lineup—connected to the SmartFlex Element Type R automation system (pictured), while the 10-kw GX-F Advanced connected to the new Astes4 Skyway high-speed laser sorting sys- tem. To help ease concerns over the ongoing shortage of skilled manufac- turing workers, the intuitive AI tech- nology allows simplified use of the GX- F Advanced series for operators of all skill levels, offer company officials.
By integrating advanced gas-reduc- tion technology, this series of laser cut- ting machines reportedly delivers more power while using as much as 77-per- cent less nitrogen than previous machines. It also reportedly offers high processing stability with improved beam-quality consistency; beam- cleaning and anti-reflection technolo- gies; elimination of setup time between differing materials; low operating cost coupled with long consumables life; elimination of material scratching; optimized cutting speed; onsite or remote monitoring of the cutting process; and reduced piercing time.
As for the automation equipment displayed at FABTECH, the SmartFlex Element Type R features a small foot- print that allows for use in limited pro- duction space where high-volume, lights-out capabilities are needed. The Astes4 Skyway high-speed laser sorting system reportedly is ideal for fabrica- tors facing worker shortages and bot- tlenecks resulting from the increased
usage.
The LS7 can cut steel, stainless steel, iron, copper, brass
and alu- minum in thicknesses
from 0.20 to