Page 21 - MetalForming January 2016

Direct-Diode Tube Cutting and Higher-Power Fiber
Results
Relationships
ALUMINUM BRASS / COPPER CLAD METALS COATED METALS COLD ROLLED PLATED METALS STAINLESS STEEL
Rarely receive a call back? Tired of dealing with multiple vendors? Frustrated with accounting blunders?
Do you miss the relationship and partnership that comes from a primary vendor?
Mazak Optonics Corp. presented a number of innovations during FABTECH 2015. Courtesy of Mazak’s manufacturing campus in Florence, KY, comes the VCL (vertical compact laser) Tube 100, the first in
a series of machines engineered and produced in
North America to meet the spe-
cific demands of that mar-
ket, according to company
officials. The prototype VCL
Tube 100, displayed at the
show to invite customer feed-
back prior to official product
release in spring 2016, has been
designed as a cost-effective solution for low-volume tube and bar components to 4-in. round dia. and 3-in. sq., in lengths to 25 ft.
The VCL-series machines use solid-state direct-diode
lasers and include a fiber delivery system. The VCL generator offers
similar cut performance to fiber generators in mild and stainless steel, but, say com- pany officials, direct-diode cuts aluminum more rapidly while increasing energy efficiency and offering greater modular flexibility than fiber generators. The VCL series is slated to expand, later in 2016, to include a coil-fed configuration and robot loading design for formed parts.
Mazak also unveiled a power boost with its OptiFlex Fiber II 6-kW laser-cutting system, designed for higher cutting speed in a variety of materials. The unit, available in 5 by 10-ft. and 6 by 12-ft. bed configurations, features the new Mazak MultiControl torch as standard, with this automatic-setup technology replacing the need for short-, middle- and long-focus torches to cut a range of materials.
To ease setup and operation, the OptiFlex 6kW system uses PreView control with a 15-in. touchscreen and straightforward user interface. The graphical interface visualizes the cutting path and automatically determines process conditions including the required lens, nozzle, feed rate and laser output for different mate- rials and thicknesses. www.mazakoptonics.com
Fiber Laser Stakes Out Entry-Level Position
Bystronic touts its new BySmart Fiber 3015 compact fiber-laser cutting machine as ideal for first-time budget-minded users. The BySmart Fiber, equipped with a 2- or -3-kW laser, can process a wide range of materials and thicknesses, including mild and stainless steels, aluminum alloys and other nonferrous materials such as
copper alloys and brass. Operators control the cut- ting process on the BySmart Fiber using a 22-in. touchscreen to drive the firm’s ByVision user interface. It directs the manufacturing process with just a few swipes of the finger. ByVision accesses a cutting-parameter database based on material type, creating the optimum cutting process that accounts for material thickness and part geometry. During cutting, ByVision monitors the process and provides critical data on-screen, pro- viding an overview of the cutting plan, cutting-head position and machine status. www.bystronic.com
Almetals understands and listens to the needs of our customers. We work together to achieve real solutions
that work.
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR QUOTES, TECHNICAL DATA,
ASK THE EXPERT,
AND EXCESS INVENTORY
AT ALMETALS.COM
CUSTOMER SERVICE 1.800.968.7730
Slitting capabilities from .002” - .190”, with ID’s of 8”, 12”, 16”, & 20” and OD’s up to 84”
Recognition that our customers require and deserve consistent communication.
An award-winning quality system that includes:
ISO 9001:2008 and certified Q1.
, INC.
248.348.7722 • FAX 248.348.7627
ATLANTA
770.745.7004 • FAX 770.745.7008
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DETROIT
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MetalForming/January 2016 19