Page 28 - MetalForming August 2019

Fabrication: Laser-Cutting
26 MetalForming/August 2019
www.metalformingmagazine.com
New processing software that accompanied the new cutting machine keeps the cutting nozzle properly spaced from the part surface for optimal processing, eliminates large pierce points and achieves relatively fast pierce times.
Gregory Claycomb, cutting features such as slots, complex hole patterns and precision-shaped edges in con- toured steel, aluminum and similar thin and thick metal sheet can be slow, tedious and require diligent operator attention.
“When we saw the potential with this new machine,” he says, “equipped with some new software (Prima Power Fasttrim and SmartTechniques), we were pleasantly surprised at the speed and flexibility of the machine and its ability to process small and large formed parts. Since our part runs vary from a few prototypes to 10,000 parts per month, the system has proved to be an ideal addition to our shop.”
Fasttrim CAD-CAM software enables Lasercraft to model parts, define process paths and feature locations, and build part fixtures. It allows posting of a complete program for 2D and 3D laser welding, drilling and, most appro- priately, for Lasercraft’s complex and challenging cutting applications. “The new machine along with the new soft- ware has proven to be a revelation for the productivity improvements it pro- vides,” says Claycomb.
According to Prima Power literature, among the stand-out benefits delivered by Fasttrim:
• Full part simulation with collision detection, allowing the programmer to eliminate potential issues before sending the program to the manufac- turing floor.
• Auto-programming functions to automatically program parts based on the geometry of the model.
• Support of as many as six axes simultaneously.
• The ability to modify tool paths through sheet offset, cutter offsets and axis translations.
The SmartTechnique software, meanwhile, keeps the cutting nozzle properly spaced from the part surface for optimal processing, and even cor- rects for part placement and variation when processing rotary parts on a ver- tical axis. Another SmartTechnique application, Smart Pierce, according to Prima Power Laserdyne, provides productivity improvements to Laser- craft by eliminating large pierce points and achieving relatively fast pierce times, minimizing the potential for part distortion. That’s particularly important on thinner metal-spun and stamped parts, according to Claycomb, for accuracy and for cosmetically cor- rect appearance. Also, Smart Pierce helps to minimize drilling spatter.
And, yet another feature Lasercraft