Modern CNC systems are highly dynamic with a high resolution for the required timing and positioning. Since their development 3D-laser cutting finds more and more profitable applications (cutting of small 3D parts, trimming of small deep-drawn parts, processing holes and cutouts in hydroformed parts, bevel cutting). In standard 2D CO2 laser cutting, the laser beam is usually oriented perpendicular to a workpiece surface, while a jet of assist gas blows the molten material out of the cut kerf. As the gas jet is substantially larger than the focused laser-beam diameter, only small parts of the jet passes through the narrow cut kerf and most of the gas is deflected. This problem is compounded when the beam is tilted and the system becomes ineffective in blowing out the molten metal from the cut kerf. New laser cutters and their software, which have been optimised for productivity and performance in 3D applications, are presented in this paper. They let systems effectively run applications tilting the beam, eliminating additional processing on the workpiece. Another example for the tilt beam is the high-speed trimming of hot-stamped parts in the automotive industry. The tilt beams is also capable to produce more comlex parts such as slanted teeth for helical gears or simple beveled holes for countersunk screws. Measures to optimise automation and productivity, like programming software allowing for off-line programming directly from the CAD files or optimal exchange tables, automation loading and unloading systems and pallet towers are given.
Factories of the future: laser cutting in a 3D world
Welding Design and Fabrication ; February ; 18-21
2005
4 Seiten, 6 Bilder
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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