Six-Axis Laser System With Up to 20 kW QCW Fiber Laser

Prima Power Laserdyne (Champlin, MN) has announced availability of the LASERDYNE 430 Series of precision laser systems with up to 20 kW QCW (quasi continuous wave) fiber lasers. This addition to the product offering expands the capability and flexibility of the system for precision cutting, welding, and drilling applications.

This is especially important for job shops and a wide range of OEMs that require precision processing, consistent throughput and quality in a system that is flexible in applications and space efficient. With up to six axes of motion, the system provides the greatest flexibility of any system in its class.

This laser system is designed for ease of use in cutting, welding and drilling of 2D and 3D components requiring precision and consistency. The 430 BeamDirector^® system adds Laserdyne’s third Generation BeamDirector^® (BD3Y). This gives users a unique capability for drilling cylindrical and shaped holes, bevel cutting, and welding a wide range of materials including aluminum, copper, stainless steel and titanium, all with the same system.

High power QCW fiber laser provide required peak power for drilling applications and pulsed or CW output for cutting and welding applications. Changeover between multiple sets of parameters occurs in the millisecond time scale so that for the first time differing laser processes and/or multiple operations can be cost effectively performed in the same setup.

http://youtu.be/uFw-6MDN3Qw
A demonstration of the capabilities of the LASERDYNE 430 laser system.

Combining higher velocity and acceleration, the third generation BD3Y provides C (rotary) axis motion of 900 deg and D (tilt) axis motion of 300 deg. The BD3Y also includes optical encoders for improved accuracy and repeatability, higher assist gas air-flow, adjustable mirrors for easy and accurate beam alignment, and cassette mounted lens and cover slides for quick, accurate changeover. The robust design and improved motion control allows Laserdyne to maintain accuracy and repeatability specifications at all assist gas pressures up to 20 bar (300 psi).

The BD3Y features industry leading collision protection backed by a five-year unlimited hours warranty covering crash related damage to the head. The BD3Y also includes a wide range of standard focusing lens assemblies including right angle assemblies for processing inside cylinders having diameters as small as 60 mm and welding assemblies that shield the weld metal to prevent contamination and protect the focusing lens from spatter.

Addition of a sixth-axis rotary table further increases capability, flexibility and productivity of the system. Compared to a five axis system with one rotary axis on the head and a rotary table, the six-axis 430BD has been shown to produce shorter cycle times by reducing traverse distance between features and to process larger parts with laser beam angles as low as 10 deg to the surface.

Adding to the 430’s proven features are the LASERDYNE SP94P control, with a full complement of standard hardware and software features. This includes Automatic Focus Control™ (AFC) for capacitive part sensing and as an option the patented Optical Focus Control (OFC) for sensing of non-conductive surfaces.

Both the capacitive and optical methods of focus control precisely guides the motion system, maintaining critical focus position and following the contour of the part regardless of surface irregularities. The linear axes of the system react to sensing of the part surface, creating unlimited correction along the axis of the beam. The combination of crash protection and part sensing gives the system operator confidence to use the maximum processing speed possible without fear of damaging the system or scrapping the part.

Achieving a high level of accuracy from prototype to production stages and from one part to another with the LASERDYNE 430 is possible because LASERDYNE designs and integrates all of its system features. Everything works together in a coordinated manner – the controller, software, motion system, laser and process sensors.

Prima Power Laserdyne, 8600 109th Avenue North, #400, Champlin, Minnesota 55316, 763-433-3700, Fax: 763-433-3701,mark.barry@primapower.com, www.primapower.com.