LASER MACHINING CENTER GENERATES COMPLEX 3D CONTOURS

Wendt GmbH (Wixom, MI) introduces the SPECTRA 820 Laser Machining Center for generating complex, three-dimensional contours in hard materials.

Initially targeted at the cutting tool industry, the SPECTRA 820 provides a high-quality, economical solution to the challenge of creating chip breakers in PCD, PCBN, carbide and ceramic tools. Other fields of application include pill punch pressing, tool and mold making, eroding dies, inscriptions and medical implants.

The SPECTRA 820 machines the desired contour by passing the workpiece under a rapidly pulsating, highly focused laser beam. The laser beam and workstation are programmed to operate at up to 100,000 pulses per second. Each pulse chips a small piece of material from the workpiece. After each pulse the workstation moves at speeds up to 100,000 mm/min to reposition the workpiece before the next pulse. The process continues until the desired contour is reached.

An integrated, long-life diode-pumped laser is at the heart of the system. High pulse frequencies allow for rapid material removal while extremely short pulse lengths avoid detrimental heat buildup in the workpiece. The machine housing offers Class 1 laser protection while providing easy access for field service.

The three linear axes are used for machining, measuring and handling tasks. Linear direct motors drive the X- and Y-axes providing exceptional speed and accuracy. Acceleration along the X-axis reaches 1.5 g and 3 g along the Y-axis. To accommodate the high acceleration speeds, the Spectra 820 features a massive, granite stand in portal design that leads to exceptional dynamic behavior.

The machine is equipped with proven industrial control and drive technology including an intuitive graphical user interface. A 3D CAD/CAM postprocessor uses the customer's 3D workpiece model to quickly generate the machining code for complex contours. An integrated 3D measuring probe is used both for centering the workpiece and for process control.

Flexible automatic loading and unloading options allow this machine to be integrated into automated machining and packaging systems for insert production. Workpieces can be picked from and placed into pallets. A modular clamping system shortens set-up times.

www.wendtgroup.com