Bystronic Introduces New Laser Cutting System

The innovative automation and amazing speeds of this new CO2 laser cutting system not only shortens part processing cycle times, it also significantly reduces the labor tasks associated with laser setups and manned operations.

Bystronic Inc. (Elgin, IL) held a Special Open House Event on June 5-6 at their corporate headquarters in Elgin to introduce the North American market to the award-winning ByAutonom 3015 CO2 laser cutting system, and showcase the new products and technologies the company first introduced at the Fabtech Las Vegas trade show.

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Fabtech was extremely busy, highly successful and well-attended, and Bystronic has been receiving numerous requests, especially from customers and prospects from the Midwest up through the East Coast who were unable to attend the show, to present and demonstrate all of their new technology, machines and software that was introduced at that event. The Special Open House showcased all of these products.

The highlight of the Special Open House was the introduction of the ByAutonom, a newly designed platform for the highest degree of productivity, maximum parts output, low operating costs, comprehensive process automation and autonomous operation. “We’ve incorporated everything into this system that we offer in terms of machine automation . . . and that is a great deal,” said project manager Thomas Schenk.

Developed from the beginning as a machine that operates autonomously, ByAutonom, in combination with an automation system such as the ByTrans, ByTower or ByCell, can be operated lightly-manned. With ByAutonom, the labor tasks associated with laser setups and manned operations are significantly reduced thanks to features like the Automatic Lens Cassette Changer, Automatic Nozzle Changer and Automatic Nozzle Centering.

With Automatic Nozzle Centering, in the event of nozzle contact with a cut part, the system will automatically re-center the nozzle and then continue with cutting.

The system footprint on the show floor was 502 in long x 246 in wide x 94.5 tall with a 120 in x 60 in cutting envelope. The machine weighs 44,000 lb and can quickly process a 120 in x 60 in nominal sheet size weighing up to 1980 lb.

The latest generation linear motors accelerate the machine with amazing 3G speeds that boast a maximum X-Y parallel axis positioning speed of 4700 ipm, a maximum simultaneous positioning speed of 6650 ipm and maximum axis acceleration 1180 in/s². This acceleration is further supported by an extremely rigid machine frame and a light-weight cutting bridge. The bilateral positioning repeatability is .002 in, with edge detection accuracy ±.020 in.

The machine can be equipped with a 4.4 kW ByLaser 4400 or 6 kW ByLaser 6000 CO2 laser source. Users also have the option of a rotary axis for the processing of tube profiles. The 6 kW laser uses 5 in, 7.5 in, or 9 in cutting heads to cut up to 1 in thick steel or stainless steel and .600 in aluminum with a total electric consumption (of the entire system, including exhaust and chiller) of 78 kW.

The system operates via a graphics panel using a 21 in touch screen, keyboard and manual control unit. The machine uses new and innovative Condition Messenger and Maintenance Messenger control systems. The Condition Messenger graphically displays the status of individual components to the operator and informs him when a component should be checked. These components include the laser source, the nozzle changer, the focal length changer and the beam path.

Integrated in the machine control package, the Maintenance Messenger displays to the operator when the machine and the laser source are due for maintenance.

“This machine simply cuts more parts and works reliably. Higher output means that the cost per part is reduced,” explains Johan Elster, the president of Bystronic Business Units. “Furthermore, the ByAutonom looks simply fantastic.” The system was awarded the prestigious MM award in the Cutting category at the 2012 EuroBLECH trade show in Germany. The prestigious MM Award is presented by the German trade journals “Maschinenmarkt” and “blechnet” to the most innovative machines presented during the show.

Bystronic has offered its customers single source service expertise for over 30 years in innovative laser cutting, waterjet cutting and press brake systems, system software and comprehensive customer training and support. The company’s North American headquarters is located in Elgin with other offices in Toronto, Canada and Guadalajara, Mexico. sales.us@bystronic.com, www.bystronicusa.com