With the Laser X 500 U, Charmilles has introduced a five-axis laser machine that delivers accuracy for demanding micro-cutting, micro-drilling and micro-machining applications. 

From intricate watch components through small, delicate and feature-rich parts for the electronics industry, the Laser X 500 U sets high standards in precision for micro-manufacturing. 

The five-axis laser system integrates an ultra-short femtosecond pulsed laser (1 femtosecond = 10-15 seconds) ensuring clean material ablation that eliminates timely and costly post-processing operations. 

The machine is fully thermo-stabilised and its unique kinematics are designed to ensure extreme accuracy. With a spot size (the diameter or width of the focused laser beam where it hits the target material’s surface) of just a few microns, the Laser X 500 U enables the high-quality machining of fine details. 

Suitable for precision components, the Laser X 500 U can process any metal, as well as silicon carbide, ceramics, sapphire or glass, which are challenging to process with conventional machine tools. The dynamic optics, combined with high-speed linear motors, boosts productivity and customers also benefit from precise, consistent and predictable results. 

Powered by LaserSUITE360 CADCAM software, the system allows intuitive programming even during complex operations and streamlines tool-path generation, enhanced parameter management and anti-collision simulation. 

With travel ranges of 550 x 400 x 500 mm, a B-axis swivel range of -/-110° and C-axis rotation up to 720° the Laser X 500U delivers high accuracy, processing speeds and flexibility. 

Another key advantage of the Laser X 500 U is its sustainability. Without tool wear, electrode use or cutting forces to factor into the equation, the machine combines high manufacturing quality with economic and ecological benefits, thanks to low energy consumption and minimised operating costs. 

More information www.charmilles.com

Water Jet Sweden has developed the Grand Twin, a dual-beam waterjet cutting system that combines the productivity of two independent machines with the flexibility of a single large-format platform. Following its first installation in Norway, a second system has been ordered by a customer in southern Europe. 

Designed for manufacturers handling varied production requirements, the Grand Twin features two independently controlled X beams, allowing separate cutting jobs to run simultaneously. Alternatively, one beam can be parked to create a larger continuous working area. 

The first installation, an NCG 3090 Twin, features a 3 x 9 m cutting table configurable as two independent 3 x 4 m working zones or a single cutting area measuring approximately 3 x 8.5 m. Each beam has its own PanelOne control system, with both zones operating within a common safety system. 

Developed in response to a specific customer requirement, the concept builds on Water Jet Sweden’s established Grand platform, incorporating its heavy-duty construction, multi-head configurations and optional Beveljet 60 five-axis cutting technology. 

Linear drives in the Y axes and a patented gantry design maintain positioning accuracy across exceptionally long cutting tables, including machines exceeding 25 m. 

The second Grand Twin will feature two cutting heads on each X beam, including a Beveljet 60 system, providing four cutting heads in total. 

Says Lennart Svensson, CEO of Water Jet Sweden: “We see significant potential in the Grand Twin concept. It gives manufacturers the opportunity to combine high production capacity with a level of flexibility that would traditionally have required several separate machines.” 

The company believes the system offers manufacturers an efficient way to increase capacity while accommodating larger and more varied workpieces. 

More information www.waterjetsweden.com

LVD has introduced the Strippit QX-L, a mid-range punch-laser combination machine designed to make integrated punching, forming and laser cutting more accessible to sheet metal fabricators. 

Combining a single-head punch press with a 4 kW fibre laser, the system enables multiple processes to be completed in one set up, reducing handling and streamlining production. The launch builds on Strippit’s pioneering role in punch-laser technology, dating back to 1978, and 100 years of punching expertise. 

“While combination machines offer an all-in-one solution, their cost of ownership is typically higher due to the dual technologies,” says Pierre Comhaire, LVD’s punch press product sales manager. “With the Strippit QX-L, we’ve made the punch-laser more affordable and accessible for more fabricators.” 

The machine punches materials up to 3 mm thick, produces forms up to 75 mm high and laser cuts metals and non-metals up to 3 mm. It accommodates sheets up to 3000 x 1500 mm, maximising material utilisation. 

Its 20 tonne punch press features 360° auto-indexable tooling, accommodating tools up to 90 mm in diameter. Operations including embossing, coining, flanging and forming can be completed in-machine, reducing secondary processing. Programmable work clamps and Strippit’s Smart Clamp technology also enable 100% sheet utilisation. 

A programmable parts chute handles punched components, with an optional second chute for laser-cut parts. Loading, unloading and material storage automation are also available. 

Designed for manufacturers facing smaller batches, shorter lead times and increasingly complex components, the Strippit QX-L combines process versatility with lower production costs and improved throughput. 

More information www.lvdgroup.com 

Trumpf unveiled its new TruLaser 8000 Power Edition at the recent EuroBLECH 2026 exhibition in Hanover, featuring a 50 kW fibre laser – more than twice the power of the most powerful laser previously available in the company’s machine tool portfolio. 

Designed to combine high productivity with precision, cut quality and process reliability, the machine targets manufacturers processing thick sheet metal, particularly in the construction and stainless steel industries. Its benefits become apparent from material thicknesses of 10 mm, with the system capable of processing sheets up to 80 mm thick. 

According to Martin Blaschke, product manager at Trumpf, delivering high laser power effectively to the workpiece is the real challenge. The company’s expertise in laser technology and machine tool manufacturing has enabled it to combine cutting performance with the precision and robustness required for reliable production. 

The TruLaser 8000 Power Edition also incorporates integrated cameras providing live views of the machine interior, cutting process and pallet changer. Accessible remotely, these images help operators identify problems and respond quickly. An additional control-panel screen displays live feeds and production data from multiple machines, providing a central overview of machine status, remaining runtimes and potential interruptions. 

Utilisation reports also help manufacturers identify opportunities to improve machine availability and productivity. 

Available in formats ranging from 3 x 1.5 m to 8 x 2.5 m, the system is aimed at heavy machinery and plant engineering, steel service centres, defence and infrastructure applications, where accurate, productive processing of thick materials is essential. 

The machine made its market debut at EuroBLECH, with a further presentation planned at Trumpf’s INTECH in-house exhibition in April 2027. 

More information www.trumpf.com 

BLM Group is extending its five-axis laser cutting expertise into larger 3D components with the introduction of the LT-Free 3015, a new system designed for demanding applications across automotive, aerospace and other industrial sectors. 

Building on technology originally developed to machine bent tubes, the new machine offers a working envelope of up to 3000 x 1500 mm and a 750 mm Z-axis stroke. This additional capacity accommodates large components, complex frames, deep-drawn sheet metal parts and multiple workpieces, including those positioned at an angle. 

According to Roberto Costantino, product sales manager for 3D laser cutting cells at BLM Group, the increased working dimensions have been achieved without compromising precision or dynamic performance. 

A particularly rigid machine structure delivers a natural frequency approaching 30Hz, enabling high acceleration rates and accurate cutting paths, even at maximum operating speeds. This makes the LT-Free 3015 suitable for demanding, high-volume production environments. 

While automotive remains an important market, the system also targets aerospace, construction equipment, white goods, HVAC, commercial kitchens and general metal fabrication. Its ability to process advanced materials and complex geometries with minimal heat-affected zones also creates opportunities in aerospace manufacturing. 

The machine is available in two configurations and incorporates BLM Group’s proprietary ArGo software, alongside compatibility with third-party software solutions. Its design also facilitates retrofit projects and the replacement of existing equipment. 

More than 60 years of experience in laser cutting and metal processing underpin the development. BLM Group’s application knowledge, covering materials, thicknesses, geometries and cutting conditions, provides a foundation for consistent process quality. 

With its combination of increased capacity, precision and versatility, the LT-Free 3015 extends the possibilities of 3D laser processing into applications previously constrained by machine size. 

More information www.blmgroup.com