A five-axis CNC machine has been introduced by DMG Mori UK for the laser ablation of geometrically defined textures into the surface of mould tools. According to the company, the machining process is more environmentally friendly than conventional etching and offers greater freedom of design and a high level of repeatability. The new Lasertec 75 Shape is also capable of creating filigree cavities without the need to manufacture electrodes.

A footprint of just 8 sq m is matched with an ergonomic design and a door opening of 1310 mm to ensure convenient access to the machining area. Workpieces of diameter up to 840 mm and height to 520 mm can be accommodated. Parts can weigh up to 600 kg, or 1000 kg with the optional tandem drive of the tilting mechanism supporting the rotary table.
Central to machine operation are a 100 W pulsed fibre laser and 3D processing optics with F-theta scanning lens. The laser is responsible for layer-by-layer removal of material and, in combination with the NC swivelling rotary table, offers contour-parallel laser shaping for fast, trouble-free laser texturing, even in the 3D freeform areas of a mould, says DMG Mori.
Rapid traverse speeds of 40 m/min help facilitate fast cycle times, while ballscrews in the linear axes and cooling measures promote a high degree of accuracy. Travels are 750 x 650 x 560 mm in the X, Y and Z axes.
Control is by a Siemens 840D SolutionLine, which can combine with DMG Mori’s application-specific LaserSoft software and proprietary CELOS graphical user interface.
For further information www.dmgmori.com