At the recent EMO exhibition in Hanover, Yamazaki Mazak showcased its newest high-power 2D laser machine for sheet metal cutting operations: the OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 20 kW. The machine’s working area allows the processing of workpieces up to 1525 x 3050 mm through a new 20 kW fibre laser resonator. Thanks to this high power, the machine is able to cut 30% faster and reduce gas consumption by 30% when cutting with nitrogen.

Mazak says that the OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 20 kW is equipped with proprietary beam-shaping technology to adjust the power density of the laser beam in a controllable and automatic manner, ensuring the best possible result on various materials and thicknesses.

The new MCT3 cutting head and MAZATROL SmoothLx CNC system are just two stand-out technical features of the machine. Mazak’s MCT3 boasts multiple intelligent functions to streamline the operator’s role. For instance, beam diameter control automatically adjusts the laser beam diameter while automaticfocus enables distance adjustment for different materials to deliver faster cutting speeds. Furthermore,automaticprofilercalibration is a function that maintains the nozzle to workpiece distance to boost edgequality and productivity.

Automating the overall set-up time can lead to 95% quicker preparation compared with standard laser machines, reports Mazak. Moreover, intelligent cutting functions such as flash cutting and fine power ramping are able to enhance the overall process even more. Instead of stopping at each axis, the laser turns on and off through ‘flash cutting’;synchronising the axis and laser movements leads to reduce cutting times. Another function, fine power ramping, adjusts the laser power and feed rate, minimising dross at cutting corners without compromising straight-line cutting speed.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Maximum productivity and precision with safe working and climate protection in oxy-fuel technology optimally meshed – Messer Cutting Systems demonstrated at September’s SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN exhibition in Essen, how this balancing act is achievable with innovative developments. The focus was on, among other things, the safety system SAT (Safety Advanced Technology) and the new, environmentally friendly fuel gas alternative, HyCut.

The patented SAT system is essentially a ‘leakage finder’ that increases the safety of workplaces where hand cuttingtakes place. SAT extinguishes the torch flame and stops the gas supply in the event of damage to the hose from flying sparks, sharp objects or other workplace dangers. Additionally, setting the flame becomes completely unnecessary for users of the SAT system.

“In this way, SAT not only ensures a significant improvement in workplace safety, but also saves time and ensures more operating comfort as the flame no longer requires adjustment,” says Joachim Pauly, global oxy-fuel product manager.

Fuel gasses such as acetylene and propane have a carbon base, so there is an acute need, for alternatives that reduce CO2 footprint. HyCut(from gas to application technology) uses hydrogen as the fuel gas.

Jörg Mosser, CEO of Messer Cutting Systems in Europe, says: “Hydrogen as a fuel gas for oxy-fuel equipment can play an important roleon the path to decarbonising the economy. A joint development between Messer and Messer Cutting Systems, HyCut is the new high-performance and sustainable alternative to conventional oxy-fuel equipment. Our tests have shown that the use of HyCut gasses significantly reduces emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides and dust.This not only contributes to environmental protection but also improves health protection in the workplace.”
For further information https://uk.messer-cutting.com