The traditional methods used to remove rust, debris or other surface contamination from components typically involve either physical contact with the part through brushing, scraping, polishing and shot blasting or, alternatively, through the use of dry ice or chemical substances. All of these approaches have their own drawbacks as they are either abrasive, which can potentially damage the base material, or in the case of chemicals, somewhat aggressive.

Laser cleaning, however, offers a highly efficient, contact- and consumable-free alternative that is gaining popularity across a range of applications and market sectors. TLM Laser offers a number of laser cleaning systems as UK and Ireland distributor for 4Jet Technologies.

Recently launched, and now complementing the current 200 and 500 W variants, is the new M100 handheld unit. Based upon a fibre-coupled, maintenance-free, solid-state, near-infrared laser at 1064 nm wavelength, this compact system delivers 100 W of laser power. Weighing in at less than 5 kg, the handheld unit is ergonomic in design and optimised for manual use.

Potential applications for this technology include the cleaning of moulds, tools and fixtures, as well as paint and coating removal operations, and the pre-treatment of surfaces prior to welding, gluing or other coating applications.

Connected to the portable supply unit by a 5 m cable, it is possible to manipulate the manual unit easily using the two-handle configuration. Focal lengths range between 160 and 420 mm, depending upon lenses, while the 2D integral laser scanning head delivers a 100 x 100 mm scan-field.

For further information
www.tlm-laser.com

Euromac, a global specialist in the design and manufacture of punching and bending machines, is benefitting from NSK ball screws, linear guides and bearings in a new punching machine: the latest-generation XT with 1500 x 3000 mm capacity and new reinforced frame.

Euromac says that the XT sets the bar for innovation in the punching machine arena by being available in hydraulic, hybrid and electric variants. In each type, Euromac uses a different way of moving the main punching axis. In the electric version, for example, the technology holds its own patent. Here, acceleration of 90 m/s2 and stroke of sometimes less than 10 mm, means that impact load is a constant issue. With this thought in mind, there is a clear need for high-performance, robust and reliable linear motion products.

For the main punching axis on the electric Euromac XT, NSK therefore proposed its HTF SRD series ball screw with S1 ball spacers featuring grease-retaining attributes. These ball screws also make use of a special material named Tough Steel. Complementing the HTF SRD ball screw is the RA series linear guide with high acceleration capability.

HTF SRD ball screws take advantage of a novel end deflector recirculation system to achieve ultra-high speeds of up to 3 m/s, offering shorter cycle times and higher productivity. Importantly, this high-load ball screw ensures good rotational balance. NSK’s RA series of low-friction, high-load capacity roller guides provide high rigidity to deliver the traverse and repeat accuracy necessary in machine tools such as the Euromac XT.

After a year of comprehensive and successful testing, Euromac recently commenced volume production of its XT punching machines.

For further information
www.nskeurope.com

TW Metals, a supplier of high-performance metals with a global turnover of £710m, has invested in a new 10 kW Trumpf TruLaser 3060 Fiber for one of its UK facilities. The company describes the large 6 m bed laser cutter, which is the first of its type in the UK, as a “game changer” as it has eliminated the time/cost issues associated with using subcontract resources and is now fulfilling next-day delivery demands.

The market segment occupied by the speciality distribution business unit of TW Metals has particular focus on materials for critical and hazardous environments, often in sectors such as nuclear, petrochemical, oil and gas, medical and automotive (a separate business unit serves the aerospace industry).

Mike Street, vice president Europe – speciality distribution, says: “The provision of machined or first-stage components is becoming an increasingly common request. We had a plasma cutter at our Longbridge site for this purpose, but knew a laser cutter would be ideal for our corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant nickel alloys, which extend from thin-gauge sheet up to 30 mm thick.”

David Ellis, head of operations – Europe, takes up the story: “We looked at nine machines, ultimately shortlisting two, one of which was the 10 kW Trumpf TruLaser 3060 Fiber. During demonstrations of the two machines, the TruLaser stood out. Certain nickel alloys are notoriously difficult to cut, but in the trials, Trumpf simply programmed the parts on the day we arrived and cut them beautifully, without any subsequent tweaking of parameters. Also, the price of the Trumpf package was more competitive.”

Adds Street: “Although the TruLaser is not yet fully utilised we’re filling it much faster than we anticipated. We have a budget for the machine and we’ve managed to exceed that every month so far.”

For further information
www.trumpf.com

LVD showcased the benefits of process efficiency at BlechExpo 2021 in Stuttgart last month, demonstrating its Phoenix FL-3015 fibre laser cutting machine with new 20 kW power source. The Phoenix FL-3015 can process a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials in thicknesses up to 40 mm.

Notably, LVD says the machine cuts up to 2.5 times faster than a 10 kW fibre laser. The company adds that the Phoenix FL-3015 pierces and cuts thick materials at rates faster than most plasma cutting systems, and with straighter kerfs and the ability to cut holes half the thickness of the sheet.
Acceleration and accuracy are further supported by the machine’s rigid welded steel frame construction. An integrated control and drive system ensure high reproduction of programmed contours at fast processing speeds.

The 19” Touch-L control is user-friendly: LVD says that operators of all skill levels can interact easily with the Phoenix. Furthermore, the machine offers a number of options to advance performance, including a 10-station automatic nozzle changer, CADMAN-L programming software and MOVit modular automation, from the compact tower to full tower and warehouse systems (TAS and WAS). The 20 kW fibre laser source is available on Phoenix FL-3015, 4020 and 6020 models.

LVD also used BlechExpo to showcase its newly released CADMAN software v8.7, as well as updates for CADMAN-L (laser cutting) and CADMAN-P (punching). For example, CADMAN v8.7 is able to integrate foreign operations such as tapping, deburring and grinding, allowing users to control, monitor and log an order from raw material to finished part. The latest CADMAN software can also manage the complete sheet metal production process without the need for an ERP system.

For further information
www.lvdgroup.com

Precision sheet metal firm KMF has invested in two new laser profiling machines that will increase cutting speeds, reduce operating costs and allow a greater range of materials to be processed. KMF, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has ordered two Trumpf TruLaser 3030 (L95) new-generation machines. The fibre lasers join a full array of high-end Trumpf sheet metal processing equipment on site. Potentially, the new lasers, which are due for installation in the New Year, could improve average run times by up to 50% and result in reductions of over 60% in average running costs.

The £1.2m assets are replacing two existing older machines that comprised of an early-technology fibre model and a traditional CO2 laser, both of which have been operational in a 24/7 capacity since early 2012.

KMF’s commercial director Keith Nicholl says: “Faster machines means that we can continue offering a competitive solution to our customers at a time when resource costs are rising. As well as being faster, the machines are more comprehensive and more accurate, which allows us to build on our reputation for producing consistent quality products in high volumes. We’ve had a very positive first half of the year and we’re continuing to grow, so we need to invest in newer, better machinery to accommodate our customers and their ambitions.”

The new lasers also have more capacity to cut through heavier gauge and a larger range of sheet-based materials.

One of the existing lasers is a TruLaser 3030 (L41), which has a maximum cutting thickness of 20 mm in mild steel, 15 mm in stainless steel and 10 mm in aluminium. Both new lasers add 5 mm more scope on the steels and an additional 10 mm in aluminium. The new machines will also cut through 8 mm copper and brass.

For further information
www.kmf.co.uk