CadCam Technology, which provides laser cutting machines to the automotive, medical, military and education sectors, ensures the precision of its machines by using Huco Flex M couplings.

Thin-pressed, heat-treated steel membranes allow the Flex M to help tolerate and compensate for any slight misalignment, with torque resolved to simple tensile stresses in opposing segments of the membranes. In the double-stage version specified by CadCam Technology, the two membranes provide even greater misalignment capacity, which effectively insulates the laser element from any transmitted stresses the shaft may produce, maintaining a precise cut during operation.
This capability is highly advantageous, as the Huco coupling enables the accuracy of the X axis (the axis on which the laser moves) to be maintained by its action on the driveshaft. As a result, machine accuracy is kept to within 0.025 mm.
Huco’s Flex M coupling sees use on CadCam Technology’s certified Class 1 machines, which use water or air-cooled CO2 lasers. Software controls the adjustment of both cutting speed and laser power output, which results in a fine, accurate depth of cut. In addition, closed-loop servo motors and hardened steel rails combine to provide precision movements with up to 2G of acceleration.
High-speed operation is supported by the Flex M’s dynamically balanced construction, which delivers a maximum speed of up to 5,000 rpm. Torque range extends from 0.9 to 11.3 Nm. In addition, the coupling’s kinematic properties and its low bearing loads ensure that it places minimal stress on associated components and assemblies, safeguarding overall service life of the machine. These characteristics mean the Flex M is suitable for dynamic position and velocity control systems, making it a popular choice in precision applications across the engineering spectrum.
For further information www.huco.com

As part of its planned process of continuous investment in the latest manufacturing technologies, Dudley-based 2D and 3D laser-cutting specialist GF Laser has installed a Trumpf TruLaser Cell 5030 5-axis CNC laser-profiling machine, the first such model in the UK.

“With this machine we are investing in the latest fibre technology,” states Simon Tregillus, director of GF Laser. “The TruLaser Cell 5030 has replaced our original Trumpf TLC CUT 5 machine and is running alongside our existing TruLaser Cell 7040, which has been retained.”
GF Laser’s TLC CUT 5 was purchased in 2006 and, although still performing well, the introduction of the latest TruLaser Cell 5030 is moving the company into another league regarding speed and energy efficiency.
The machine has been set to work on the five-axis profiling and trimming of pressings, extrusions and spinnings – any component containing a form – for sectors such as automotive, yellow goods, construction, architecture and art. Materials processed on the TRUMPF TruLaser Cell 5030 include mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. The machine also allows GF Laser to process reflective materials such as copper and brass in five axes, a task not previously possible using the company’s CO2-based TruLaser Cell 7040.
GF Laser, which is ISO 9001:2015 accredited, has grown its turnover from £2m to £3.5m in the past three years, and today employs 25 people.
“With the incredible cutting speeds of modern laser cutters, growing numbers of customers are turning to this technology instead of investing in a press tool, which creates more business for GF Laser,” says Tregillus. “The arrival of the TruLaser 5030 Cell allows us to accelerate the processing of existing work, thus creating more capacity.”
For further information www.uk.trumpf.com

The latest 2020.0 release of Radan CADCAM software for the sheet-metal industry sees a further reduction in mouse clicks, along with improvements to nesting and reporting, allowing customers to see an increase in efficiency, saving both time and costs.

Radan product manager Olaf Körner says: “The number of mouse clicks needed to use automatic nesting or work on a 3D model has been reduced by around half, making workflow much easier.”
The newly developed quick nest mode in Radan 2020.0 provides a more visual interface, with limited upfront set-up for projects, while a redesigned ‘new project’ dialog allows users to “get nesting quicker”. Time benefits can also be achieved with machine-specific projects and templates.
Says Körner: “The template contains automation. For example, a fibre-laser template will switch to your correct laser machine and put in all the settings needed.”
Along with a quicker start to projects, it is also easier for users to pick up on previous projects. The newly created streamlined mode benefits from reduced mouse travel and an autosave function so that work is never lost. Ease of use ensures the software is simple to learn and allows more complex projects to be completed efficiently.
Complex projects can also be fulfilled using the newly introduced punching tool type. Punching plays an important part of the manufacturing process, and Körner says customers are getting more creative with their tooling for punch presses, to set them apart from lasers. For instance, there is now a newly created tool type in the tool editor for flattening features.
For further information www.radan.com

Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CDA), formerly STX France, has ordered two highly automated PEMA panel-cutting stations to Saint-Nazaire shipyard.

Each of the stations consists of plasma cutting, grinding and marking functions, with special fume-extraction tables. The stations are used to cut the panel to the correct size, grind the primer away from the position of profiles, and finally to mark the position of profiles. Plasma-cutting portals for both stations are made by Pemamek’s partner, MicroStep.
Florent Camaret, investment project manager, CDA, says that thanks to Pemamek’s proven track record in welding and production automation technology, and the companies’ previous collaboration, CDA was convinced to continue co-operation with Pemamek.
“Our previous solutions needed to be updated to new and modern production technology that could provide higher capacity and better quality,” he says. “We’ve collaborated with Pemamek in other major shipyard automation projects, so we trust their expertise and technology.”
With the new PEMA panel-cutting stations, CDA will be able to significantly improve throughput times, add capacity and maintain high production quality in panel processing.
“CDA is one of the world’s leading shipyards and we’re delighted to continue our collaboration,” says Jukka Rantala, vice president, key accounts at Pemamek Ltd. “High-technology PEMA panel-cutting stations will raise CDA’s level of automation and bring a significant productivity boost to panel production.”
The panel-cutting stations, which will be ready for production by the end of 2020, will be delivered as turnkey solutions, including installation, commissioning, testing, training and production support.
For further information https://pemamek.com/

Paul King is a man who knows what he wants and, when it came to specifying a new fibre laser, he knew he wanted automation. “I’ve always been a believer in automation, pushing to run machines lights-out wherever possible,” he says. “I don’t understand why more laser users aren’t using it.”

Founded in 1978 and inspired by its motto, ‘From Concept to Creation,’ CSM specialises in the manufacture and supply of sheet metal parts into a wide range of commercial and retail products on a subcontract basis.
Like many, King was a CO2 laser user, but, after 18 years, was keen to investigate fibre-laser technology. However, any new solution also had to take into account the logistics of the company’s Swansey Mill layout.
“We operate from a former cotton mill, so it is hard to accommodate a large laser machine because of the type of building, with all of the columns that are in the way,” says King. “Laser machines lend themselves to big, sprawling factories, so while the easy option is often to buy another machine, the footprint doesn’t always suit the space you’re trying to exploit. So, my first thought was – what fits the space?”
Requiring a solution that would meet CSM’s footprint, technology and capacity demands, King contacted Yamazaki Mazak to see what could be offered. Mazak suggested an Optiplex Nexus 3015 Fiber 4 kW laser machine with bespoke 10-shelf automation towers.
“What really won me over was that Mazak’s technical team was very accommodating, providing constant dialogue and feedback whilst configuring the system’s layout,” says King. “They were able to make it fit my space and, more than anything, they didn’t compromise the efficiencies I was getting with existing machines.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk/laser