The Ventis-3015AJ from Amada is the first fibre laser cutting machine to feature the company’s LBC (Locus Beam Control) technology, which improves both processing quality and productivity in stainless steel and aluminium. The machine also features a newly developed, high-brightness fibre-laser oscillator with single diode module (4 kW).

On conventional fibre laser cutting machines, energy density reduces as material thickness increases, leading to a lack of efficiency and the need for de-focusing the beam. Conversely, the use of LBC Technology, which is said to be a world first for the laser-cutting market, offers flexible beam pattern control matched to each application, while retaining high-efficiency cutting and high energy density. De-focusing is therefore no longer required. In short, LBC Technology can freely manipulate the laser beam to create an infinite number of locus patterns that are advantageous to cutting performance.
For manufacturers of conventional fibre-laser systems, the only way to negate the loss of energy density is to increase the power output of the laser oscillator, but this comes at a cost, both in terms of purchase price and greater electricity consumption. In contrast, the new Ventis, with its specially developed, 4 kW single diode module oscillator and LBC technology can reduce electricity bills by 30%, says Amada.
LBC technology can operate in three primary modes: productivity mode, quality mode and kerf-control mode. The most notable gains from integrated LBC technology are available on stainless steel up to 20 mm thick, and aluminium up to 18 mm. Ventis can also be used for processing many other materials, including mild steel (up to 25 mm), brass
(10 mm) and copper (8 mm).
For further information www.amada.co.uk

A contract to supply metal bread baskets for the Eiffel Tower’s restaurant was the catalyst for a laser-cutting company to invest in Radan sheet-metal CADCAM software.

Vincent Glatre, plant manager at Métal Industrie, says: “The proprietary software with our laser cutter couldn’t solve the complex programming required for these components, and generated more knockouts than parts on the sheet.” The company urgently looked at several software systems, and the first tests with Radan’s nesting module enabled Métal Industrie to meet the order’s deadline.
“Beyond the immediate resolution of our nesting issue, we immediately saw a 10% reduction in cutting times, thanks to program optimisation,” says Mr Glatre.
He says that since then, Métal Industrie has strengthened its software step-by-step to make it a productivity tool every bit as valuable as a new machine.
“In the early days we used the software that came with our machines, which was fine for simple cutting and common issues, but as we took on increasingly complex work we needed Radan’s automation features, which were capable of optimising the nests, to save costs on raw material and increase productivity.”
Like many companies, Métal Industrie originally prepared its quotes on internally-developed spreadsheets. However, the company simplified procedures by integrating Radan’s Radquote software, which mastered all the required technologies while also supporting other data necessary for accurate and functional costing, such as analysis and transport.
“Its full flexibility means we can adapt it to the specific needs of each customer,” says Glatre.
For further information www.radan.com

Under the banner ‘Suspension jet cutting – the most efficient way of waterjet cutting’, a specialist in mobile waterjet cutting, ANT Applied New Technologies AG, presented a trade fair highlight at the recent EMO 2019 exhibition in Hanover. ANT’s ConSus system is said to represent the next generation of portable waterjet cutting.

The novel waterjet cutting system claims to achieve double to triple the cutting speeds of conventional systems by eliminating air, and all this at a pressure of only 1500 bar. Where traditional injection processes reach their efficiency limits, systems by ANT have been designed to convince with high process accuracy and speed, as well as savings of 50% in running costs.
ANT also scores when it comes to material thicknesses of up to 1000 mm with good surface structure. The company invited EMO visitors to convince themselves of the quality of the machines by calling on the company’s stand to inspect its cutting exhibits, such as the combustion chamber of the Ariane 5 rocket and a cut piece from the dismantling of an offshore structure. The ConSus machine was awarded the Best of Industry Award 2018 in the category ‘Forming Technology’.
ANT Applied New Technologies AG, a specialist for water abrasive suspension (WAS) and special-purpose machinery, used EMO 2019 to present live demonstrations on its stand.
For further information https://ant-ag.com/en

Ecoclean has introduced EcoCvelox, which offers high-pressure waterjet deburring combined with low-pressure cleaning processes, in a one-piece flow system.

Process-reliably and repeatable quality when it comes to deburred and cleaned parts are crucial for the success of subsequent processes such as bonding, sealing and assembly, as well as for perfect product function. With the completely new system concept EcoCvelox, Ecoclean introduces a flexible, modular solution for cost-efficient, high-pressure waterjet deburring and cleaning in a single procedure.
The process-dependent, configurable and expandable machine with integrated linear transport system enables the processing of parts with dimensions up to 200 x 200 x 200 mm in cycle times of only 15 seconds per palette. An integrated CADCAM interface allows for quick and easy programming of the high-pressure deburring process, either with a single spindle or a high-pressure turret featuring up to five tools.
In combination with a system for parts handling, process operations for new workpieces can be implemented in short timeframes, says the company. Component cleaning and drying can be carried out by means of injection flood washing, spraying, controlled rinsing and ultrasound, as well as high-speed blowing and vacuum drying. Furthermore, the system can be loaded automatically with a robot or portal system, as well as manually.
For further information https://ecoclean-group.net/

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