FEATURE ON PROFILING

Mazak unveils OPTIPLEX 3015 NEO 20 kW at EMO

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

Tow-Trust raises the bar with Bystronic

Warwickshire-based tow-bar manufacturer Tow-Trust has invested heavily in the latest technology and automation, including a multitude of machines from Bystronic.

CEO of Tow-Trust Towbars Tom Miller says: “We manufacture over 3000 part numbers and ship hundreds of thousands of units every year. The manufacturing process starts at two different times: we have the hollow stock section and the sheet steel divisions. The sheet steel division runs the very latest in technology with laser cutting and automation. From here, we pass the products through press braking and welding sections to the work-in-progress holding area.”

The sheet steel division is home to a wealth of technology from Bystronic, with the area accommodating three Bystronic press brakes lined up next to a Bystronic ByStar Fiber laser cutting machine. Adjacent to the four machine line-up is another ByStar Fiber laser cutter.This machine is continually processing sheet steel credit to the Bystronic ByTrans 3015 Extended automated sheet metal loading facility.

The company also has a hollow section division. Discussing this area, Miller says: “Here, we have the automated Bystronic ByTube 130 for cutting round and square tube material stock.Alongside this is a custom-built AMOB CH120 semi-automated machine for tube bending. This gives us complete control over our products, which is essential as we work to very tight tolerances and require the ultimate in quality.

“When the hollow section and sheet steel divisions complete their parts, components are moved to the work-in-progress area,” he continues.“Here, we construct sub-assemblies and undertake our quality control process. This feeds into our welding shop where we have 10 manual welding bays for small intricate parts and low-volume production parts. We also have four robotic bays for high-volume production.”
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Alternative for carbon-based fuel gas

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

Charles Day Steelsturns to Water Jet Sweden

Established over four decades ago in the heart of Sheffield, Charles Day Steels has recently invested in a new Beveljet 60 five-axis waterjet cutting machine from Water Jet Sweden for both bevel and free-form cutting.

With typical waterjet pumps on average only producing 3000-4000 bar of cutting pressure from 50-60 hp, the new pump on the Beveljet 60 can produce 6200 bar of cutting pressure through two heads simultaneously using its sizeable 125hp of power. This capability provides customers with a time- and cost-efficient waterjet cutting process.

Charlie Day, grandson of the founder and sales and business development director at Charles Day, says: “We’re already experts in waterjet cutting and have been offering the service for over 20 years, but the addition of the Water Jet Sweden BevelJet 60 cutting head opens up a whole new market. Not only can we provide large 2D parts on a quick turnaround, we can also offer large 3D parts, again at a dramatically increased cut speed, at a competitive price.”

One of the stand-out features of the Bevel Waterjet is its cutting head, which can process parts at angles of up to 60°. This capability allows for the creation of intricate and precise 3D shapes. Furthermore, equipped with a 125hp pump operating at 6200 bar, the Waterjet Sweden BevelJet 60 cam slice through materials known for their formidable hardness, including the likes of wearplate and Hardox.

Another novel feature is its dual-head configuration (one 3D and one 2D) that facilitates simultaneous cutting at high pressure through each head. This approach reduces production times, offering expedited results without compromising the quality of the final product.
For further information www.waterjetsweden.co.uk

Laitila invests in punch-laser combination machine

Laitila Coating already had two turret punch presses, but now arrived the need for a machine that could combine punching and laser technology, with the company opting for a Combi Sharp 1225 from Prima Power with Compact Express automation.

Managing director Kai Salo and production director Petri Kallio from Laitila Coating Oy visited Prima Power’s Seinäjoki factory prior to the purchase.

“We wanted to see what the machine is capable of and what its limits are,” explains Salo.“Tests confirmed the ability of the machine to cut burr-free 6 mm copper, which we use in electrical conductors, for example. Initially, the discussion focused on 1kW fibre model, but after more assessmentwe upgraded to 3kW, which is better suited to our purpose.

“This machine investment will be the missing piece we have needed for a long time,” he continues.“In recent years, we’ve been determined to push a strategy whereby our company offers customers a more versatile and wider package under one roof: mechanics as finished products with surface treatment. The sheet metal side has needed an update to make us even more credible. Now we can offer both punching and laser cutting for sheet-like products alongside the already existing waterjet cutting.”

The work situation in Laitila has grown steadily and the future looks very promising.”

“We know that our company’s service capability and efficiency will improve, and we have all the conditions to do well in the market,” says Salo.“We want to grow profitably and continue to invest as much as possible. We’ll continue to be a credible and significant partner in sheet metal work, alongside the former busbar production.”
For further information www.primapower.com