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MINICUT - MAXICUT
: THE FIXED OPTIC SYSTEM
This type of system was
the first to be introduced for industrial use and was at that time
usually an adaptation of a conventional machining center.
The classic machine
design is based upon a static machine base and vertical column
construction. The table which carries
the workpiece moves to
create the X and Y axes movements.
The Z axis carriage assembly contained within the column box
is directed vertically to form the Z axis movement. The processing head is
mounted at the bottom of the Z axis column. Machine movements move under
simultaneous CNC control and direct the table along a pre-programmed
path.
On exiting from the
laser head, positioned adjacent to the machine base, the unfocussed
laser beam enters the machine traveling horizontally to a 45 degree
reflective mirror, which redirects the laser beam vertically
downwards. This mirror is mounted within a corner block assembly,
complete with 3 dimensional adjustment to allow for directional
control of the beam path, fitted to the machine column. The beam is
then directed through a focusing lens assembled in the processing
head to the workpiece.
The processing head is
the basic component for holding the focusing lens and includes fine
focus adjustment for the focused beam. The gas jet assembly located
at the bottom of the processing head is a co-axial device used to
direct assist gas to the workpiece to assist the laser process. The replaceable nozzle
provides lens protection and helps to remove debris from the cut.
The arrangement directs
the flow of the appropriate gas (oxygen, air, nitrogen etc) to the
workpiece via a co-axial gas jet within the processing head. A CNC controlled
proportional gas valve is normally fitted within the system to
provide for adjustment. To accommodate a high pressure requirement,
such as processing stainless steel aluminum or aerospace materials,
suitable high pressure supply lines can be included with the
arrangement.
Enclosure tubes are
fitted from the face of the laser to the cutting head. The purpose of the tubes is
to maintain a safe operating condition through the laser beam path.
A air or nitrogen pressurized gas is used to keep the beam path
clear of debris and smoke.
The operator console can
be mounted upon a flexible swing arm assembly attached to the
machine base or floor mounted according to the suppliers basic
design. The console is conveniently positioned to allow the operator
easy access to all system controls and the workstation area. Good design practice
dictates that the control console contains the system CNC controller
and laser function controls, allowing the operator to control the
complete system from one position.
The openness of the
design generally allows for effective and easy integration into a
fully automated robotic manufacturing cell or flow line type
production. The design
of the machine normally allows for easy extension of the third axis
and the incorporation of 4th and 5th axes either in the form of a
rotary and tilting processing head or a rotary and tilting table
mounted upon the system table.
However, with the early
recognition of the obvious advantages of utilizing a moving optic
system over larger processing areas the usage of the moving table
designs are now generally constrained to niche manufacturing areas
where a very stable processing effect and high speed accurate
movement are of prime importance.
There are many
successful examples of this machine principle still being employed
by industry and can be found in such diverse application areas as
aerospace part drilling, ceramic substrate scribing and cutting
through to dieboard cutting.
Although some
manufacturers of laser based systems still continue to manufacture
and supply a standard moving table design as their main product line
they are now principally restricted to:
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Table areas of
2500mm x 2500mm meters for dieboard and plastic cutting and in
some cases metal cutting
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Smaller table areas
up to 500 x 500 mm aimed that the electronic industry for
ceramic processing and solder screen production
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1.0 x 1.0 meter, 3 -
5 axis systems engineered for the drilling of aerospace
components.
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Up to 1.0 x 1.0
meter table areas for the general production of small precise
parts.
NV L. Balliu MTC has
played its part in developing the continued usage of the moving
table design through its proven Minicut and Maxicut range of
systems. Taking
advantage of the open column design and compactness of the system
together with ancillary items such as rotary and tilting processing
heads or tables and specialized work handling NV L. Balliu MTC has
delivered many diverse forms of the moving table design tailored
exactly to meet a given requirement.
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