Breakthrough laser profiling centre offers improved productivity

The high specification, high speed LC3015F1NT CNC laser profiling centre (dubbed the F1) boasts no less than five breakthrough developments, according to Amada. Linear drives in all three axes not only make the machine exceptionally fast – 170 m/min in XY – but also allow impressive acceleration rates of 1.5 G in the X and Y axes, and 3 G in Z The F1’s twin adaptive optics means that a series of flexible mirrors between the laser resonator and cutting head distort the beam and spot diameter in a controlled manner to provide optimum cutting speed and quality for each material. This makes it possible to cut all material thicknesses using just a single laser lens. The third new F1 concept, in-process cut monitoring, makes the machine ideally suited to 24-hour automated operation. This innovation constantly monitors piercing and cutting to ensure stable cutting and avoid errors such as plasma and gouging. Featuring an optical sensor that effectively looks down the beam path, the monitoring system checks for changes in the cut quality. Any detected deviations result in the machine slowing down to ensure the cut is maintained. When cut quality returns to normal, the F1 will return to its designated cutting speed. The fourth innovation is a specially tuned laser resonator that is exclusive to Amada that improves laser beam quality and stability. Benefits are increased cutting speed and improved cut surface quality and cut profile.