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TLM to shine spotlight on multiple laser technologies at MACH

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At MACH 2020 (Birmingham NEC, 20-24 April), among the systems being showcased by TLM Laser will be an example of FOBA Laser’s M200 laser-marking system with ‘Mosaic’ technology. This fixtureless marking concept uses through-the-lens vision, combined with a process of ‘tiling’ component images. In short, the camera is used to capture multiple small images and then arranges them into a single large image, just like a mosaic. This image is then used for system training, job set-up, part validation, pre-mark verification and mark alignment. The natural straight-down view from inside the laser provides an imaging field as large as that of the laser-marking area. Among the benefits of this configuration is that it eliminates the need for external cameras, which can sometimes cause inaccuracies due to perspective and optical distortion.

The benefits and flexibility offered by mobile laser-welding systems, where the laser can be brought to the workpiece, or indeed the workpiece to the laser, can be seen in the example of an Alpha Laser ALM250, which will be available to view on the TLM stand. This model is suited to a variety of applications, including mould tool repair, where in many cases it is not necessary to remove the mould.

The machine can be made ready for use in just minutes, with the laser arm quickly positioned and fixed in the desired working position via electro-hydraulic brakes. Welding is performed manually with the joystick, semi-automatically, or via an external operating unit featuring a pulse function.

An example of a flat-bed laser cutting and marking system from Universal Laser’s range will also be present on the TLM stand. A range of different platforms is available with a choice of CO2 or fibre lasers, and an array of options, including MultiWave hybrid technology, which allow users to configure the system to specific requirements.

Making its debut on the TLM Laser stand will be the FOBA Titus system. Titus is said to be the world’s smallest and lightest fibre laser head for marking applications. The newly developed Titus Vector Scan laser-marking head is just over 200 mm in length and weighs just 630 g. Availability is part of the latest 20 or 30 W FOBA fibre laser marking systems.

Lasers continue to find their way into a growing number of industrial applications, in many instances offering an efficient and more cost-effective alternative to traditional technologies and processes, and this is certainly the case for laser cleaning, claims TLM Laser. The company represents 4JET within the UK and will be showcasing the handheld JetLaser surface processing system at MACH. Potential applications for this technology include the cleaning of moulds, tools and fixtures, as well as paint and coating removal operations, plus pre-treatment of surfaces prior to welding, gluing or coating.

TLM Laser will be located on Stand 763 in Hall 6.