Punching, forming, shape-cutting machine
reaches high speeds
Two fabrication technologies—punching and laser
cutting— have been combined into Amada’s EML
K3510NT. It is suitable for
the high production of
short-run sheet metal
parts, particularly those
that incorporate forming or require many holes.
Capable of handling full-size 4- by 8-ft. or 5- by 10-ft. sheets without repositioning, the punch-laser combines a 33-ton electric motor turret punch press
with the unlimited shape-cutting capabilities of a laser. The press is capable of
400 HPM on 1-in. centers, while the RF-excited, fast-axial-flow, continuous-wave laser delivers 4,000 W, with enhanced 5,000-W pulse.
The punch press can be programmed to dwell at the bottom of the forming
stroke, allowing for the precision forming of louvers, embosses, ribs, and dimples and tabs, as well as tapping and hardware insertion operations. Given the
large clearance between the upper and lower turrets, the machine can process
parts with forms and tabs approaching 1 in.
A 58-station “King” turret includes two 4.5-in. and two 1.25-in. autoindex
stations. This flexible array of configurations allows users to establish sufficient
standard tool configurations for almost any shape.
Shapes missing from the standard turret configuration can be cut with the
laser. Its X-axis ( 3,937-IPM) and Y-axis ( 3,149-IPM) simultaneous axis speeds
( 5,041 IPM) allow for fast positioning rates. The laser resonator, electrical cabinet, and machine are integrated into a single unit, producing a compact floor
space footprint of 232 by 248 in.
Twin direct-drive motors control the punch action of the ram, as well as the
overall movement of the striker. This eliminates the need for peripheral items
such as the hydraulic unit reservoir, hydraulic chiller unit, and hydraulic lines
and the pumps these units require.
Amada America Inc., 7025 Firestone Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90621, 714-739-
Hybrid system combines
laser welding with GMAW
ESAB offers what it describes as the
first commercially available mechanized laser welding systems designed
to improve production throughput
and weld quality for structural
shapes, panels, and vessels.
The HLx series includes 2-D
gantry, 3-D robotic, and custom
mechanized systems that use any of
three laser welding technologies:
autogenous (laser only—LW), laser
with cold wire fill (LCW), and
hybrid laser/GMAW (HLAW).
Hybrid welding combines the
deep weld penetration and fast
weld speed of laser welding with
the greater weld gap tolerance and process efficiency of GMAW to create a
new process for heavy plate and high-strength steels. The machines provide
high speed and flexibility in heavy fabrication applications, the manufacturer states.
According to the company, HLAW reduces part deformation, simplifies
downstream assembly welding processes, increases welding speeds, lowers
consumable use, improves metallurgical stability for welds with high strength
and low brittleness, and eliminates production bottlenecks.
Closed-loop control offers monitoring and control of the weld joint before,
during, and after welding.
The Avenger HLx 2D welding system has a very large welding work area
to accommodate panel and beam assemblies up to 18 ft. wide. Marking and
cutting combinations are available, as is pipe welding.
The Robotic HLx 3D system provides flexible welding operations with LW,
LCW, and HLAW.
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, P.O. Box 100545, 411 S. Ebenezer Road,
Florence, SC 29501-0545, www.esabna.com
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