Advanced Metal Forming & Laser Cutting Tools

By OEM Update Editorial August 31, 2020 3:39 pm

Featuring some of the state-of-the-art metal forming and laser cutting tools that are making waves in the industry.

Today, industrial manufacturing is on the cusp of a technological transformation. Metal forming and laser cutting technologies are at the core of this paradigm shift. Here we list some of the advanced metal forming or laser cutting tools that are making waves in the industry.

TRUMPF’s innovation for autonomous laser cutting
The high-technology company TRUMPF offers production solutions in the machine tool and laser sectors. It is driving digital connectivity in manufacturing industry through consulting, platform and software offers. TRUMPF is one of the world technological and market leaders for machine tools used in flexible sheet metal processing, and also for industrial lasers.

Commenting on TRUMPF’s innovation in the field of autonomous laser cutting, Sachin Gambhire, Associate Director – Business Development and Marketing, TRUMPF (India) Pvt Ltd said, “TRUMPF always have been in forefront when it comes to offering innovations in field of flexible sheetmetal processing solutions. We foresee autonomous operations of various machines in future.”

2D laser cutting machines feature numerous different assistance systems that help operators cut parts in a reliable fashion. Citing an example, Gambhire said, “Smart Collision Prevention is programmed to take tilting parts into account and then develops a processing strategy in its calculations to avoid collisions with the cutting head. Meanwhile, the Drop & Cut assistance system makes it easier than ever to produce additional parts from scrap skeletons.”

TRUMPF machines also feature an increasing proportion of functions that control processes autonomously. Their Smart Nozzle Automation, a function that periodically inspects the nozzle and automatically replaces it if it is damaged. Active Speed Control is yet another example of TRUMPF’s ongoing mission to create innovations on the path toward autonomous laser cutting.

Active speed control
With this new feature, the system looks straight through the nozzle to observe the radiation that is emitted as the material melts. This “process radiation” allows the system to determine whether the molten material is emerging as planned, to identify the fastest possible feed rate, and to make any necessary adjustments – a process it repeats many hundreds of times a second.

This new function ensures a more reliable process for both flame and fusion cutting, reducing scrap and saving on rework. Active Speed Control also responds immediately to any changes in the material being processed. The system allows users to achieve tangible gains in productivity with their machines, significantly lowering part manufacturing costs. Active Speed Control monitors numerous different process parameters. One example is the position of the laser beam in relation to the center of the nozzle during the entire cutting process. The system informs the operator of any deviations, helping to avoid scrap. Additional functions for automated laser cutting can easily be added to the system in the future thanks to the software update feature.

Benefits
Smart sensor system takes laser cutting speeds to a new level. Some of the benefits are:

• Fewer interruptions to cutting process and less scrap.
• Excellent process reliability thanks to data analysis, even with rust and paint.
• This feature also offers plenty of other benefits. For example, the operator can view a live image of the cutting zone as seen through the nozzle, and they can browse key process parameters at any time on the machine’s control panel or on a tablet. That makes it easier to monitor the machine during production. Previously,
• operators had to manually create what is known in the industry as a “tapeshot” to ensure that the parameters were set to their optimum values – and that was a laborious and time-consuming process, explains Gambhire.

For more details,
visit: www.trumpf.com

SLTL Group – Changing the dynamics of 3D cutting industries

The advanced technology of the Arm X5 developed by the SLTL Group is changing the dynamics of 3D cutting industries like automobile, aerospace, medical, and robotics.
Maulik Patel, Executive Director, Sahajanand Laser Technology Limited (SLTL)

SLTL Group, with the help of its proprietary laser technology and a robust mechanical structure designed by the in-house R&D team, has put forth 5-Axis Laser Cutting Machine and 5-Axis Independent Tube Cutting Machine matching up the stride of industry demands.

The SLTL Group’s Arm X5 offers 2 more axis of freedom than the conventional X, Y and Z axis, called the A and C axis. This allows for achieving higher flexibility. Equipped with fiber laser technology, the system is flexible enough to operate on various sizes and shapes of 3D metal components, said Maulik Patel, Executive Director, Sahajanand Laser Technology Limited (SLTL). He adds, “The advanced technology of the Arm X5 developed by the SLTL Group is changing the dynamics of 3D cutting industries like automobile, aerospace, medical, and robotics.”

With T6200 – a dedicated laser tube cutting system, the SLTL Group aims to achieve superior results for the tube processing industry. According to Patel, “T6200 aims to offer extreme precision, productivity, and quality to the tube processing industry. Unique make of the hardware and software allows T6200 to operate on shapes like triangle, square, rectangle, circular and even special sections and open shapes.” With functional power supply capabilities, the system can work smoothly on materials like SS, MS, Al, Cu, Br, Gi and more.

SLTL Group is gearing up for providing automated and customized solution to the industry, informs Patel. He said, “With SLTL’s efficient in-house design and R&D, we can meet the requirements of industry and provide varied solutions for their applications. We are incorporating IoT, AI, ANN and other technology to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency. The team is working closely with industry-leading companies and institutes to develop the solutions.”

For more details,
visit: www.SLTL.com

LVD delivers smart, highly accurate bending machines

In the days and months ahead, how will you get your business back into full swing? Not just recover lost turnover and fill capacity, but make your business more competitive and resilient? Operating “leaner and meaner” will only come from an efficient process flow. Today’s fabrication environment demands more. LVD delivers: more powerful, more capable machines and more automation choices. One way to create a key competitive advantage is to invest in the latest press brake technology. Using advanced bending technology will give you the edge you need to protect your order intake and be more profitable than ever before.

The Easy-Form precision press brake delivers top-of-the-line performance – high accuracy and productivity. This ultimate bending machine is enhanced with LVD’s patented Easy-Form in-process angle correction and monitoring system. Easy-Form monitors the angle of the bend in real time and provides instant feedback to the Touch-B control so that each part is formed to the correct angle from the very first bend. The Easy-Form Series are smart, highly accurate bending machines through the integration of advanced technology and software.

Intuitive touch screen control
The latest generation Easy-Form press brakes employ LVD’s most advanced Touch-B control system, a graphical icon-driven touch screen control. The operator interfaces with the press brake using a 19-inch touch screen flat panel to make full use of the machine’s bending capabilities. Working with the Touch-B control is easy and intuitive no matter the operator skill level.

Real time angle control
Easy-Form press brakes are equipped with LVD’s patented Easy-Form laser in process angle monitoring and correction technology, ensuring consistency from the first to the last part. Easy-Form laser uses measurement at the front and back of the die to determine the exact value of the angle of the workpiece. The sensing devices transmit information in real time to the CNC control unit, which processes it and subsequently adjusts the correct depth adjustment in process to obtain the correct angle.

For more details,
visit: www.lvdgroup.com