system parameters). Integration of the laser and system
control also has addressed the need for higher
throughput and quality. For example, the control
includes the ability to make laser power proportional to
the velocity (cutting or welding speed) of the laser beam
focal point, thereby simplifying part programs and
making higher quality parts. Drill on the fly, whereby
the laser is pulsed as a function of axes position (eg rotary
axis position for a cylindrical part), significantly
increases drilling speed .
Interfaces to external devices have also become easier
with RS-232 serial communications from within a part
program. From the part program, a user can interrogate
an external device, wait for a response, and modify the
november 2007
part program based on the response. External devices,
such as remote laser beam power meters, are also
routinely added to document process parameters as part
of a process history or SPC record.
Design for manufacture
By integrating knowledge of the process into the system,
laser systems have become more intelligent and
productive and produce higher quality components.
When matched with the right applications, the return on
investment can be impressive. The number of users with
multiple laser systems is testimony to this. Hundreds of
companies ranging from large OEMs to small
subcontract shops have accelerated their investment in
additional laser systems as their business grows and as the
capability of these systems increases.
Capabilities for multi-axis laser systems will continue
to advance. New software and hardware features that
make laser processing more productive enabling them to
produce higher quality parts are on today’s design screens
for practical application in the months ahead. Further
integration of system components will be derived from
systematic efforts to model laser processes. As more
intelligence is built into these new laser systems, the skill
level required of operators will be reduced. And as more
powerful and sophisticated laser power sources are
designed, they too will appear in systems on the factory
floor not only to further improve capability in current
applications and enable new applications.
www.prima-na.com.
Enquiry Number: 73 Enquiry Number: 74
focus subcon scene
Terry L VanderWert is
Vice President,
Laserdyne Systems
Division, PRIMA North
America and is
responsible for design,
development,
production and support
for the Laserdyne family
of multi-axis laser
processing systems.
Michael D Polad is
software engineering
manager and has been
responsible for software
design of Laserdyne
CNC systems from
1981.
MWP
97
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